In today’s digital economy, “imposter syndrome” has become a common phrase, particularly among entrepreneurs and online business professionals. But what truly lies at the heart of this phenomenon? As a expert global internet business coach, I’ve discovered that imposter syndrome often stems from a fundamental disconnect between what we claim and what we deliver.
Understanding True Imposter Syndrome
The actual definition of an imposter is revealing: “a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.” This definition is troubling, yet we encounter it constantly in online advertising—those streaming YouTube ads featuring individuals displaying checks and claiming financial salvation thanks to some miracle product or service. I don’t know about you, but there is nothing about this sales tactic that feels right. Despite the fact that we know it probably isn’t true, thousands of people fall for it.
The Ethics of How We Earn
At its core, this issue extends beyond marketing tactics to fundamental questions about our work:
- Do you feel your career is ethical?
- Are you genuinely contributing to society?
- Do you truly believe in what you sell, promote, or what your employer does?
Our culture often prioritizes earning over how we earn, resulting in a workforce that’s stressed, unhappy, unfulfilled, and physically unwell. If this describes your situation, it might explain why you feel like an imposter.
Two Critical Components to Authenticity
1. The Value of Your Offer
The first component is your actual product or service. Ask yourself:
- Is it truly valuable to potential clients or consumers?
- Do you genuinely believe it can deliver the promised results?
- Does it consistently deliver those results transparently?
I recently encountered a situation involving a mutual acquaintance who had supposedly built a seven-figure coaching business almost overnight. While his program featured exciting promises and catchy taglines, it didn’t appear substantially different from others in the market. Unsurprisingly, the business eventually collapsed—the offer simply couldn’t deliver on its promises.
This reminds me of Wall Street Ponzi schemes that inevitably implode. How can anyone truly enjoy the benefits of deception knowing eventual exposure and consequences are inevitable?
2. Your Sales Communication
The second fixable component is your actual sales pitch. When reviewing clients’ websites or landing pages, I often ask, “Is that statement true?” This direct approach has earned me the nickname “Come to Jesus coach.”
The public has grown weary of deceptive sales tactics. The claims we see about “automated systems,” “passive income,” “side hustles,” or “earning while you sleep”—often accompanied by ordinary people waving large checks—rarely reflect reality.
The Path Forward
If your business begins with something you genuinely feel proud of—a product or service that will truly benefit customers—you can feel confident about how you earn. There’s nothing deceptive about authentic value.
By ensuring your offer delivers real results and your marketing honestly represents those capabilities, you can eliminate the root causes of imposter syndrome. This approach not only resolves internal conflict but also builds the foundation for sustainable, long-term success.
The most successful businesses don’t need deception—they thrive on delivering genuine value and communicating it truthfully.
Landria Onkka is the founder of Digitalexplorers.net training entrepreneurs to create planet conscious businesses. You can find more valuable guidance and a free webinar at https://digitalexplorers.net/new-start that explains why most online businesses fail.