Tips for doulas having a table at a baby fair
One way to grow your business and connect with potential clients is by participating in baby expos. Having a vendor table at a baby expo can be an excellent way to showcase your services and connect with parents-to-be. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind when setting up your table. Here are a few tips to help you have a successful experience as a vendor at a baby expo.
1. Plan and prepare in advance
Before the day of the event, make sure to plan and prepare everything you need for your booth. This includes creating marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, business cards, or any other informative resources that you think would interest attendees. Bring enough copies of all necessary materials so that you will not run out, and ensure that your branding is consistent
2. Offer discounts: Offer special discounts or promotions for customers who buy from you at the fair. This will incentivize them to purchase from you instead of a competitor.
3. Be approachable: Smile and greet everyone who passes by your booth. Be approachable and ready to answer any questions customers may have.
4. Collect email addresses by having a raffle prize. You might feature a basket filled with your favorite products or maybe a gift certificate for a massage as a raffle prize. You could possibly do a gift certificate for 20% off your services or a spot in an upcoming class you are teaching. Ask everyone who passes by if they’d like the chance to enter to win. Have entry forms to collect names, email addresses and maybe even due dates. Focus on building ongoing relationships as much as, if not more than, instant sales. You may only have 20 seconds to make a connection. That’s not long enough to book a birth client on the spot. However, it might be long enough to gather a potential customer’s coveted email address. Lead with, “Would you like to enter my raffle to win a free childbirth education class?” While they are filling out your entry form, you can tell them how awesome you are and what sets you apart from other doulas. This might give them enough time to think of a question and then you have a conversation going with a valuable customer.
My most important tip is is to be Proactive and Open. If you are sitting in the back of your booth checking your phone, you are not approachable. Stand up. Smile. Be the first to speak. If you know you can’t stand all day, bring a stool. Don’t sit in a low chair since nearly everyone you will be speaking to will be standing as they walk around the show. Stay at their eye level. Be friendly.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with the other vendors at the Expo. Another great way to build your business is by connecting with the other people who are also exhibiting at the show. Use this as a chance to build your referral network. Networking with the other birth professionals is one of the biggest benefits of buying a booth at a Baby Expo. Being a paid exhibitor gives you instant credibility and sets you apart as a doula who is serious about serving the community. Use this chance to connect with the local midwives, OBs, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, etc. in your area. Introduce yourself, briefly explain your mission, and ask if you can have some of their business cards to hand out to your clients and see if they will do the same in exchange.
