Opening a Business as a Death Doula: A Comprehensive Guide
The role of the death doula is growing at a rapid pace, but an important aspect for aspiring death doulas to realize is that providing services often means opening your own business. While opening a business has its benefits, it also comes with challenges. Let's discuss what it means to open a business as a death doula and some of the hurdles you might encounter along the way.
Starting Your Business
Many death doulas struggle right out of the gate because the death doula training program they took didn't include any business training. When I started, the program I took offered no business training whatsoever. When I inquired about it, they wanted me to invest in another expensive business training course. It's my belief that becoming a successful death doula and running a successful death doula company starts with your training program. You want to be sure to choose a training program like Death Doula School, which equips you with all the tools and support needed to open a successful business.
Challenges in Running a Death Doula Business
1. Marketing: Marketing is a significant challenge for death doulas. It's difficult to market death successfully and get people to listen or want to learn more. You have to be very artful and crafty in your vibe and delivery to draw people in. Social media marketing is a great way to advertise and get your word out there for free. If you're reading this blog right now, there's a big chance you got the link from one of my social media accounts. Social media is an incredible way to market yourself for free, but many struggle with it for various reasons. Some are worried about how others will react to the discussion of death. But as a death doula, a big part of your role is changing the narrative and not playing into the fear culture surrounding death and dying.
2. Pricing: Many death doulas struggle to determine their pricing or communicate that pricing to potential clients. Each death doula is able to set their own pricing, and there are no guidelines for what that should look like. I advise choosing a price that reflects your worth and something you feel confident charging. For me, I am an expert in the field. There is no one better to help you through an end-of-life experience, and my prices reflect that.
Benefits of Owning Your Own Business
1. Setting Your Own Hours and Schedule: Prior to being a death doula, I worked as an RN, which meant terrible hours. I missed many events with my kids. When I opened my business, I promised myself a better work-life balance for them and myself. Owning my own business allows me to determine when I do and don't work, ensuring that I am always present for my family and my clients.
2. Avoiding Burnout: Another significant advantage is that I am never burnt out, overworked, undervalued, or underpaid. These are things I could not say when I was working in healthcare.
Conclusion
Opening a business as a death doula comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards are immense. You get to set your own schedule, avoid burnout, and provide invaluable support to those navigating the end-of-life process. If you feel called to guide souls through their final chapter, starting your own death doula business might be the perfect path for you. Remember, choosing the right death doula training program, like Death Doula School, can provide you with the essential skills and support needed to succeed.
By focusing on comprehensive training, effective marketing, and fair pricing, you can overcome the challenges and reap the rewards of this deeply fulfilling career.
