New subscribers to the Inspired Birth Pro updates receive an email requesting their burning business questions. I’ve compiled the list of questions over the years, and I’ve started posting them on Facebook, because honestly, I don’t have all the answers! I also learn from other birth pros, so I really appreciate it when fans take the time to share their wisdom.

If you have not liked the IBP Facebook page yet (and you should!), I’m going to start compiling the questions and responses into a blog post, along with the link to the question, in case you want to add to the conversation.

At a typical fair, each business has a designated space. Vendors are usually are provided a table, a chair or two, and maybe an electrical outlet. The organizers may also put up a small sign with the business name at the back of the booth.

Beyond what is provided, it is up to you to make your booth a place that people want to come and visit. One way to get ideas is to go to some fairs and see what attracts you. You may notice that many exhibitors have their table at the front of the booth, right up to the aisle where people are walking. The exhibitor may have some items displayed on the table, perhaps some brochures, and they’re sitting at the table, available to talk to the people passing by. Most of the time, what happens? People keep walking. Especially if it is crowded.

Here are some ways to cozy up your space:

All new subscribers to the Inspired Birth Pro updates receive an email asking what their burning questions are that can be addressed in future blog posts. The most common questions I receive are:

* How do I attract more clients/students?
* How can I be more organized (with home/business/finances/paperwork/office)?
* Where do I even begin with my new business?
* How can I have more balance in my life?

After my own dark season of hibernation over the past few months, I finally feel ready to shift into a new phase of my coaching business with Inspired Birth Pro. I’m considering it a re-birth.

On one of my Yahoo Groups, Carol from Birth Journeys asked the group:

I have, for several years, used Constant Contact for email marketing and have tried to be faithful in sending out monthly newsletters. At $15 a month for a subscription, and the popularity of Facebook, etc, I am beginning to question if Constant Contact is still a good marketing tool. It has allowed me to keep my name in front of past students, some of which have returned to become Hypno-mamas, but my time is limited and I am not sure if I am really getting the best bang for my buck.

So, my question is this….. do you feel that e-mail marketing has now been replaced with blogs and Facebook, etc? Or, do any of you do both?

When I began paying attention to my self care and search for “life balance” about seven years ago, I was encouraged by my coaches at the time to consider my life balance wheel. By filling in how satisfied or dissatisfied I was with different areas of my life, I could see how skewed and “off balance” I was and what areas I could focus on to, well, get in balance. If you could imagine rolling that wheel, it would be a really rocky ride.

Many birth professionals wear more than one hat. Part of that comes from the love we have of birth, breastfeeding, early parenting, and other related areas. Sometimes it comes out of the necessity to bring in more income.

Balancing your home life while building your birth business takes practice and experimentation. Many birth professionals are also mothers of young children, and much of the work we do managing our businesses is at home while we’re also mothering and running the household. As business owners, how do we make time for it all?

For the home business owner, time management is critical for maintaining peace of mind and peace within your family. It’s important that you be as productive as possible in the time you set aside for work so you can enjoy life more when you’re away from it.

Many professional groups can be found online through an internet search. Some groups may be in your local area, but others may have an online presence only. Some groups with a national or international presence may have chapters in various areas.