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5 steps to Creating a Profitable Personal Brand and Business.

Darlene Hawley

Here are the five things that changed my business and allowed me to start showing up and doing the work that I loved to do.

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for  online service based business owners

5 steps to creating a profitable personal brand and business.


Have you ever been so worried about how everyone else was running their business that you forgot who you even were?


You started saying and doing what all the other influencers and industry leaders did.


You started to dress like them, write posts like them and even tried to mimic your videos like they did.


Yep, you guessed it...I have.


When I started my business I was wearing business suits and was trying to act just like what I saw other coaches.


I figured if they were successful then all I needed to do what show up just like them and the clients would start pouring in.


Well, guess what.


I was wrong.


I felt like a little girl playing dress-up in her mom’s closet.


I ended up blending in and sounding just like everyone and though I attracted clients here and there ... nothing was consistent.

That’s why it’s so important to have a personal brand.


People like to do business with those that they know, like and trust. So how do you create a personal brand and business that works for you.


Remember that your business is your product or service but your brand is the relationship and experience you create. You are the heart of your brand as your personality is what will attract others towards you.


That’s why a strong brand foundation is so important when building a personal brand and why you need to show up as you, not try to be anyone else.


Here are the five things that changed my business and allowed me to start showing up and doing the work that I loved to do.


1. Your Story- What’s happened in your life that brought you to where you’re at today. Write down everything you can think of in your life, spend 15 minutes journaling all of the pieces. Once you finish journaling find 3 stories that feel like they brought you to starting your business and where you’re at today. Once you determine some of the stories that you want to share it’s important to make sure it relates to your audience.


2. Uncover Your Niche- It’s time to determine what’s your superpower is? What is it that you’re so good at that everyone comes to you for help with, and what do you love to do that lights you up each day. That is your superpower. If you’re unsure on how to uncover your niche download my training and workbook here.My Superpower is connecting the pieces of your story that make you unique. Allowing you to share your message in a way that helps increase visibility and take your brand and business to the next level.


3. Ideal Client Clarity- Now that you know what your niche is and what pieces of your story to share it’s time to get crystal clear on who your ideal client is, and how to find them. I’m sure you’ve done a lot of exercises to find out who your ideal client is and maybe you are your ideal client but just a few steps ahead of them. I take my clients through a three-part framework to get crystal clear on who their ideal client is so they can understand what makes them the way they are and learn how to attract them in. If you haven’t yet, sign up for you masterclass on Monday, September 16that 10:30 am PST.


4 . Magnetic Messaging- Creating a summary or messaging hook that speaks clearly to who you are and the type of clients you want to attract is some of the most important work you’ll do as an online entrepreneur. It can be challenging to attract your audience in if you’re not clear in your writing for what problems you solve and how you help your clients. When I was a kid I used to love filling in mad lips and creating stories, you can do the same with your summary. Try it out and send it to me for feedback.


Hi, I’m (name) and I’m a (insert title). I help (who do you desire to help) to (what immediate struggle does your client need to overcome) by (what is the solution you provide) so they (clients big goal or dream).


Here is mine for example: Hi, I'm Darlene Hawley and I'm a Branding and Business Clarity Coach. I help ambitious, heart-centered entrepreneurs to build a successful personal brand and business by sharing their unique life story so they can share their message with the world, attract dream clients and have the impact, freedom and flexibility they desire.


5. Take a Stand- What is something that you believe strongly in, or that is different than what other industry leaders are saying that you can take a stance on. I hear a lot of influencers and industry leaders talk about Husting to be successful in business, but I can’t stand the word hustle. It makes me cringe and makes my gut hurt. I believe you can create a business of ease and leave the hustle behind. It’s all in creating a business that feels good to you and by focusing on what’s important and not feeling like you have to do all the things. When you’re able to create a solid strategic plan and following through with it... that feels amazing to me. What’s something in your industry that you can take a stand on?


Your brand is the foundation of your business, it’s vital to your success in the long run. Once your business starts growing and you create an audience its vital that you consistently show up and nurture your community by sharing valuable content consistently.


Sign up for my masterclass

Free September Masterclass


Get Crystal Clear on Who Your Ideal Client is and How to Find Them


Once you figure out exactly who you want to work with and where to find them you'll be able to start attracting clients and grow your brand and business.


September 16th, @ 10:30 am PST


During this Masterclass, I’m teaching you how to grow your business by truly knowing who your audience is and how you can support them in their business journey.

You'll learn:

* The three areas to focus in on to become crystal clear on who your ideal client is

* Help them connect why you're the one that can help them get the results they're looking for

* What to say to them to get them to become a paying customer


http://bit.ly/IdealClientMasterclass


✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.


Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

By Darlene Hawley October 27, 2025
Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan, a seasoned keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and change strategist, shares her incredible journey from a challenging career in pharma sales to becoming a transformational catalyst. She discusses overcoming fear-based thinking, navigating major business disruptions, and building trust in organizations. Whether you're a heart-centered entrepreneur or an executive leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on how to lead confidently, handle major transitions, and create a business that thrives. Curious to learn more? Visit darlenehawley.com/workwithme. 00:41 Meet Carolyn Bennett Sullivan 01:48 Carolyn's Journey and Overcoming Fear 04:15 Navigating Workplace Disruptions 07:21 Tools for Leaders and Employees 15:03 The Importance of Communication and Engagement 21:19 The Importance of Team Buy-In 22:49 Building Relationships in Sales 27:21 Future Plans and Goals 29:26 Rapid Fire Questions 35:09 Conclusion and Contact Information Carolyn is an inspiring keynote speaker, transformational catalyst, and change strategist. As a TEDx speaker, author, and consultant, she leverages her corporate sales and small business expertise to help organizations create strategies for navigating business disruptions through mindset mastery. Her deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and business uncovers barriers to change and guides individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience and unlock their highest capabilities. You can engage with Carolyn at: https://linkedin.com/in/carolynbennettsullivan https:instagram.com/cbsullivan https://facebook.com/carolynbennettsullivan ------ Hi I’m Darlene Hawley and I help ambitious entrepreneurs and executive women find their voice, craft powerful messaging, and regulate their nervous system so they can speak up with confidence in high-stakes conversations, client meetings, and on stages ... without second-guessing themselves. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
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