Meet Natalie Hancock

We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Hancock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, 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.

Imposter syndrome is an ongoing battle, but one I feel much more empowered to fight these days. I think it’s something every entrepreneur bumps up against at some point, but it’s also something we can learn to work through.

When I start to feel that internal panic set in, I pause and write out a list of reasons why I started doing what I do in the first place. Every time that exercise reminds me why I’m qualified, capable, and building something that’s entirely my own. What my clients experience when they work with me isn’t something anyone else can replicate, and if we’re hitting the goals we set out to achieve, there’s really no reason for me to doubt myself.

Over time, I’ve also realized that imposter syndrome (as irritating as it is) has made me a stronger business owner. It keeps me motivated to not just work in my business, but to keep working on it. I’m always refining systems, learning new things, sourcing fresh inspiration, and striving to grow a little more every day, week, month, and year.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a full-time social media manager, content strategist, creator, and Instagram coach for small and micro-business owners who are out there making a real impact in their local communities. My clients range from interior design studios and book authors to tennis academies and nonprofit bloggers, all united by the same goal: to connect with people and grow awareness for their work in meaningful ways.

Before founding Hancock Social Media, I spent 10 years in the fitness industry — often running social media on the side to help boost awareness and build online communities for the studios and gyms I worked for. I loved seeing how a simple post celebrating a gym member or showing behind-the-scenes moments could create such a powerful sense of connection. Back then, though, social media wasn’t taken seriously in the marketing world. Most of the work had to happen “off the clock,” because it wasn’t yet seen as real strategy.

Then came 2019 and the pandemic. The shift was undeniable; suddenly, social media became the lifeline for small businesses trying to stay visible in a sea of big-brand marketing dollars. That was my turning point. I realized how much power these platforms hold for small and micro businesses, giving them a voice, a stage, and a community that traditional marketing could never reach.

At 31, I packed up, moved back to Utah, and started over from my parents’ basement. My first contract gig brought in steady income (barely, but it mattered), and I started offering free content shoots to local businesses just to get my name out there. I didn’t oversell myself. I was honest about what I could do as a one-woman show. That honesty, paired with genuine passion and a clear vision, built the trust that got me here.

Four and a half years later, I have a full client roster, a business built on referrals and relationships, and a growing coaching side where I teach small and micro business owners how to run their own social media effectively, even when full-time management isn’t in the budget.

Social media has evolved into something deeper than content and captions; it’s connection, storytelling, and strategy rolled into one. And helping small business owners harness that power will always be the best part of my job.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are integrity, accountability, and curiosity. Without those, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. My advice for anyone early in their career: don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t have all the answers, dedicate time to curiosity and creativity, and find a mentor who challenges and guides you.

When you can be honest and human enough to say, “I don’t know, but I’m going to figure it out,” it builds trust. Clients and customers notice when you’re genuinely committed to learning and evolving, and that kind of openness creates connection and credibility that can’t be faked.

Curiosity and creativity also keep your fire lit. And I mean that with every fiber of my being. Go for a walk while listening to an industry podcast, stop into a local shop that inspires you, and attend events outside your comfort zone. Those experiences fuel new ideas and keep your work fresh.

Lastly, having a business mentor in my first year changed everything. It gave me perspective, accountability, and insight into ways of working I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. Sometimes all you need is someone a few steps ahead to help you see what’s possible.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Company of One by Paul Jarvis. The entire book is a goldmine, but a few takeaways hit me especially hard:

“Companies of one need to be relentless in what they say no to, since plans, tasks, distractions, meetings, and emails, though they may all seem productive at first, can become counterproductive quickly if not well managed.”

That one stopped me in my tracks. I realized I can’t build something sustainable and stay sane without mastering time management and boundaries. If I want to remain intentionally small, I have to be a wizard at protecting my energy and focus.

“Being small and measuring meaningful growth based on profits instead of projections ensures much more stability.”

That line speaks for itself. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t always about “more,” it’s about better.

“Opportunities are just obligations wearing an appealing mask.”

I needed to read that one more than once. For a long time, I thought saying “no” meant I was being ungrateful or missing out. Turns out, saying no is one of the most powerful business moves you can make.

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Image Credits

Photos by Jazmin Jade Photo, Opal Hour Photo, Courtney Grace Photography, and Kenzie Olsen Photo

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