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I speak at many childbirth education classes about doulas in general, not about *me*.
I am on (and active!) our county's Perinatal Council and Breastfeeding Coalition, both open to anyone and a great way to meet professionals.
I query local childrens and health/wellness publications and ask if I can write something for them. Currently I have a piece titled "A New Mother's Needs," that will be published in a local magazine next month. It doesn't talk about doulas, but I do mention I work with pregnant and birthing moms. In my bio note is my contact info and my title.
I speak whenever and wherever I can. The last two years I have spoken at our community baby shower. The first year it was "Getting started with Breastfeeding," the second year it was "10 Tips to an Easier Labor."
I keep the midwives and OBs offices stocked with my cards and brochures.
I write thank you notes to the docs I work with if I have not had a birth with them prior.
I have a "brag book" I take with me everywhere that shows pics of my clients and has some quotes they have made about me.
I organize local doula meet-ups and open houses, "Meet the Doulas" type things.
I heard a midwife say once, "If only all the doulas were listed on one brochure..." so I took that up and made the brochure myself. I could see offering to do this as a great way to get to know a practitioner better.
My doula trainer had something published in ID about 18 ways to promote your business for free, let me see what she says:
1. Select a business name that says what you do, i.e. A Better Birth DOula Service says more than Connie's Doula Service.
2. When articles apper about the perinatal period, write letters to the editor.
3. Make it a habit to send personal notes often. Doctors and nurses and midwives work hard.
4. Establish a presence online.
5. Barter,
6. Use postcards, you save on postage, and they are usually read since there is no envelope.
7. Write a newsletter. (I have done this and tucked in into my brochures).
8. Become active in doula organizations.
9. Teach a class, 15 ways to avoid cesarean birth, etc.
10. Wear clothing with your business name on it
11. Find a way to offer something for free, a newsletter, a massage, a video or infant massage session after baby is born.
12. Establish a cooperative relationship with someone whose business complements yours -- masage therapist, Kindermusik, maternity store.
13. Give presentations on doulas -- Barnes and Noble sells books while you do a presentationa on birth.
14. Advertise with your vehicle.
15. Use a logo.
P.S. Include an importatn message in the P.S. in letters you write. P.S. is often read first!
Taken from International DOula, writeen by Connie Sultana.
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