Meet Vicki Scott

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicki Scott. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vicki, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a constant practice. There are a few different sources of imposter syndrome and the key to fighting it, is knowing its source.

The first place that imposter syndrome comes from is your own lack of knowledge. When you are new to a task you have to keep reminding yourself that everyone starts off a beginner and you have to immerse yourself in the understanding that any mastery can be learned – and we are all constantly learning. Never being afraid to ask questions or have confidence in your ability to synthesize new information goes a long way to combating this type of imposter syndrome.

The second source of imposter syndrome comes from society, and each external source self-doubt requires a different source of armor. If the external imposter syndrome is coming from people telling you that you are doing something wrong, or that they would do it a different way – the easiest way to combat that is to refer to your well of confidence in yourself produced from combating your internalized imposter syndrome. Additionally, your way is different, and not wrong. Doing something differently than the way “it has always been done” usually creates innovation. So lean in to the constructive criticism, embrace the pieces that make sense, and let go of the things that don’t make sense for your path. Then there are actual haters and trolls. These are the sources of imposter syndrome that are actively trying to tear you down and introduce doubt in your craft. You can always tell which advice is constructive and which is trying to destroy your confidence by asking yourself “would I say that same thing to someone I like?” If you wouldn’t turn around and give that same advice to someone else – it’s not good-faith advice. For the haters and the trolls, comedy. Laugh at them. They are absurd.

Is it difficult to develop mental fortitude and discernment? Yes. But, then you give yourself grace. We all falter under the weight of a mean-spirited comment. Giving yourself grace is your best tool, and you are the one who deserves it!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I own Verbena Vinyl, a record store in Northfield, MN. The store sells new, used, and vintage records, cds, cassettes, and equipment.

The bulk of what the store sells is records. I strive to make sure that I have the latest titles as well as connect people to their musical past by stocking vintage classics. One of the core tenants is also sustainability – for many vintage records, their next stop is the landfill. I try to divert as much of that waste as possible by finding records new homes, and up-cycling what I can into art supplies.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1 – Learn how to use quickbooks early and thoroughly. 2 – Marketing is just talking about yourself. Come up with a few solid talking points that you enjoy repeating, and that can become your brand identity. 3- Ask for advice from as many diverse sources as you can – but only follow the advice that applies to you.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle with any small business is finding reliable sources of funding. Look to your local government for small business grants and loans. And remember to build slowly and consistently.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

These were all images taken by me. I am the person in the daisy t-shirt.

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