referring clients to other ppdoulas

PostDoula · 04-26-2007, 11:12 PM

Okay, so here's something I'm struggling with....
I've always (& happily!) referred out clients to other doulas if I'm not available. Anyway, this one doula in particular, I've given AT LEAST 6 paying clients to. ....And she has never referred any clients to me. This is just feeling unbalanced and one-sided.
SHOULD I ASK FOR A COMMISSION???
Appreciate any thoughts/feedback! Thanks!

tlcdoula · 04-27-2007, 07:23 PM

I guess I am confused - if you are so busy that you are sending clients her way then why would she need to send any yours? If you were referring several clients to me and I didn't have excessive business then I wouldn't have anyone to refer to you.

I guess I don't get it.

Doula Network of LI · 04-27-2007, 09:04 PM

If I knew how to make that box with quotes I would have pasted that here from the above post.
I have found myself in that situation too, But then I have to say, thank goodness I have that many clients calling me that I am too busy. Perhaps this doula is just starting out, or really needs the money, a small note of thanks would be appropriate but perhaps she doesnt have anyone to send to you.
What will come back to you might not be seen, but perhaps all your client calls are your thanks.
just a thought.

PostDoula · 04-28-2007, 02:16 AM

I should have clarified--I'm actually in a lull. She's booked through the next 5 months.
Sometimes in the past, I've referred clients out because I was booked... But that's NOT the case right now. (I have young ones & I'm currently nursing, so I have somewhat limited availability.) Anyway, I was just feeling a bit discouraged and wishing she could have offered me help as I had done for her when she needed it.
Thanks for the feedback. I know I just need to let it go.

betterbirths · 04-28-2007, 02:56 AM

Maybe a short note to her would be helpful. Tell her you know she is booked out five months and that you have some extra time and are open for referrals. Maybe she thought you were still busy. I think sometimes in the world we live in people get so busy they jsut don't think about what seems so small sometimes like thank you cards and such. We don't always realize it is a bigger deal to someone else

tlcdoula · 04-28-2007, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PostDoula

I should have clarified--I'm actually in a lull. She's booked through the next 5 months.
Sometimes in the past, I've referred clients out because I was booked... But that's NOT the case right now. (I have young ones & I'm currently nursing, so I have somewhat limited availability.) Anyway, I was just feeling a bit discouraged and wishing she could have offered me help as I had done for her when she needed it.
Thanks for the feedback. I know I just need to let it go.

Unfortunately I think the key thing is whether she is turning people away or not. If she isn't that busy then I honestly see no reason for her to have to refer. I would suggest maybe you contact her and just let her know that you have some free time if she has anyone she cannot handle.

Doula Network of LI · 04-28-2007, 05:05 PM

Well.... why didnt you say so lol

Sure, if you arent busy, I would drop her a note saying "just to let you know" FYI kind of thing. "I know I passed some clients on to you and wouldnt you know it I am in a lull... if you have any clients that you cant take on please send them my way" .... nothing wrong with that ! I have had doulas do that with me and honestly, I dont mind. I like it when I have someone to send a client to.
What have you got to lose?

PostDoula · 04-28-2007, 11:43 PM

You guys are right. I'm trying to "re-launch" my practice after being off with the baby...I think sleep deprivation and hormones got the better of me.

I know things will pick up. Thanks though!

gemasita · 05-26-2007, 08:04 PM

I always let the other doulas in the area know if I have a lull. Sometimes, I am too busy to take someone and I'm not sure to call so I know that I like to know if someone else has a lull.

I usually just say, "I don't have any clients for the next month so if you get overbooked, feel free to send people my way."

Then they know that I only expect them to send clients if they can't take them themselves.

DoulaCBE · 05-26-2007, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PostDoula

You guys are right. I'm trying to "re-launch" my practice after being off with the baby...I think sleep deprivation and hormones got the better of me.

I know things will pick up. Thanks though!

She may not know that you're 'Back in action' yet either.
I'd give her the benefit of the doubt and let her know that you're available.

AltHealthMomma · 06-10-2007, 05:02 PM

Definately talk to her about it!! Airing things out will at least give her your viewpoint and you some idea of hers. good luck