Blog Post


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

Business vs. Brand

Darlene Hawley

Your Brand is the heart of your business

Business vs. Brand

Let’s discuss what the difference is when creating a Business verses a Brand.

Your brand is not an extension of the business, it’s the heart. It is not just about color, photos and font.

A lot of times we get confused and think that our business is who we are, but in reality, your business is just the product, service or program you sell.

YOU are your Brand and You’re what sells. It is what is unique, special and different about you and makes you stand out from your competition.

In short~

Your Business= Product or Service you sell

Your Brand= Is the full experience of working with you.

When we work together I help you uncover what makes you different from anyone else in your market, what your brand story is, and how to market yourself so you can become an incredible brand, and boost your impact, income, and influence in the world.

When you focus on creating an experience, it allows you room to grow and expand your business.

We are human, we are all meant to grow. You will not teach the exact same things that you teach now for the rest of your life. You will grow and shift as a person.

When you focus on your brand you don’t have to rebrand every six months.

It allows you to organically grow your business and your experience and products come along with you. When you focus on you being your brand you’ll attract the big picture.

When your sharing your story and people are really listening to you, you will create fans that want to stay with you and listen to what you have to say. Fans then turn into clients, and clients allow you the chance to make an impact.

Ask yourself. What impact do I want my brand to have?

Remember to share stories about yourself. Storytelling makes you memorable. As humans we remember story, it allows a memorable relationship to form with others and we can make a connection to one another.

When your customers remember and connect with you through story they will remember you. Even when they are not ready to buy, they will come back to you when ready. You will have already make a connection with them.

In a time where everything happening feels like a reality TV show, we are craving more REAL connection with each other.

Your customers are human, they just want to build trust with you. Focus on giving them an experience, more now than you ever have before.

It is so important to convey your purpose or mission. People want to know why you’re in business and they want to relate to you.

It all comes down to relatability. If they relate to the story you share they will start to form a relationship with you. And people do business with those they know, like and trust.


Ps. Ready to uncover what makes you different from anyone else in your market, what your brand story is, and how to market yourself so you can become an incredible brand, and boost your impact, income, and influence in the world. Reach out so we can schedule a free clarity call.

10 Effective Communication Tips

I offer 1:1 Executive Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.

SUBMIT AN INTEREST APPLICATION TODAY

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 January 6, 2025
Reflect on 2025, choose a transformative Word of the Year, and unlock success in the new year. Discover how 'Trust' fuels growth, leadership, and your personal brand.
By Darlene Hawley December 6, 2024
Struggling with imposter syndrome even after years of success? Discover how leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and confidently share their expertise, personal brand, and client results. In this post, learn proven strategies to showcase your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, transform testimonials into credibility boosters, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. By embracing your unique value, you’ll strengthen your personal brand, inspire trust, and drive sustainable business growth—proving that your “big brain” belongs front and center in your leadership journey.
By Darlene Hawley November 26, 2024
How Practicing Gratitude Can Recharge Leaders and Strengthen Business Connections
By Darlene Hawley November 21, 2024
Struggling with poor workplace communication? Discover actionable strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and listening at our holiday-themed Leadership Roundtable for HR leaders and executives.
A confident woman speaker addressing a group
By Darlene Hawley November 13, 2024
In this blog, we address practical strategies for overcoming nerves when speaking to senior or higher-titled audiences. Learn how to conquer imposter syndrome and boost your public speaking confidence when presenting to executives or experienced professionals. We explore common challenges, such as feeling unprepared, facing self-doubt, and managing industry jargon, and provide actionable tips to help you speak with authority, command respect, and leave a powerful impression. Ideal for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and emerging speakers looking to communicate confidently with high-level audiences.
By Darlene Hawley November 5, 2024
Join Darlene Hawley in Episode 104 of the Attract and Stand Out podcast, featuring Brenda Barbour, co-host of the Body Wealth Podcast. In this episode, they discuss the power of storytelling in health advocacy, overcoming personal health challenges, and practical self-care strategies. Discover how Brenda's inspiring journey and community-focused approach support Black women’s mental and physical well-being. Learn tips for finding your health flow, setting boundaries, and taking action toward well-being. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, inspiration, and actionable insights for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
By Darlene Hawley October 30, 2024
Learn how to handle tough criticism with confidence and turn feedback into a tool for growth. In this blog, we share practical strategies for embracing constructive criticism, separating your work from your worth, and building a growth mindset to strengthen your leadership skills. Discover how to respond thoughtfully to feedback and use it as a stepping stone to success.
By Darlene Hawley October 21, 2024
Master Strategies for Staying Calm, Confident, and In Control When Facing Tough or Unexpected Questions in Business Meetings and Presentations
picture of Darlene Hawley speaking to an audience
By Darlene Hawley October 11, 2024
Learn practical strategies to overcome the fear of speaking up in high-stakes meetings and presentations. Discover how to manage public speaking anxiety, build confidence, and make a lasting impact with your voice in important professional situations
Show More

Say Hello & Send Me a Message~

Share by: