Is Imposter Syndrome Keeping You from Online Success?

Imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fake or a fraud in a certain part of your life, even if you’ve actually done well in that area. If you often doubt yourself, even in things you’re usually good at, you might have imposter syndrome.

It can make you feel restless and worried, and you might start thinking negative things about yourself. Imposter syndrome often comes with feelings of anxiety and sadness.

If you’ve been putting off building your online business, it might be because you feel like an imposter. You might think you don’t know nearly enough about online marketing to get started, or that you lack what it takes to succeed online.

And if you are having success online, you might think you’re just lucky and at any minute everyone is going to realize you’re a fraud and your house of cards will come tumbling down.

Do you know who has imposter syndrome?

  • 41% of people report having imposter syndrome.
  • 27% of other people also report having imposter syndrome.
  • And the rest of the people have imposter syndrome, too.

That’s right – sooner or later, everyone has it.

The question is, what are you going to do about it?

Imposter syndrome can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. Making friends with your imposter involves cultivating self-compassion and adopting a supportive mindset towards yourself.

When you have imposter syndrome, you doubt your own accomplishments and worry that others will discover you’re faking it. Even though you have proof that you’re good at something, you feel like you’re not good enough and that luck or other outside factors are responsible for your success.

You might downplay your achievements, ignore compliments and compare yourself to others, feeling like you’re not as good. You’re scared of failing and set really high standards for yourself, which makes you anxious, stressed, and in need of reassurance.

Imposter syndrome is often seen in high-achieving people like students, professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs. Things like wanting everything to be perfect, having a stressful job, society’s expectations, and not feeling confident can all contribute to imposter syndrome.

Here’s just a few of the many famous people who have publicly spoken about experiencing imposter syndrome:

David Bowie – Entertainer – “I had enormous self-image problems and very low self-esteem, which I hid behind obsessive writing and performing. … I was driven to get through life very quickly. I really felt so utterly inadequate. I thought the work was the only thing of value.”

Howard Schultz – Starbucks CEO – “Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe today that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They’re not going to tell you that, but it’s true.”

Sheryl Sandberg – Facebook COO – “There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am.”

Tina Fey – Entertainer, Author – “The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania, and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! Oh god, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’ So you just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud.”

Maya Angelou – Activist, author, poet, Nobel Laureate – “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.'”

Lady Gaga – Singer – “I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I’m a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need for me to be.”

Arianna Huffington – Entrepreneur, CEO, author – “The greatest obstacle for me has been the voice in my head that I call my obnoxious roommate. I wish someone would invent a tape recorder that we could attach to our brains to record everything we tell ourselves. We would realize how important it is to stop this negative self-talk. It means pushing back against our obnoxious roommate with a dose of wisdom.”

Natalie Portman – Academy Award winning actress, Harvard graduate – “Today, I feel much like I did when I came to Harvard Yard as a freshman in 1999. I felt like there had been some mistake, that I wasn’t smart enough to be in this company, and that every time I opened my mouth I would have to prove that I wasn’t just a dumb actress.”

Sonia Sotomayor – The first Hispanic Supreme Court justice – “I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit. I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.”

Tom Hanks – beloved actor whose films grossed nearly $5 Billion – “No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?’”

Emma Watson – actress and activist – “Now when I receive recognition for my acting, I feel incredibly uncomfortable. I tend to turn in on myself. I feel like an imposter.”

What Can You Do if You Feel Like an Imposter?

I want you to know that it’s totally normal to experience imposter syndrome, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. As you can see, many successful people have gone through it, too. The first step in overcoming it is to recognize and accept your feelings of self-doubt.

When those negative thoughts start creeping in, try to challenge them with positive and realistic ones. You’ve accomplished so much, and you have unique skills and qualities that make you special. Embrace a growth mindset and see challenges as chances to learn and grow.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your trusted friends, family, or mentors about your feelings. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can offer you a fresh perspective and some reassurance.

Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, big or small. Keep a record of them, and when self-doubt hits, revisit those successes to boost your confidence.

