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You Do Not Need Another Course To Be Successful in Business

Darlene Hawley

Things have shifted and we want (and need) to buy and be sold to because of mission-driven business models, from people that are making a huge impact and are in alignment with our values, we can see that change needs to happen and we know we have to be willing to take action and not just talk the talk but walk the walk and show up consistently.

{Poolside Muses} been there and got the t-shirt


This summer I am writing you poolside from my backyard each week, with no agenda, no schedule, no strategic plan, just random thoughts that spark my soul to help you create a profitable business. I hope you enjoy my poolside muses.

We just drove back into town from a long weekend in Vegas I’m now lounging by the pool enjoying the slightly cooler temps that So Cal has compared to Vegas. My husband had tickets to see one of his favorite bands Puscifer (no one ever has heard of them…lol) and then we scored owner box seats on Fremont street to see Shaggy on Saturday night.

I had so much fun and it was nice to get out and be social. I hope you’re enjoying that carved-out white space in your schedule too.

———

As I lounge here trying to decide what to write the words…"You do not need another course". Keep swimming in my mind.

You do not need another course.

I promise you the quick fix you think you're going to get, is not the solution you’ve been searching for.

I know this because I’ve been there … I even have the t-shirt to prove it … several actually.

There was a point in my coaching career when I bought so many courses … all of them promised me exactly what I thought I needed at the moment to push me to the next level.

And guess what.

I bought the course.

And yes, you guessed it.

It left me more confused and more stuck than before I even started.

Often the community aspect was great, and I would build some great friendships and strategic alliance partnerships (the connector in me shines in community). In the end, there was little to no access to the coach, with who I thought I would be working with, and the content was stuff I already knew (and rarely did it have a cool spin on it).

What I really needed was 1:1 support. Someone I could open up to and share what was coming up for me, who would ask some great questions, give a quick shift in perception, some extra accountability, and occasionally some tough love.

This is why I always include 1:1 support in all of the ways I support my clients.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I recently clicked a link for someone's sales funnel because I’m human, and occasionally the marketing is so dang good I want to see what they're selling and how they're selling it.

As I followed along on all of the 30+ marketing emails I’ve been receiving and deleting the past few weeks. I realized that so much of the messaging was playing to fear and how that can trap so many of us into feeling desperate. So desperate that we end up signing up because we need results fast and we feel like if we don't hit the buy now button we'll never be successful.

I know it's part of the reason that I’ve signed up for $20k+ in courses that I’ve taken.

Fear-based selling is so 2003.

When fear sells it’s because it’s part of some scarcity tactic, filling us with false hope, tons of inner critic chatter telling us we are not worthy or we need to learn more and often it pulls up so much trauma and shame that we hold on to (and usually are unconscious of).

And it’s got to change.

Things have shifted and we want (and need) to buy and be sold to because of mission-driven business models, from people that are making a huge impact and are in alignment with our values, we can see that change needs to happen and we know we have to be willing to take action and not just talk the talk but walk the walk and show up consistently.

We also see the benefit of why we need something and feel connected to who we’re buying from because they show up as their authentic self, build connections, and are relatable.

So the next time you get sucked into a fear-based marketing campaign.

Slow things down, take a breath and do the work to uncover if it’s truly what you need.

And get curious by asking yourself, is there any truth to why I’m feeling the way that I am right now? And do I already have the answers within me and I just need to sit still and listen and trust that I know how to move forward and take the next step.

And if you uncover you do need to learn something new make sure it’s exactly what you need and from people you know, like and trust so that you can make massive impact in the world.

Read the blog

Explore working together

Listen to Attract & Stand Out Podcast


✨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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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 »
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