How to Fight Imposter Syndrome at Your Next Networking Event (Without Faking It)

Networking or The Most Awkward Party You’ve Ever Been To? — A Real-Life Guide for Creatives Just Trying to Show Up

Sometimes You Gotta Go With The Flow

One day some time ago, I was doing some mindless scrolling—possibly waiting in line, maybe in the bathroom (the details are fuzzy)—when I saw an Instagram post mentioning a women-in-business networking event happening the next day. It was a scheduled get-together of small business women in my town and my favorite coffee cart was going to be there. So, naturally I had to go. But then again… did I? 

Sure I’m in the middle of a rebrand and it would probably be good to “get out there” and meeting other small business owners (SBOs) can only help, right? Help me feel understood and a part of something. Help me find clients and maybe even… friends??

But then again…

I’m in the middle of a rebrand and don’t have new business cards and what if people hate my old ones and what if the other SBOs are so much more put together or confident or, I don’t know… not a total awko taco pretending to know how to have a normal conversation… or something like that? What if they have it—that missing piece I can’t seem to place that would set me over the top and make me successful or normal or calm? Maybe it would be better to just not go at all…

… But I went anyway.

Just Show Up

So I went home, showered, and—for the first time in what felt like forever—actually took my time getting ready. I put on something I felt cute in, spritzed on my signature scent, grabbed a seltzer (the non-alcoholic kind, don’t worry), and got going. Despite trying to drive slow so I could sneak into this thing undetected, I was one of the first ones there. Which honestly didn’t matter because even if I wanted to blend into the background this place was TINY. Adorable, but like tiny TINY. Every introvert’s worst nightmare. You had to stand right next to each other, literally bumping elbows to look at the only distractions from peopling available— merch, the beloved coffee cart, and this cute little charcuterie cart. All cute and totally worth bumping elbows with other people to look through. 

As I whispered to myself (I hope) “You’re allowed to take up space,” and tried to remember to breathe, I jumped in. Here's what I found out, and what I want to share with you if you, like me, struggle with that pesky little Imposter Syndrome.

7 Simple Steps That Helped Me Fight Imposter Syndrome

Step 1: Start Where You’re Comfortable

I made a beeline for the coffee cart and ordered myself a chai latte. Then I started chatting with the owners of the coffee cart. This is one of the best strategies for how to fight imposter syndrome: start somewhere safe. Find a place, a person, or a task that helps you ground yourself.

Step 2: Connect with them on social media

This is sort of a pre-step because really you should be doing this before you connect in person. Because I follow the owners of the coffee cart on socials, I knew they were planning an anniversary trip. So, I struck up a conversation with them about it. Asked questions about the RV they bought and where they wanted to go, and shared some of my own experiences traveling—like the time my husband and I road tripped for a month and camped out of the back of our car. 

If you haven’t connected with them yet and you’re already at the event, use this opportunity to find them. Ask them the name of their business and then have them confirm you found the right account. Following them right then and there will help build trust and connection (and you can always unfollow later if you don’t like their content).

Step 3: Give Yourself Something to Do

Now that I had something to do with my hands (drink the coffee), I moved on to the merch. I had spotted a few things when I first came in, but couldn’t really look at everything because of all the people. Now, I took my time and really looked at what was around. I looked at prices (and reminded myself that no one was pressuring me to spend more than I wanted to) and ended up with a really cute hat that said "Minding my women-owned business." Snarky and true. My favorite.

Because I took my time, I communicated to the shop owner that I cared about what she offered; the quality, the messages, the passion she put into the products. AND because I wanted this piece of merch…

Step 4: Let conversations unfold naturally

...I had to talk to the owner of the business to pay for it. She had a prize wheel I spun and I was able to chat with her about my rebrand while she gave me some info on her products too. Because I follow her on socials too, I knew that there was supposed to be a business card bulletin board and (despite the tininess of the place) I wasn’t sure where it was, so I was able to ask her about that (hello conversation exit strategy).

