Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
6 Steps to a Profitable Online Business
Darlene Hawley
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a bit and are ready to take your business to the next level, I wanted to share my 6 step framework with you to help get you reach your goals.
I know you are taking action and doing the work to grow your profitable online business and I really appreciate you being apart of my community.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a bit and are ready to take your business to the next level, I wanted to share my 6 step framework with you to help get you reach your goals.
I remember working 60+ hours as a single mom with a vision of doing something different with my life and taking the giant leap to start my own business so that I could provide for my son and that would also me the flexibility to tuck him in bed every night.
When I started my business I had all the knowledge and training I needed but I struggled with getting consistent clients and nearly gave up.
I’m happy to say that I pushed through and found a system that worked for me, and I’m sharing that framework with you today so that you can keep pushing forward too.
My hope is that you’ll implement my 6 step framework so that you can create the impact, freedom, and flexibility that you desire, and have a successful profitable online business.
Here is my 6 step framework to profitable online business:
Step 1- Build a solid foundation
Building a business is just like building a house. You have to create a solid strong concrete foundation for your business to stand on so that as you start to build your business, your growth can be supported. Step 1 is where we lay the foundation by honing in on your niche, get crystal clear on identifying your ideal client, create magnetic messaging and learn to share your story.
Step 2- Create a signature offer
Now it’s time to create a 1:1 signature offer that solves a problem for your ideal client and they can’t wait to pay you for. Start by brainstorming, write out every way you can help your ideal client. Then create a framework that will get them the results that they're looking for and write compelling copy for your sales page that will convert your ideal client into customers.
Step 3- Nurture and grow your list
To have a successful business you have to have a community of raving fans. People buy from those that they know, like and trust, so it’s important that you show up consistently and share valuable content. This is where you create a free gift for your audience, begin to send regular emails and start creating content that your ideal client needs to move forward.
Step 4- Client attraction and marketing
Though there are many ways to get clients and to market yourself online it’s important that you find a strategy that works best for you and allows you to show up consistently. At this step, you’ll want to find 10 ways you can commit to showing up each week for 10 hours to grow your business. Some are non-negotiable for every online business like writing your list and emailing new subscribers. Others you can pick and choose from to see what works best for you, host a webinar, attending local networking events, starting a facebook group, or offering mini sessions etc.
Step 5- Get visible and stand out from the competition
Determine where you’ll show up online and create a plan that has you getting seen, heard and paid. The more visible you are the quicker you’ll become known as the go-to expert in your niche. You’ll pick 1-2 social media platforms to start showing up and spend time on so that you can attract your ideal clients and set yourself apart.
Step 6- Get momentum
Now that you’ve built up your momentum it’s time to pull everything together and create a plan to take your business to the next level. At this step, you’ll create a solid 6-month action business plan that will show you what to do each hour, day, week and month to reach your goals and create your dream business.
It’s so important to have a plan like the one I shared above.
I’m curious, how do you feel after going through the 6 step framework?
Excited, Overwhelmed? I get it! The first time I worked with my coach I had the same feeling. She helped walk me through similar steps and it all starts to come together. I was no longer doing all the things that I saw others doing online and I created a plan that worked perfectly for me and allowed me to create my business on my terms.
I want that for you too.
So if you’re ready to stop doing all of the things and create a road map that works for you. Let’s hop on a free clarity call and help get you on track to reach your goals. I have two spots open right now, let's get started now and take 2020 by storm.
✨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.
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.
