Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Business Owner's Guide

Anna Stubbs • April 10, 2024

It's a common struggle and we probably don’t talk about it. Imposter Syndrome affects individuals from all walks of life, including business owners. It's characterised by a persistent feeling of inadequacy, despite evidence of your competence and accomplishments.

A Harvard Business Review study found that nearly 70% of entrepreneurs have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. This self-doubt can be particularly debilitating for entrepreneurs, as they navigate the multiple challenges of running a businesses. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Many business owners, despite their achievements, constantly question their abilities and attribute their success to luck or external factors. This mindset can hinder their progress, hinder decision-making, and lead to burnout. So how do you overcome it?

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

While conquering imposter syndrome is a personal journey, there are practical steps that business owners can take to manage it effectively:

  • Acknowledge and Normalise - Understand that imposter syndrome is common and experienced by many, if not most, successful individuals. Normalise these feelings as a part of the entrepreneurial journey.
  • Track Achievements - Maintain a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. Regularly reviewing these achievements can help boost confidence and counteract self-doubt.
  • Seek Support and Talk to Others - Talk to your business advisor, a mentor, and others in similar roles. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust can provide valuable insights and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome.
  • Set Realistic Goals - Break your long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This can help you see your progress more clearly and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. One step forward can make a huge difference.
  • Embrace Failure - Understand that failure is a part of entrepreneurship. Instead of seeing it as a reflection of your worth, view it as a valuable learning experience. We are all on a path of continuous learning.
  • Practice Self-Compassion - Be kind to yourself. Focus on your strengths and abilities. You may not have all the answers today but that’s entirely normal.


Imposter syndrome is a common challenge faced by many business owners. It can hinder personal growth, decision-making, and overall well-being.


Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and your achievements are a testament to your capabilities and hard work. We can help you create a plan for your business that removes the uncertainty and builds on your strengths.

Should your strategy be defensive or growth-focused?

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
The latest edition of the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Small Business Index had some unexpected results when it comes to growth expectations of UK small businesses. 27% of businesses said they expected their business to shrink, close or sell up over the next year. This outweighed the 25% who predicted their business would expand over the same period. It’s the first time in the history of the SBI that expectations of contraction have outnumbered those of growth. And it underlines a growing trend.

Why it's smart to accept payments online

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
One of the best things about online shopping is instant, hassle-free payment. Enter your details, click, and you’re done. If your customers can make an instant online payment, they’re likely to pay you more quickly – and they’ll appreciate the simplicity too. The details Online payment methods include credit and debit cards, ACH (Automated Clearing House) services like Paypal, and repeat payments through direct debit. Payments are managed by merchant service providers – specialist companies that process transactions on your behalf. Some focus on credit and debit cards, while others stick to ACH or direct debit. Choose a provider that can integrate with your accounting software, and you can add a super-simple payment button to future invoices. The costs While your merchant service provider shouldn’t charge any set-up fees, they will charge transaction fees. These range from 2-4% of the invoice for debit or credit cards, and under $2 a transaction for direct debit. These fees are an added expense, so they need to be included in your profit calculation – smart accounting software will do this automatically. Because credit and debit fees can add up, many businesses don’t offer online payment for invoices over a certain amount. The benefits Businesses using online payments get paid faster. Of course, not every client will pay instantly just because they have the option, but it should speed up your average payment time.  A bonus benefit? Customers appreciate the ability to pay online, so offering it as an option can be a big point in your favour. Ready to reap the benefits of online payments? Get expert advice and set-up support from our accounting team.

5 challenges for small business - and how to beat them!

By Anna Stubbs • December 3, 2025
Starting, building and growing your own small business is a hugely rewarding experience for many entrepreneurs. But the road ahead isn't always smooth. There are common challenges that crop up and ongoing issues that need to be factored into your business plan, your strategy and your own personal thinking. So, what can you do to beat these challenges and make the journey as frictionless as possible?