What I Want To Tell Wedding Pros Suffering From Impostor Syndrome
Over on Instagram reels I was talking directly to all of you doubting yourselves as you grow your wedding business. Watch here. So I decided to continue the conversation on the blog.
Impostor syndrome has a lot of you seriously doubting your work experience and tripping you up. I'm hearing it again and again.
It creeps in and spreads doubt in every facet of your wedding business. As it relates to pricing, new service offerings, confidence to speak to potential and booked clients, interacting with vendors, and on and on and on.
Time for a mindset shift.
Maybe you’re just starting out with an empty portfolio, or you only have images of your own wedding. Or the clients willing to work with you aren’t creating the portfolio of your dreams. I’ve been there.
You’re feeling bewildered and less than, and the doubt creeps in.
Here's what I have to say to all you wedding pros —new and new-ish— when you're getting bent out of shape over your résumé that’s not filled with industry experience, or perceived lack of time in the wedding trenches: Stop it!
Most of you are not fresh out of high school or college. You've got some work experience under your belt.
Almost everything is a transferable skill.
From retail gigs, customer service, to waiting tables, it's all relevant work experience that translates to serving your wedding clients well or even understanding how a dinner service should unfold.
Spent a lot of time plugging away at the computer for your desk job? You're computer-savvy and detail-oriented, ready to nail all the new apps you're going to need for your wedding business.
Been managing projects and (difficult) people at your day-job? Consider weddings your new project, and all the tricky family and vendor dynamics your new office warfare.
You're learning more every day, and with every new booking and event day.
Listen, this is not rocket science. We’re not saving lives or splitting atoms. There’s few barriers to entry for the wedding industry. I’m not belittling our work. We’re helping our client celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones, and a part of their core memories.
I’m not suggesting you fake it ‘til you make it. Just that you find confidence in all of the experience that brought you to this point. And know that you’re building systems, routines and habits to set you up for more success in the future.
When you hear those doubts creeping in, shut them down with positivity.