2012 Goal Setting for Doulas, Part 4

Previously in this series on 2012 Goal Setting for Doulas, I have referenced a “marketing calendar.” Here is an excerpt from my plan, focused on the professional training aspect of my business.

Goal: Sell at least one Postpartum Home Visitor Training in 2012.

History: new program has been sketched out and description is on website; one party has expressed interest; none sold to date. Why is this a good goal for me? Because (a) it has the potential to increase my annual income by $3,000 per gig; (b) it would be a fun class to teach; (c) it would expand my reputation/visibility throughout the state and thereby increase interest in other programs my business offers; (d) has the potential to go national; and (e) has built-in continuity, meaning buyers will come back for more on a regular basis as new staff need to be trained. So, all in all, a good business goal for me, though admittedly one of several.

Action Step: Create list of contacts who form potential market for this program (by end of January).

  • pull current contacts from my database
  • brainstorm additional contacts with Wise Woman Group
  • generate list, with contact information

Action Step: Speak with leaders in the field (marketing research) (by end of February)

  • create list of questions: current training used, training gaps, biggest areas of challenge, training budgets, cooperative possibilities

Action Step: Develop foot-in-the-door strategy (by end of March)

  • refine existing program content, sales copy, and pricing structure, based on feedback from leaders in the field
  • brainstorm attention-getting strategies (use both Master Mind groups for help)
  • identify plan for implementation of marketing strategy
Action Step: Implement the plan (by end of April)
  • target three top contacts with proposal/sales strategy
  • have student intern generate comprehensive mailing list of home visitor programs throughout the State
And so on …
It’s all about how to get from point A to point B. All journeys begin with one step! I hope you have found this series of blogs helpful and inspiring. To keep yourself on track, join me for my “Building Your Birth-Related Business” full-day workshop, offered this coming May, wherein I will be sharing MUCH more on the subject of marketing your doula business.

The Doula Business Advisor blog is designed to support the establishment and long-term sustainability of private doula businesses. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on January 24, 2012 • Filed under Doula Business Advisor
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