Step 5: Always leave a piece of yourself behind

As I pinned my business cards to the board, I made sure I fanned them out so people saw there were multiples and they could take one if they wanted. I also took some time to look at who else was up there so I could see if there was anyone I might want to contact later.

This event happened to have the bulletin board, but if they hadn’t, I would have left my business card in a bathroom stall or window sill. I’ve even “dropped” them on the floor at places. It's not littering, it's marketing. You never know when the right person will find it.

Step 6: Actually network

Okay, I’ve had plenty of time now to warm up to the situation. My next step was to start a conversation with someone not running/working the event, an actual attendee (dum dum dummmm). For once, my bad habit of eavesdropping finally paid off; in such a small space, no one would judge me for it. And because we were at a networking event, it wasn’t weird to talk about what I do or answer questions about myself. That’s literally what we were there to do. I didn’t need to immediately divert the attention off of myself because people here genuinely wanted to know why I was there.

Step 7: Represent your business in what you do, not just what you say

Your business is about more than just what you sell or the service you provide; it’s about your why. I started my business because I’m a great right-hand women. I will hype you up and help you tackle your goals. And at this event, I got to hype up the other businesses I knew in real time. Another huge part of my job (and any job really) is listening, which allowed me to take a break from talking to ask someone else about their business (hello introvert recharge moment). Some of the people I talked to I didn't even pitch myself to. Not in so many words anyways. I just listened to them talk about their business, asked about issues they were running into, and spent time encouraging them in the work they were doing.

Bonus Step: Exit when you need to—no performance required

As my conversations were naturally coming to an end, I wondered what my exit strategy should be (a procrastinator, I know. Any good introvert would have known theirs before even leaving the house). Lo and behold, I had to pee. And there wasn’t a bathroom to be found as far as I could see. Score! So I left. Didn’t say goodbye to anyone, didn’t make any excuses as to why I was leaving… I just left. Even if there had been a bathroom, sometimes I just need a reason to justify to myself that I’m allowed to duck out.

Tips for Easing Anxiety While Networking

Here are a couple extra moves I made that helped me stay grounded and avoid going full panic-spiral in a tiny, crowded room:

• I stopped back at the bulletin board to grab a few more business cards so I could reach out to people via email after the event. Some I’d spoken to, others just looked interesting.

• Find little pause moments you can take to refocus and breathe for a second. I really took my time when I was browsing and putting up my business cards so I could have a little bit where I didn’t need to talk to someone, I could just be.

Unexpected Happy Moments That Made the Day Worth It

When I let go of the pressure to “perform” and just allowed myself to be—some really sweet surprises bubbled up:

1. Talking about my business (how I got started, who I was helping, the services I offered) actually gave me more confidence. People listened and were excited about what I do and that made me realize I do actually know what I’m talking about.

2. People not only liked my business cards, they recognized me from them. Which gave me a little heads up that maybe I should keep my picture on them when I went to rebrand.

3. I was able to do what I do best, encourage and motivate others in their businesses.

4. Connections were made! And I got a cute hat.

Final Thoughts: The Real Secret to Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence, isolation, and comparison.

The real antidote? Showing up anyway.

Even if you don’t feel ready. Even if your business cards are outdated. Even if your inner monologue sounds like a roast session with your siblings.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up—with curiosity, compassion, and maybe a chai latte.

And every time you do, you gather evidence that you belong. That you're building something real.

That you are a business owner—and a damn good one at that.

---

P.S. Need Some Help Silencing the Imposter Syndrome Voices?

We've got you covered. We're not just someone here to assist your backend business needs (though we do that too). We're also here to help you strategize and move forward with confidence!

If you're a small business owner who’s tired of doing it all (and duct-taping your systems together just to survive), we’re currently accepting new clients! 🎉 Book a free discovery call to talk about packages and how we can help you build a business that doesn’t burn you out.

Also… I’m starting a newsletter soon! If you’re a business owner, or you’re looking to start one someday, drop your email to stay in the loop with real talk, useful tools, and encouragement for your creative business journey. 💌