Last week I spoke to one of my new recruits at The Calm Birth School and as we chatted about what her aspirations for her business were, she shared with me a comment made to her during her training that made my blood boil.  One of her fellow trainees asked the course leader if it was possible for her to make a living as a hypnobirthing practitioner (you could substitute hypnobirthing for doula, baby massage, infant sleep consultant, basically any baby business, unfortunately) and the resounding answer was no.

Her coach told her very few people make an actual living from hypnobirthing.  What she should do is wait for people to find her and then put on classes as word of mouth grows.


So look, I’m not going to lie to you, very few instructors do make a living from their chosen baby business field, but why?  Not because people aren’t interested or don’t want to invest, or don’t want to buy, but because of bloody crap advice like this!

Don’t market yourself.  Wait for people to find you.  Wait for word of mouth.  If that’s your strategy then, of course, it’ll take millennia to build a business.

Here’s the truth, building a business doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes time, persistence, balls, tenacity, networking, mindset, marketing and usually a group of sisters to lift you up when you want to stick your head in the oven.  Yes, that happens (or your version of) whenever you want to move beyond your comfort zone.

So, no, I’m not saying it’s easy.  But I am saying sitting on your backside hoping that the magical mind-reading fairy will plop your website into the consciousness of the client who desperately needs help from you and only you is bad bloody advice.  It’s also a powerful negative suggestion.

The fact that we educate people on the power of words and hierarchy was not missed on me.  What kind of message was that trainer putting out?

Top 5 Tips on How to Build Your Baby Business

  1. Believe you can

I know this might feel like a fluffy thing to begin with, but honestly, it’s not.  Let’s say, for example, you would like to fill your classes or training with 5 couples every month and at the moment you are only receiving an enquiry every other month.  Without the belief you can have full classes, there’s no motivation to actually get up and consistently do the work to market your business.

Why would you approach more than one person to go and speak at their pregnancy yoga group?  Why would you share your thoughts and beliefs on a live stream?

Why would you invest in training to help you understand all of the things you don’t know if you don’t truly believe you can get there?

If this has already struck a chord with you and you’re wondering why it is you don’t believe in yourself, then know that you’re not alone.  Most new practitioners, instructors, everyone starts off questioning whether they are really good enough for X, or deserve to have Y.  Whilst this is normal, it’s actually BS.  Know that by virtue of the education you invested in on your training, there are people out there (a lot of them) who don’t want bells, whistles, and gurus who know everything, they want, need and will be happy with you exactly as you are right now.  You’re good enough to get those clients now.

  1. Keep it simple

One of the biggest mistakes I see when people try to market their business is trying to do all of the things and then doing them inconsistently.  They see all the strategies and try them all.  Then when they don’t get an immediate result or full classes within 90 days they freak out.  Pick one or two strategies that you add to your non-negotiables list and make those things happen.  Then you will start to cut through the noise.

  1. Do YOU

Your most valuable currency is your unique energy, perspective and voice on things.  So many people bland themselves down because they’re frightened of…. well, being themselves.  Which is really sad and ultimately a really bad business move.  If you look at your website, the way you speak on camera, your Instagram feed, how much of YOU would your best friend or your partner see in it? No, I’m not talking about hundreds of selfies, I’m talking about your voice and what you truly take a stand for.

  1. Network

In the past this is not something I’ve particularly enjoyed doing.  I’m an introverted extrovert.  I need my time, space and downtime, but here’s the deal, when you don’t have a shit load of cash to spend on Facebook or Google Ads to promote your services, creating a network of people from complimentary fields is a one-way ticket to referral town.  Look to create real friendships and connections with people.  DO NOT take your leaflets around to their house and ask them to do your marketing for you that’s a total #fail.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for the sale

The number of women I work with who are afraid to tell their potential clients what they charge, if they charge, or charge their clients based on what everyone else is doing instead of what they truly believe their services are worth is frightening.  And another huge reason why many baby business owners are unable to make a healthy living.  Take a look at your website right now, is it easy for people to see how they can work with you and buy your services?  If not, you need to change that now.

As someone who is working with over 150 baby business owners right now in my Baby Business School course, the above tools are the foundation of success for anyone who is looking to build a profitable and sustainable business.  This IS possible, with the right strategy and support for you.  Go and change the world.

If you would like to see how I could help you build a business that brings in more than pocket money, use this link to book a complimentary clarity call.

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