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I was facilitating a one-day Speak Up & Influence team-building experiential training when I noticed her sitting quietly in the back of the room. She participated, but never fully spoke her mind, staying just under the radar, what I like to call "playing it safe". After one of the vocal empowerment activities, I walked over and said, “You know, the way you just helped your group reframe that challenge? That’s leadership. And I don’t think anyone’s told you lately... but you have a really powerful presence when you speak.” She blinked, stunned. Then smiled...a BIG cheesy grin. “Wow. I… don’t think anyone’s ever said that to me,” she said. “I thought I was just rambling.” That moment changed her energy and how she showed up the rest of the day. She spoke up more. She leaned in. She took more space. By the end of the day, she was laughing with her colleagues and, dare I say, being Bold and having FUN. That’s the power of being seen. Not liked. Not evaluated. Not coached. Witnessed. Witnessing Is Deeper Than Praise Recognition isn’t just about saying “good job.” It’s about creating space for people to feel seen in the room. And as an executive leadership coach, trainer, and speaker, I believe this is one of the most powerful tools we have. It’s part of why I teach the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment Framework to help people speak with confidence and presence, And to help them feel safe enough to show up as unapologetically as themselves. The framework includes: Naming the Inner Critic Creating Psychological Safety Clarifying the Message Owning Presence Moving People to Take Action But none of that sticks if we don’t feel witnessed. The Real Role of Recognition in Leadership Recognition is not limited to annual performance reviews. It’s being in the moment with someone. It’s telling the truth of what you see... and helping them see it too. When we recognize someone for who they are, not just what they do, it creates: Trust Confidence Belonging Momentum It tells them, “You matter. Right now. Just as you are.” And for many people, that’s enough to shift everything. How Vocal Empowerment Starts with Being Seen I’ve worked with countless leaders who don’t need help with strategy... they need to be reminded they have a voice worth sharing. Their ideas aren’t the problem. Their presence is stifled by years of not being heard. And when someone finally says, “I see you. I hear you. I believe you have something valuable to say,”... they rise to the occasion. That’s what witnessing does. That’s what coaching is. And that’s what powerful leadership should include. My Truth About Leadership + Visibility I believe every single person deserves to be put in a position where they are the leader. But leadership is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not about being the loudest or most polished. It’s about being thoughtful about the right kind of visibility... and showing up unapologetically as yourself. We need more leaders who understand this. Who witness others without fixing them. Who show people what’s possible by being real, not rehearsed. How does it feel when someone truly witnesses you... not just your performance, but your presence? And who in your world could use that kind of recognition right now? Say it. Share it. Watch them light up. Try This: A Visibility Icebreaker That Builds Trust Here’s a simple, powerful exercise I love using to open workshops, team meetings, or small groups: Two Truths and a Lie: Leadership Edition Each person shares: Two true things about how they lead, speak, or show up One “lie” they used to believe about themselves Example: ✔ I’m a clear communicator ✔ I make people feel safe when I lead ✖ I’m not good at public speaking (← the old lie) This twist brings visibility and vulnerability together... without putting anyone on the spot. It allows people to own their growth and shift their inner critic by speaking it out loud. Try it. Let me know how it goes with your next team meeting. Coming Next in Part 4: Crafting Connection: Simple Rituals to Help You and Your Team Feel Seen Because being witnessed isn’t a one-time act. It’s a culture. It’s a practice. And it starts with you.
We’ve never been more connected... and never felt so unseen. With a few taps, we can join a Zoom room, drop into a DM, or post something vulnerable for hundreds of people to witness. But there's a disconnect. And in a tech-driven world where everything moves fast and engagement is measured in emoji reactions… are we truly connecting... or just being consumed? “To be recognised, you have to be seen, you have to be heard – and that requires a witnessing that can’t happen in two-second increments.” —— Allison J Pugh in her article The Unseen in Aeon Magazine You can post every day and still feel invisible. You can be in a dozen Slack channels and still feel isolated. You can have 10k followers and feel like no one is really paying attention. Because we’ve built a world where connection is constant... but deep roots are rare. The Pace of Tech vs. the Slowness of Being Seen We scroll fast. We skim emails. We record meetings and never rewatch them. But being seen takes time. It requires presence. Stillness. The very things today’s digital culture works against. And when you’re constantly “on”, but rarely witnessed... it’s easy to feel like you’re disappearing in plain sight. This is especially true for entrepreneurs and leaders. We’re told to post, share, create, show up, stay visible… and yet, we’re rewarded for comments, not true connection. That’s the tension we’re living in... and the one we need to name. Why I Don’t Create for Social (and What I Do Instead) Let’s get honest, social media isn’t the main event... it’s the after-party. The first time someone finds me isn’t on LinkedIn. It’s at a speaking event, on a podcast, or through a referral. Then they follow me on social. Then they join my newsletter. Social media isn’t where I get discovered. It’s where I nurture relationships that already exist. That’s why I don’t create for the algorithm... I write for my community. I share my heart through emails and long-form blog or video content. Then I repurpose it on social... not to “go viral,” but to stay connected. And here’s the magic part: Some of my clients? They’ve been on my list for 6+ years. Never replied to a post. Never commented. And one day... they book a call. Because they’ve been listening the whole time. They were waiting for the right moment.... not the right reel. When Tech Makes You Feel Small But even with that perspective, I still feel it. That sting when you pour your heart into a post and it gets 3 likes. That feeling after a Zoom room full of “great people!”… but the coffee chat that follows doesn't convert to referrals or business. That’s what the fast pace of our digital world does. It makes us visible... but not witnessed. It makes us accessible... but nothing deeper becomes of it. You can have the right lighting, captions, camera angle... and still feel like no one’s really seeing the person behind the post. The Shift: From Performance to Presence The solution isn’t more hustle or noise. It’s more presence. So, if you're feeling invisible right now, even while showing up “everywhere,” hit pause and take a breath. Ask yourself: Am I sharing because I have to, or from a place of inspiration? Am I connecting, or just posting to stay in the feed? Who am I hoping will really see me? Then, choose one way to show up differently this week. Call someone instead of commenting. Write the post that feels inspiring, not strategic. Or close the laptop and go be with real people, even when it feels uncomfortable. Because yes, people are watching... even if they’re silent. But more importantly, you deserve to feel connected, even when tech feels like it's sucking your soul.
