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How to Share your Story to Attract Ideal Clients.

Darlene Hawley

The truth is that we connect best when we share stories. So when you open up and share from your heart you start to build a deeper connection with your audience and that allows them to get to know who you are.

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for  online service based business owners

This story was published on ELEPHANTJOURNAL please visit the link and leave a heart, share the article an leave a comment. https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/how-to-share-your-story-to-attract-your-ideal-audience/


When I share with my clients why it’s important to share their story to grow their business and brand, they resist. The thought of sharing and being vulnerable in front of their audience is super scary. I mean after all we’re experts, do we want to share such deep emotions and be so raw with our audience?


I often get asked:


What will people think?


How much should I share?


How vulnerable should I be?


Why would this be important to share?


The truth is that we connect best when we share stories. So when you open up and share from your heart you start to build a deeper connection with your audience and that allows them to get to know who you are.


One of my stories that I share is that I was pregnant in high school.


I graduated from high school and 4 months later became a single mom.


I was determined to raise my son and provide an amazing life for him so I worked hard and got a job in retail and quickly got promoted into management.


I loved the work that I did but I worked crazy hours and missed so much of my son's firsts that I knew I wanted to find a career that would allow me to have a more flexible schedule so I could be home with him more, and be there for all of the important moments.


This is a huge connection story piece for why I started searching for ways to start my own business.


I often hear from my clients that they can relate to this because they’re moms too or because they’ve had jobs that took up too much of their time.


We’ve heard it a million times but people buy from people they know, like and trust.


Sharing your story does just that.


You may not want to hear it but the truth is:


You must start telling your story.


The more open you are the more you will open your audiences hearts and make them lean in and want to learn more.


Here are a few reasons why you should share your story:


1. People want to know the real you.

Not the perfect polished view that everyone posts on social media but the truly authentic and sometimes messy version of you. When you’re vulnerable and share from your heart and connect the puzzle pieces of your life that lead you to why you’re in business and how you came to be on this journey. You’ll start attracting the right people to work with you.


2. People remember stories.

Your audience might not remember everything about how you can help them, or what exactly your program covers but …


when you share how your health was struggling because you stopped taking time for you and you realized that you had to learn how to balance family, work and self-care to live a life of freedom. This is what she will remember because it connects with her where she is at now and brings her into your story.


3. People need connection.

More than anything we’re seeking a deep connection beyond a simple, how are you? Or a “heart” on Instagram. When it comes to how you show up and connect with your audience, you need to build trust and let her know that you “see, hear and get” her. Share what obstacles have come your way (birth, death, breakup) and how you used them to have a breakthrough in your brand.


The best part is that your story is yours alone, it is uniquely a part of you and no one has the same story or experiences to share. Just show up and give from your heart.


You never know how the changes in your life can inspire and completely alter the path for someone else.


This story was published on ELEPHANTJOURNAL please visit the link and leave a heart, share the article an leave a comment. https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/how-to-share-your-story-to-attract-your-ideal-audience/



Are you ready to turn your passion into your dream business and start achieving your desired income goals so that you can free up your time and do what matters most?

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  • The six areas to focus in on to become clear on what your niche is so you can start attracting clients.
  • What parts of your story to share and why they are a key part of connecting with your audience.
  • How to share your message so that you can attract your ideal clients and stand out in an overcrowded market space.

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10 Effective Communication Tips

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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 February 18, 2025
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley chats with her long-time friend Danielle Hawthorne, a compassionate disruptor and truth teller devoted to honoring her worth and supporting others on their journey. Danielle shares her path to founding 'Worthy of Dignity,' a company dedicated to teaching leaders to recognize and elevate their teams based on their core values and holistic well-being. Discover how Danielle's experiences in toxic work environments led her to prioritize health and wellness, reducing burnout, and increasing team morale. Learn actionable insights on how leaders can foster inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Don't miss exciting details about Danielle's upcoming women's conference, 'Enough 2025,' aimed at empowering women to embrace their worth without having to earn it. Tune in for powerful stories, practical tips, and much more! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Danielle's Journey to Worthy of Dignity 03:09 Impact of Leadership and Wellness 05:45 Creating a Culture of Value and Respect 13:23 Leading with Curiosity and Human Connection 16:55 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 17:36 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 18:48 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 19:21 The Importance of Rest and Setting Boundaries 21:46 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 25:47 Upcoming Women's Conference: Enough 2025 29:04 Ways to Work with Danielle 30:06 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Danielle 35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
By Darlene Hawley February 4, 2025
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By Darlene Hawley January 20, 2025
Discover the transformative journey of overcoming fear with Kori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, on the latest episode of the "Attract and Stand Out" podcast. Dive into how adults can conquer their fear of water through tailored mental and physical training. Learn how the life lessons from swimming extend beyond the pool, helping individuals build confidence and personal growth. Perfect for anyone interested in personal development, adult swim education, and the psychology of overcoming fear. Listen now to uncover powerful insights and strategies for embracing your unique path.
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.
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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.
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