Anyone have a potential client say they would call?

lovebirthdoula · 04-03-2007, 02:50 PM

A few months ago I met a woman while I was shopping in Wal Mart. She followed me a few aisles and finally approcached me and asked if I was "the doula" and I smiled and said yes that I was (a woman at the local consignment shop had described me, but couldn't remember my first name). She went on to tell me about her first two births that were horrible (her words) and really wanted a doula for this upcoming birth. She asked if she could meet with me in the next couple of days and I told her that it would indeed be possible and that she should give me a call and that we could set up a meeting.

So anyway, a few days go by and then a week and still no call. I figured she changed her mind, no biggie. The next day I run into her as I'm loading my car with groceries, she runs up to me and tells me that she really wants to meet with me soon and that she hadn't forgotten to call, so again I tell her that sounds great and that she should give me a call at her convience. She goes on to tell me that she's already spoken to her husband and he's on board and just wants to meet me.

Another 2 weeks go by and still no call and on day my dh calls me and tells me that he was at the education center signing up for some classes and there was a woman there, and she asked him if his wife was the doula, he told her yes that was me and that if she was interested to give me a call. Long story short she didn't call at all I ended up running into her one last time the day beofre she was to be induced, she said "well I don't think I'll need you afterall".

It was crazy because I wasn't the one persuing her. I wasn't upset or anything just found it kinda strange. This happen to anyone else?

delightfuldoula · 04-04-2007, 02:14 AM

Similar things have happened to me. I have DOULA on my licensce plate, so I get asked about what I do a lot. I say what you said and leave it open, but if I have a pen handy I take the person's info down and then either call or send out a hello letter to check in and see if they are still interested in my services. Usually I wait 1-2 weeks, or shorter if I know they are close to due date. If after the letter I still don't hear anything, then I drop it and move on.

doula Michele · 04-04-2007, 08:29 AM

Yeah it happens. Some people just procrastinate and never geta round to it. Some I guess just cannot decide if thats what they really want to do after all.

Acacia · 04-04-2007, 09:18 AM

That is irritating, but with pregnancy brain I can totally see how it could happen! Maybe you could get her info without being pushy? I know this lady has already had her baby, but I am thinking about if this happens in the future. Maybe if someone comes up to you and talks to you and is very interested you could ask for her name and address and let her know that you would love to send her some information (a brochure, business card etc.) then you have strengthened a contact and it is hard to ignore or forget about a hard copy of something sitting in front of you! I don't think this is tacky since she is the one that has approached you!

RAnderson · 04-04-2007, 10:02 AM

I will 'exchange' email addresses and get in contact with the woman within a week. I think some women need a little nudge. They might be riding the fence a bit, and you showing that extra interest in them personally sometimes makes a difference. Of course you have to be careful to not be pushy - like if after 2 emails or calls they don't respond I don't keep trying.

The hard part for me is hearing about a woman's less than ideal birth that didn't choose me as their doula. They've all ended in inductions and assisted deliveries. Sometimes I will put the women on my 'email list' and send out informative emails on things like induction or epidurals that I find in the news. Women just need the info!

This is a hard situation, but we can only do so much. I hope that one day every women will know what a doula is!

DoulaYvonne · 04-04-2007, 12:42 PM

That's too bad. This post made me think about times when we are unsure about something and perpetuate the ruse that there is a chance, KWIM?

I was in a mall yesterday, when I passed by a kiosk that sells hair straightening iron. The woman called out to me as I walked by but I kept going. I then had to pass by her again and then my dd seemed interested in it too. So, we get suckered into chatting with the saleslady about the iron and dd gets a few passes done on her hair-she's loving it! Well, then we hear the price! $140!!!
No way, not for that! So, I kinda feel guilty for taking up this person's time, granted it was prolly 10 minutes, but still it's just how I am. And we are not buying the iron.

I know this is a different situation and you weren't "selling" her or persuing her. I guess some people just can't say "no".