It’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help or admit when you’re unsure about something. Opening up to others can lead to deeper connections and supportive relationships. We all have our strengths and limitations, and that’s okay.

Make sure you take time for self-care, too. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, like hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself is crucial for building resilience.

Instead of striving for perfection, focus on learning and personal growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. Remember, making mistakes is a natural part of learning.

And try to always remember that you’ve got this. Be kind to yourself and know that you have the strength to overcome imposter feelings any time you choose.

Threads: Twitter Killer or Fleeting Success?

“I think there should be a public conversation app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will.” – Mark Zuckerberg

Threads, the latest sensation from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is making waves in the social media world. With a staggering 100 million sign-ups within a week of its launch, Threads has become a major contender for Twitter’s throne.

This new platform offers real-time text-based conversations, complete with photos and videos, all within a character limit of 500. It combines elements from Twitter and Instagram, providing a visually appealing interface and seamless sharing to Instagram Stories. Users have the option to choose between public and private accounts, with automatic verification for existing Instagram users.

Threads has a vast global reach, available in over 100 countries and supporting over 30 languages on iOS and Android platforms. The ease of onboarding, using existing Instagram credentials, makes it an attractive option for users looking to switch.

Despite its potential, Threads faces some challenges. Concerns about data collection have been raised, as the app may gather personal information like location and contacts. Maintaining a healthy environment on the platform is another hurdle, as Meta must address issues like spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and false claims.

As of this writing, Threads currently lacks several features, including emoji usage, hashtags in posts, a Trending page, a chronological feed, the ability to see who you’re following, account deletion without affecting Instagram, DMs, the Fediverse feature, a desktop website, and text/phrase search. As the platform evolves, it’s likely these missing features will be implemented to improve user experience.

However, Meta’s advantage lies in its massive user base of over 2 billion active Instagram users. With an existing pool to tap into, Threads has a head start over Twitter’s relatively smaller user base of around 250 million.

Looking ahead, Threads plans to introduce features like hashtags, improved search functionality, personalized feeds, and the possibility of direct messaging. Meta aims to transform Threads into a comprehensive social app that caters to its growing user base while exploring advertising opportunities to supplement their core revenue.

Threads is currently a serious competitor to Twitter, leveraging Meta’s resources and infrastructure. Its smooth onboarding experience and existing user base make it a strong alternative. As Meta continues to enhance the platform and address user concerns, Threads could become the game-changer many have been waiting for in the social media landscape.

Some of the More Interesting Threads’ Features

  • Auto-status and location sharing based on activity.
  • Available for iOS and Android users.
  • Camera-centric design for quick sharing.
  • Customizable notifications for a better user experience.
  • Disappearing ink for texts and photos.
  • Encourages deeper connections with close friends.
  • Facilitates automatic message deletion for ephemeral conversations.
  • For ages 12 and above, NSFW content prohibited.
  • Instant photo and video sharing with creative tools.
  • Multiple Threads accounts can be used with Instagram login.
  • Private, seamless communication with close friends.
  • Promotes privacy, simplicity, and meaningful interactions.
  • Robust privacy and security measures.
  • Share status updates with inner circle only.
  • Verification process for multiple accounts.

Threads is characterized by Meta as a fresh and distinct arena designed for instant updates and public discussions. The goal is to incorporate the finest elements of Instagram while extending its scope to encompass text-based content, thereby cultivating a constructive and imaginative atmosphere for expressing ideas.

Furthermore, Threads is said to draw inspiration from Twitter’s competitors like Mastodon, a decentralized platform that empowers users to seamlessly transfer their accounts to alternative services.

Sign up is easy and I encourage you to try Threads for yourself and see what you think.

Are You Losing Traffic to TLS Certificate Errors?

Several times a month I’ll click a link that leads to a page telling me I’m not safe. I could either proceed on or go back, or in some cases the only option is to abort. Because of message I never land on the page, and that website owner just lost traffic and maybe even a potential sale.

I doubt very much those site owners know they’re losing traffic this way.

A TLS certificate is an essential component issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the ownership of a domain and ensure a secure connection.

