The Hidden Truth About Confidence vs Deception In Student Entrepreneurship

On social media, everyone seems sold out, booked, and busy. Every bio includes the “CEO and Founder” tags. Scroll through campus business pages, and you will see professional pictures, brilliant captions, and well-put-together testimonials. Amidst all of that is the popular mindset: Fake it till you make it. One question that needs to be asked is where exactly does confidence stop and deception begin? For many student entrepreneurs juggling their education with entrepreneurship, the line between confidence and deception can easily be blurred.

Why “Fake It Till You Make It” Became Popular

This idea did not just appear from nowhere. It developed from the fact that perception is important in business. People are more likely to trust someone who appears confident and competent, and hesitate when business owners appear unsure. For young founders, fake it till you make it often feels like permission to position themselves professionally, speak boldly about their vision, and act like the business they want to become. In this sense, confidence is a strategic tool that pushes the entrepreneur into growth before they fully feel ready. However, confidence and deception are not the same thing.

When Confidence Crosses The Line

The problem begins when “fake it” stops meaning believe in yourself and shifts to misleading people. When entrepreneurs post fake testimonials to appear credible, promise services they don’t have the skills to deliver, claim to be fully booked when they are not, or buy followers, they attract attention but lose trust. Maintaining an image that does not match reality can result in imposter syndrome and constant pressure to keep up. Instead of enjoying the journey of learning and growth, the entrepreneur is trapped in performing a version of themselves that doesn’t exist yet.

Where Should The Line Be Drawn?

Confidence is presenting yourself professionally, even while still learning and growing. Deception is intentionally misleading people for personal advantage. There is nothing wrong with identifying a version of your brand you want and showing up as it: investing in good visuals, speaking boldly about your brand goals, and dressing your brand up. What is dangerous is fabricating credibility, offering what you cannot deliver, and prioritizing image over integrity. 

Instead of “fake it till you make it”, approach your brand with “build it while you grow into it”. Be professional and confident, but also honest. Confidence attracts opportunity, but deception destroys sustainability.