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.

The post The True Source of Imposter Syndrome in Business appeared first on Digital Explorers.

I realize that I am in the minority of people who dream of wanting their own business while doing good things and actually take the action to make it happen. No, it’s not an easy decision, but it certainly is a satisfying and healthy one. With this in mind, I knew that I had to create that option for others who need that nudge and guidance. We are no longer the minority. Caring entrepreneurs are growing in the thousands, the millions, and we are forging ahead to create a new world. As you can see from the picture I took at the St. Petersburg, Florida Saturday market, creativity has no limits. The world wants to express itself and it’s time. Is that you? Do you want to break out of your box? 

You may not feel you have a skill. That is OK because all you need is the desire. I am launching my fourth business this year called “Unity Clothing Company” where crafters, artists and entrepreneurs sell, buy and learn about sustainable clothing and other articles. I have no idea how to make the shopping bags that I will be producing. I’ll learn, and I’ll teach others. We’ll bring on experts and we’ll teach one another. We will share our planet friendly goods with the world so that they have healthier options. This is how it starts and grows. Pretty soon it will just be how we live. It’s happening. Do you want to be a part of it? 

I have an article from Shopify that talks about the amazing opportunities we have to become entrepreneurs. If this is you, don’t wait. You can be on the cutting edge of this wonderful movement to sustainable, organic, healthier living. If you want to learn more about how I am teaching students to create their sustainable businesses from scratch, give this a click and come check it out. It might just save our planet and your life in the process.

Author Landria Onkka has numerous best sellers and a television movie. She is an entrepreneur changing the planet as founder of https://digitalexplorers.net, training entrepreneurs how to create planet conscious businesses. 

The post Calling All Entrepreneurs – It Is Time appeared first on Digital Explorers.