Put simply, if your website lacks a TLS certificate, its URL will begin with HTTP instead of HTTPS.

To have a TLS certificate for your website is crucial because HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) is outdated and doesn’t provide encryption for data transmitted online between devices.

On the other hand, HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure) encrypts the data and safeguards it from potential hacking attempts.

In 2014, Google made a significant announcement stating that websites with HTTPS URLs would receive higher ranking priority compared to those using HTTP.

If your website encounters an invalid TLS certificate error, it could stem from various reasons, including:

  • Misconfiguration of Certificate: Incorrectly following the steps during manual installation can lead to this error.
  • Domain Mismatch: If there is a disparity between the domain name you purchased and the one you issued the TLS certificate for, an error will occur.
  • Identity Verification Issues: If the certificate authority is unable to verify your identity, you won’t be able to install the certificate.
  • Incorrect Date or Time On Your Desktop: Since TLS certificates are issued based on time, an incorrect date or time on your desktop can prevent issuance.
  • Old Version Certificate: Certificates using the outdated Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1) might be flagged as invalid.

To resolve TLS certificate issues, follow these steps:

  • Check the date and time on your desktop to ensure accuracy.
  • Use online SSL tools to identify and address any configuration errors or vulnerabilities.
  • Verify that there are no domain mismatches between your purchased domain and the TLS certificate.

By troubleshooting these potential issues, you can ensure that your website’s TLS certificate is valid and your visitors can securely access your site using HTTPS.

7 Steps to Convert Negative Reviews into Opportunities

Dealing with negative reviews can be a challenge, but it’s essential to address them effectively to protect your company’s reputation. Remember, negative reviews can help your business grow and improve if you handle them well.

I once had a customer leave a scathing review because there was a glitch in the download, and they never got their product.

I apologized profusely, explained what happened, sent them the product and added a bonus product for their time and frustration. They became one of my best customers and still buy from me today.

Another customer didn’t like the product at all. When I dug deeper, I found out their expectations were completely different from what I was offering. They wanted a done-for-you solution while I was teaching the method to do it themselves.

I then offered to perform the service for them, charging appropriately, and they changed their review from one star to a glowing 5 start review. (Between you and me, I outsourced the service rather than doing it myself and I still made a profit.)

Here are 7 steps to respond to negative reviews and turn things around:

Stay Professional: When you encounter a negative review, it’s natural to feel upset or defensive. However, it’s crucial to remain calm, respectful, and professional in your response. Avoid confrontational language at all costs. Take a few deep breaths and if you need to, walk around your house to calm down before replying.

Personalize Your Responses: Tailor your replies to each specific negative review. Using generic responses may come across as insincere and only make them angrier. Show the customers that you genuinely care about their concerns.

Respond Promptly: Time is of the essence. Aim to respond to negative reviews within 24 hours. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing issues and shows potential customers that you value feedback.

Show Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of the dissatisfied customer and empathize with their experience. Take responsibility for any mistakes or issues mentioned, even if you think they are unfounded. Remember, others will be watching how you handle the situation.

Offer Solutions: Address the reviewer’s concerns directly and offer solutions to their problems. If an immediate solution isn’t available, provide contact details so they can reach out to you for further assistance. Sometimes I will offer the choice of two different solutions, depending on the circumstances.

Highlight the Positive: Don’t miss the chance to showcase the positive aspects of your business in your responses. Reinforce the quality of your products or services and the value you provide to customers.

Follow Up: After responding to a negative review, don’t forget to follow up with the reviewer through phone or email if possible. Ensure their concerns have been adequately addressed. If the issue is resolved, politely ask if they would consider updating their review.

Try to think of negative reviews as an opportunity to get a customer for life while making additional sales from those who are watching how you perform when dealing with an upset customer. By handling bad reviews professionally and proactively, you can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates. Embrace feedback, learn from it, and use it to make positive changes to your business.

The Ultimate Testimonial

I read that Match.com founder Gary Kremen designed the site with women in mind. But the exact moment he knew his venture was a success was when his own girlfriend left him for another man she met on Match.

