Some people might assume that anyone who’s set up their own accountancy practice would be brimming with confidence.
And yet, from countless conversations I’ve had with accountants over the years, I know that’s often far from the case.
In fact, many accountants harbour quiet doubts about their worth, their work, or whether they’re really good enough. They tell me they feel awkward talking about their own expertise – and positively cringe when it comes to “promoting” themselves.
That’s also come across in many of the 70+ interviews I’ve conducted on my Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast.
If this resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone. And you’re not broken either.
Self-confidence matters – but not the overblown kind
In my articles, blog posts and talks for accountants I have often stressed the importance of appearing confident, without appearing arrogant. This self-confidence is important when you’re engaging with business associates, prospective introducers, prospective clients, and of course with your actual clients. If you’re not confident in yourself or your services, how can you expect anyone else to be?
That said, there’s a fine line. Come across as too confident and you risk tipping into arrogance – which is rarely attractive and even more rarely effective.
Confident people respect others. Arrogant ones don’t.
Confident people know they don’t know everything. Arrogant people assume they do.
And let’s be honest: most of us know we don’t know everything. What matters is how we deal with that awareness. The key is to be comfortable with who you are, including your limitations – and to trust in your ability to learn and grow.
We all have moments of self-doubt
Many years ago, I was challenged to explain why I didn’t believe the positive things said about me – why I discounted praise and dismissed compliments. Maybe you’ve felt the same? Looking back I realise I had ‘imposter syndrome’ about which I have written on this blog previously.
I still recall a simple exercise that helped me reframe my thinking all those years ago. It had a profound impact on my self-confidence and may help you too:
- Pick three or four people you admire and trust – people who know you well and are respected by others
- Consider why their opinions are generally taken seriously
- Ask them what they think of you. Or, if you can’t ask, imagine what they’d say
- Write down the adjectives or phrases they use to describe you
Then ask yourself: “What gives me the right to ignore their judgement when I and others trust it in every other area?”
What does confidence look like for accountants?
For accountants, confidence isn’t about puffed-up bravado. It’s about trust.
Trust in your judgement.
Trust in your experience.
Trust in your ability to adapt and find the answer – even if you don’t know it straight away.
It’s knowing that you’ve built something valuable. That you’ve earned the right to serve clients. That you’ve got the skills, the training, and the perspective to make a difference.
And when things go wrong, as they sometimes do, it’s about being prepared to be honest, taking control and doing what you can to fix things.
Practical ways to build your confidence
Here’s a series of questions you can ask yourself. Take a moment, reflect and write down your answers to the following questions:
- What are the nicest compliments you’ve had from clients?
- What praise have colleagues given you in the past?
- What career successes are you most proud of?
- What new skills have you developed recently?
- What challenges have you overcome to get where you are?
- What lessons have you learned that help you today?
- What stood out from your CPD or training in the last year?
- How have you made a positive difference in someone’s life?
- Which of your achievements mean the most to you?
And if you’re really brave, or just curious, ask trusted people (clients, friends, family, colleagues) which three adjectives they’d use to describe you.
You might be surprised by the overlap. And even more surprised by the warmth.
If there’s a mismatch between how others see you and how you see yourself, maybe the issue isn’t a lack of confidence. Maybe it’s time to accept the evidence in front of you.
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Want to talk this through?
If you’re struggling to feel confident in your practice or how you promote yourself, let’s chat. I’ve helped many accountants get clear on what makes them credible – and how to share that authentically, without cringing or boasting.
You don’t need to fake confidence. But you do need to find it. And sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference.
