Unlocking Success: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with a 'Mamet Scam' Mindset

Back in early 90s, actor and Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon was struggling to make it. She was pounding the pavement in Hollywood, sending out headshots to agents –and it wasn't working.

She and fellow struggling-actor friend Eugene Pack decided to find a shortcut.

They went from hustling to hustlers, and invented “The Mamet Scam.”

Here's how it worked:

Molly & Eugene made up alter-egos, pretending to represent famous screenwriter/director/playwright David Mamet. 

They used their acting skills, and took turns calling Hollywood agents.

Eugene would say, “I'm Arnold Katz from David Mamet's office. You HAVE to set up a meeting with this new actress David is working with, Molly Shannon. She's/ in his upcoming play, and she's the next hot thing, and she's just incredible.”

Then Molly's alter ego “Liz Stockwell” would call a different agent and talk up Eugene with the same ruse.

It worked!

They got their first Hollywood roles, and that coveted “foot in the door” helped them both go on to successful acting careers (though obviously, Molly became the, ahem, Superstar).

Now, I'm all about authenticity. I don't advocate lying or trickery with others.

I mean, I literally wrote you earlier this week about “showing up as yourself,” and the great conversation Paige Worthy & I had about this). 

But there is a place for Pretending in business, and it's internal:

When you're facing Imposter Syndrome.

Many high performers struggle with feeling “not good enough” or that, if they succeed, they're going to be “found out” as an Imposter.

Maybe you know a little something about this.

Ironically, one of the best ways to overcome Imposter Syndrome is to play the role of the confident person.

For instance: 

You probably feel confident doing your work with clients. 

But if marketing yourself and the “look at me” factor feels uncomfortable, or selling feels unnatural or sleazy …

You can pull your own internal “Mamet Scam” and come up with an alter ego. You can even give her/him a name:   

Molly Shannon had "Liz Stockwell.” 

Beyoncé had “Sasha Fierce.” 

Cary Grant had…“Cary Grant” (his real name was Archibald Leach).

All of them found a way to tap into a more confident identity to make things happen.

What amazing things would your “Mamet Scam” agent say about you?

Who's the alter ego that could help you tap into your most confident, true self?

Sometimes pretending to be someone helps you find the ways you aren't an imposter. 

Or as writer Kurt Vonnegut put it, “We are who we pretend to be.”

Go find your inner Superstar. You're not really pretending.

You've got this,

p.s. One more thing:  Want to hear more about what 1-1 coaching can do for your business? Schedule your free Clarity Call today.