Which makes me wonder… did he design the site secretly hoping she would find someone else and leave?

But more to the marketing point, I don’t know if Kremen ever used this ‘testimonial’ in his marketing, but just imagine if he did:

“This @#$% site works so well I lost my %$#@ girlfriend to one of my customers!”

What a great story to tell in interviews.

The Highest Rated WordPress Security Tools for Your Website

If you’ve got WordPress, then you know you must be proactive in protecting your website. But with so many options out there, the choices can be overwhelming. Here I’ve narrowed the list to 6 tools with great reviews to keep your website safe from hacks and attacks.

All-in-One Security for WP

As a powerful and popular WordPress security plugin, All-in-One Security provides an excellent selection of tools to protect your website. The free version offers solid basic security features, and if you need advanced protection, their premium version is worth considering. It includes detailed scanning for malicious software, IP filtering, blocked logins after multiple attempts, firewall, and file protection.

https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall/

 

Duplicator

Regularly backing up your website is crucial for its overall security strategy. Duplicator is a straightforward and user-friendly plugin that simplifies the backup process with just a few clicks. It provides features like automatic backup schedules, seamless site migration, multi-site support, and cloud backup storage. Having recent backups allows you to restore your website in case of crashes or attacks.

https://duplicator.com/

 

iThemes Security Pro

Developed by the team behind BackupBuddy, iThemes Security Pro is a reliable WordPress security plugin with three paid plans to choose from. It offers features like two-factor authentication, detailed monitoring for suspicious activities, and plugin and theme scanning to identify vulnerabilities. Note that iThemes Security Pro uses Sucuri’s Sitecheck malware scanner for added protection.

https://ithemes.com/security/

 

Jetpack

Jetpack is an all-in-one solution that offers multiple security features to protect your WordPress website. While their website may offer various tools for site security and performance improvement, you can focus solely on their security plans. Key features include real-time backups, 1-click restore, anti-spam protection, and immediate email alerts to keep you informed about site downtime.

https://jetpack.com/

 

Sucuri

Sucuri is a top-notch WordPress security plugin that offers all the essential features to safeguard your website. Their free version provides basic security and malware scanning, but for advanced protection against complex threats and hackers, you can opt for one of their paid plans. With Sucuri, you’ll also benefit from a WordPress firewall for an extra layer of security, in-depth site tracking, and expert assistance if your site is compromised.

https://sucuri.net/

 

WordFence

WordFence is another excellent option to secure your WordPress website. Their free version includes essential features such as malware scanning, threat assessment, and two-factor authentication. As your website grows, you can consider upgrading to a premium plan that offers login activity monitoring, 24/7 incident response support, and plugin & theme vulnerability monitoring.

https://www.wordfence.com/

 

A Few WordPress Security Tips

In addition to installing a WordPress security plugin, there are several other essential steps you can take to enhance the safety and security of your website:

1: Implement 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security during the login process. Many of the plugins we mentioned include 2FA functionality, or you can opt for a reliable authenticator plugin like Google Authenticator.

2: Safeguard your website by scheduling automatic backups or performing manual backups on a consistent basis. This ensures you have a recent version of your site that can be restored in case of any unforeseen attacks or crashes.

3: Regularly maintain your WordPress website by ensuring all themes and plugins are kept up to date. Regular updates help protect against potential vulnerabilities.

If you don’t believe it, check out the nightmare thousands of site owners recently went through simply because they didn’t update one of their plugins: https://www.techradar.com/pro/a-top-wordpress-plugin-is-being-hacked-to-hijack-websites

4: Exercise caution when installing themes and plugins, and only obtain them from trusted sources. For instance, platforms like Thrive Suite provide themes and plugins that are both secure and regularly updated, ensuring you can maintain a safe environment.

5: Choose a secure hosting provider from a reputable and reliable company. If you’re uncertain about your current hosting platform, refer to this guide to help you make an informed decision. By selecting a trustworthy hosting provider, you further fortify your website’s security measures.

Secure your WordPress website and you’ll sleep better knowing your site is safe.