Blog Post
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
Create Your Brand Story So You Can Stand Out Online
Darlene Hawley
Sharing your story is the easiest way to set yourself apart from the competition and stand out in an overcrowded market.
Sharing your story is the easiest way to set yourself apart from the competition and stand out in an overcrowded market. It’s your secret weapon, as no one else has a story exactly like you do, so it’s important to share from your heart and use your life experiences to differentiate yourself to grow your brand and business.
When I started sharing my story online that was when my business changed and I was able to start connecting at a deeper level with my audience and take my business to the next level. I want that for you too.
You'll learn:
- 3 reasons why most people are afraid to share their story.
- Why using story in your messaging connects at a deeper level with your ideal client.
- The difference in knowing when you should share a story versus when you should hold off
- My signature framework for Creating Your Brand Story so you can quickly identify which stories to share and which pieces are the key to telling your story.
5 Steps to Frame Your Story
1. Brainstorm-
Get out a blank piece of paper and write down every single thing that you can think of about your life and go back as far as you remember. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind.
2. Ask yourself these 4 questions with each story you wrote down in your brainstorm session.
- what happened
- how you were impacted
- what changed for you and
- what lessons you learned
3. Then I want you to find 3 connecting pieces that you feel got you to where you’re at today.
Circle those. examples from my story... Single mom working 60+ hours, losing my mom suddenly and knowing I needed to live my life my way, life is short, starting my business to allow more flexibility in my schedule.
4. It's not just about you, now you have to look at who your audience is.
Do your market research, and ask them these 4 questions.
- what is their biggest struggle/pain
- what do they desire
- what is standing in their way
- what needs to happen to get them from struggle to desire
5. Pull it all together.
Now you can start to build your brand story based off what you learned in steps 1-4. You started your business and you have an amazing story to share.
Remember your story is not cookie cutter and it shouldn't sound like everyone else. Your story is uniquely yours as its based off of all of your life lessons.
Need help sharing your story? I would love to help you craft your story in a way that attracts your dream clients.
Ps. Join my colleague, @AlexiaVernon for her LIVE virtual workshop Thursday Nov 21st @ 10am PST: How to Create an Amazeballs Speaking Pitch. Lex will show you how to articulate your ‘secret sauce’ so that event organizers, meeting planners and corporate leaders are eager to book you to speak. Whether you are brand new to speaking (or have never spoken but want to) or are a more seasoned speaker, you will learn to articulate what makes you and your ideas stand out, so you can get yourself booked in front of the right audiences in 2020! This is a free, live virtual workshop.
Save your seat here!
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.
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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