Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams

Grab the Communication Guide

Do These 11 Things to Reach Your Goal

Darlene Hawley

We often train ourselves to celebrate when we sign the client, get invited to be a guest on a podcast but what would it look like for you to acknowledge some of the steps along the way that support you in creating a business and life you love.

This week in my home I shared with my daughter a big lesson on why it’s so important to celebrate the steps we take to reach a goal not just the outcome of the goal.

 

My daughter, Alana (10 yrs at the time) tried out for her elementary school dance team. It sounds like a simple thing to do but she has major anxiety when it comes to anything with her being visible and seen in front of her peers.

 

Here’s what was involved with her tryout:

 

  • record a 15-second video and submit an online application
  • 3 days of dance practice at the school
  • Hours of practicing her dance at home
  • Tryouts in small groups
  • 24 hours of anticipation to find out if she would make it
  • And then Friday we received a gracious letter from the dance team leaders that unfortunately she was not selected to be on the team this year.

 

After many tears, cuddles, and hugs I told her how proud of her I was and that I was mostly proud because she pushed herself way outside of her comfort zone and tried out even though she was scared.

 

We celebrated all of her accomplishments and went out for a giant cup of fro-yo.

 

This is the exact reason I have my clients not just celebrate the big wins each week but really celebrate all the steps you accomplished to get closer to your goal.

We don't always get invited to be on the dance team or asked to be on the big named podcast and that is okay.

The fact that we tried and we continue to move forward after dusting ourselves off is HUGE!

 

These are a few wins my clients have had over the past few weeks (feel free to grab these strategies and celebrate once you check them off too)…

 

  • Pitching yourself to be on a big named podcast
  • Sharing tips on social media to help someone you barely know, get unstuck
  • Reaching out to a large organization that you would like to present a workshop for
  • Asking a local women’s networking group how to apply to be a speaker 
  • Following up with an email or a BombBomb video to find out if a prospect is ready to move forward
  • Recording personalized videos to invite to your upcoming retreat or mastermind
  • Having hard conversations with spouses and coworkers
  • Asking for a testimonial from a client for your website
  • Restructuring an offer so that it feels more in alignment
  • Admitting when you make a mistake
  • Connecting with a business leader on LinkedIn that you want to get to know better, admire or want to work with
     

I’m curious what step or steps have you taken so far this week that deserves to be celebrated?

We often train ourselves to celebrate when we sign the client, get invited to be a guest on a podcast but what would it look like for you to acknowledge some of the steps along the way that support you in creating a business and life you love.

Pro Tip: Keep mini champagne bottles in your fridge or a box of delicious sugar-free dark chocolate in the cupboard so you can celebrate anytime.


Ps. It's time to get clear on what your visibility strategies will look like as you close out the year and hit 2023 and beyond with my support Learn More + Book Your Chat


Pss. Looking to get a way and work on your business without all the daily distractions. Join us for the Raising Ones Impact Retreat this Spring.  Get the details here!

✨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
darlene hawley
By Darlene Hawley October 22, 2025
How do you lead, sell, and grow in a world where the old playbook no longer works? Learn how to evolve your message and strategy for lasting impact.
 Malvika Jethmalani and Darlene Hawley
By Darlene Hawley September 29, 2025
Explore how career pivots and technological advancements like AI can reshape business landscapes and personal journeys.
By Darlene Hawley September 29, 2025
When you're talking but no one's listening. Have you ever introduced yourself at a networking event… only to feel like people’s eyes glazed over? One of my clients put it perfectly: “Darlene, I share who I am and what I do, but it feels like I’m invisible. People nod politely and then move on.” She had so much value to offer. In fact, she is amazing at what she did. Yet, her introduction was all over the place. Some days she was talking to potential clients, other days to possible collaborators, and sometimes even she wasn’t sure what her main point was. And that’s why it felt like no one was listening. Why This Happens It’s not because you’re not experienced enough. It’s not because you’re not interesting enough. It’s because without clarity about who your audience is in the room and what you really want to say, your voice gets lost in the shuffle of business cards and conversations. Networking rooms are full of people competing for attention. If your message doesn’t connect directly... if it doesn’t make them pause, lean in and say, “Tell me more” ... it disappears before they even leave the event. The Shift When this client and I worked together, the first thing we did was get crystal clear about: Who she most wanted to reach in the room. What those people actually cared about. How her work specifically helped them. Once she had that clarity, her introductions started sounding different... more direct, more alive, more her. And the result? People leaned in. Instead of walking away, they asked questions. They followed up after the event. They booked time with her. Because when you find your voice and know exactly who you’re talking to, you stop being forgettable. You become someone people can’t ignore. This is exactly what we’ll be diving into in Session 1 of my Attract & Stand Out Framework: Getting clear on who your audience is. Knowing what you want to say. Communicating how you help in a way that truly connects... whether you’re introducing yourself in a room or on stage. It’s not just about having the words, it’s about the confidence to say them out loud too... with presence, authority, and ease. If you’ve been walking out of networking events feeling overlooked, let this be a gentle nudge: ~ You don’t need to try harder. ~ You don’t need to stuff more into your intro. ~ You need clarity... on your audience, your message, and your voice. That’s where visibility begins. That’s how you go from overlooked to unforgettable. Think about the last time you introduced yourself at a networking event. Could the right person in the room... your dream client or collaborator... hear you and say: “That’s me. She gets it”? ________________________________________________________ 🌀 Nervous System Regulator: The 4-7-8 Reset Feeling that anxious butterfly sensation before you introduce yourself? Try this right before you speak: Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this 3–4 times. It only takes a minute, but it tells your nervous system: You’re safe. You’ve got this. When your body is calm, your voice comes through with more presence and power... and people remember you. ✨ Ready to stop feeling overlooked at networking events? Download my free guide, 6 Steps to Attract & Stand Out, and discover how to clarify your message, show up with confidence, and connect with the people who matter most. Grab it here »
quote of what client said about Darlene Hawley
By Darlene Hawley September 24, 2025
Discover how Laurie Itkin, CDFA and founder of The Options Lady, refined her messaging, raised her rates, and attracted high-value clients with clarity and confidence.
Darlene Hawley at uncle nearest distillary
By Darlene Hawley September 18, 2025
had the honor of attending the first-ever C-Sweet Annual Summit in Shelbyville, Tennessee—hosted at the breathtaking Uncle Nearest Distillery.
By Darlene Hawley September 18, 2025
Explore the journey of leadership strategist and executive coach Ellin Sidell as she shares her unique insights on influence and leadership.
Darlene Hawley standing confidently, championing women’s voices and leadership.
By Darlene Hawley September 16, 2025
Even the most talented women can struggle to speak up in high-stakes moments. Vocal empowerment helps leaders move from self-doubt to bold communication.
Darlene Hawley and Ellen R
By Darlene Hawley September 2, 2025
Discover key leadership strategies to empower Gen Z in your organization through effective communication and mentorship.
Show More

Say Hello & Send Me a Message~