Attending Baby Fairs, Expos & ShowsConversation surrounding the details of organizing your own table to host at an event.
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I saw a comment in another thread about being careful not to be too "paper fussy/info junkie". That's something that I probably wouldn't have thought about and then covered my table in info ....
So, do you have any suggestions of what not to do? Seen something that you thought was pretty out there?
The reason I'm asking is I've just found out our very small, rural area is holding a "Mummy's Market" in a couple of weekends time. It won't be as upmarket as some of the ones I've seen described in this section, but it's the first opportunity for exposure I've had.
Don't sit on a chair behind the table the whole time. Especially don't sit on a chair with a colleague beside you also sitting on a chair while you chat to each other. No one will talk to you. It looks like you're bored and don't want to be there.
It's much better to stand beside or in front of your table ready to say something friendly but not pushy to anyone who looks your way. Having *some* paper is a good idea, but not nothing but. Having things people can pick up and touch will encourage them to approach you.
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Doula, CBE, Placenta Lady
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Don't sit on a chair behind the table the whole time. Especially don't sit on a chair with a colleague beside you also sitting on a chair while you chat to each other. No one will talk to you. It looks like you're bored and don't want to be there.
I know this seems obvious to some - but this is what I would have done if you hadn't pointed that out. I'm more of a "I don't want to be pushy, so I'll wait over here" type of person.
You could have some sort of activity as a draw.
My daughter and I would "do henna" on each other to generate interest at fairs. Those who just wanted to watch were a captive audience and those who lined up to have "it done" were a captive audience as well.
Our tip jar had a sign stating all tips were donated to the local doula org and I had an easle and cork board with for doula info.
People attending these events are thinking about what they can get. They don't care about what you can do, only what they can get. So give them that.
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This isn't a "what not to do," but it does tend to work... do a drawing for something (a service or a pregnancy-associated product), and on the entry form, include a "I'm interested in learning more about a birth doula." Check Yes or No. You can have up to 4 questions to answer, and most people will answer them. That way you may end up with leads as well - or at least you know who NOT to contact :o)
__________________ Maggie, CD(DONA)
Please do not use my words or opinions in any other forum, blog, social media (or anywhere else) without my written consent.
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I would consider wearing something to make you stant out. A t-shirt with your logo? I have a T that says DOULA that I wear to events. It is a greta conversation starter. Good luck!
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A give away is good even bottles of water on summer days will draw the pregnant moms to you. Also a couple of birth balls will generate interest as people will want to know what they are for ect.
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Marilyn Alger
CD(DONA) HCHI, Hypnodoula www.novadoula.com
Proudly serving the Northern Virginia area since 1992
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A give away is good even bottles of water on summer days will draw the pregnant moms to you. Also a couple of birth balls will generate interest as people will want to know what they are for ect.
I think the birth balls are a fabulous idea! To see someone sitting/bouncing on a birthball in a front of a stall would draw attention. You could even offer the pregnant mamas a try (have an extra one or two).
I get really turned off when people launch into a spiel about THEM and their business. People feel more drawn to chat to you if you ask questions about THEM and show an interest in their situation, you can then weave your services into that discussion at the appropriate time.
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Birth Addict
(Formerly known as "Doula Sara")
Try not to scare the soon-to-be moms that are having hospital birth (too much). I haven't done a fair yet, but this is a big thing when I am talking to people about doulaing. It is so easy to go on a scary tangent and most moms are worried enough already.
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Wendie
On the Doula path. One foot in front of the other.
Location: Los Angeles, CA, actually I live in Culver City which is totally different.
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You could create a sign up for a free/or $5 "class" on comfort measures and info on Doula Support. That way you would get the contact info, first meeting, etc, of pregnant moms. That gets you in the door.
As for visuals, I like bringing my birth bag and a birth ball. Sitting/bouncing on the birth ball is way better than on a chair with your arms folded. And the gadgets in my birth bag are enough to add interest to the table. Just be careful! People might thing that they are give-a-ways. Make sure it's marked that they are for display only.
My daughters school is having a flea market/vendor fair. I want to get a table for my doula business. I'm not really sure what to include on the table. I like the idea of a birth ball but don't you get a lot of kids wanting to bounce on it for fun?
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Mary Wolfe
toLabor trained birth doula
Working on Certification
my doula collective is meeting tomorrow night to talk about a baby fair next month. thanks for all of the good ideas. we'll wear our tees w/ logo, give away chocolate, play w/ rebozos, maybe give-away a book, offer hand massage to pregnant moms. and we made a big banner sign w/ our logo at vistaprint.
Just a note of caution: if you are going to allow pregnant moms and others to try out a birth ball, make sure they are well supported by you and a partner as they lower themselves on to the ball, while they are on the ball, and when they get back up.
When I go to fairs, I have some very easy to read quick info posted behind me (basically four pictures with one sentence under each picture to discuss breastfeeding). On my table I have a postcard with some tips about breastfeeding or baby care that they can pick up and take home, some kind of chatchke or sample that has my business name and phone number, a brochure and business card. I also have a portable DVD player showing a loop of breastfeeding or Happiest Baby (I keep the sound down unless someone looks very interested in hearing the audio). I also have a doll and do demonstrations of swaddling, slinging and cloth diapers. I also bring my calendar and some new client packets with copies of my contract to give to more serious inquirers. Lastly, I bring a live Gerber Daisy (my logo) to decorate the table. At the end of the day I give that daisy and some extra brochures to the nurses or manager at the hospital or location where the baby fair is being held.
To clarify, I am not a labor doula. I am a postpartum doula and breastfeeding counselor.
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