Vision board – why creating one will help you grow your business

Vision board – why creating one will help you grow your business

“Vision board” – it’s a term that’s thrown around like confetti in the entrepreneurial online space, right?! All the big names are talking about them! But have you ever made one with the purpose of growing your business?

I’m Siobhan Strode, word witch over at This Sister Scribes. And I’ve been asked by Ms. Nyckie to write a blog on vision boards because since I’ve been using them I have seen a huge change in my mindset, and my copywriting business has grown from strength to strength. And we thought it would be fun to share how and why they work!

Don’t be put off by the idea if you’re new to it, or the “woo” freaks you out. I felt like this once too! So bear with me and have a read of this blog…I think you’ll love what I’ve learned.

So, what exactly is a vision board?

A vision board is a visual representation of where you want to go in life.

Imagine it’s a sort of map that guides you and pushes you forward. You piece together a creative collage of images and texts which help to stimulate your imagination and develop your ability to visualize your goals. The board is a visual representation of the dreams and goals that you aim to achieve.

It might be a digital board, where you copy and paste images and words that you feel drawn to, but I love something I can touch. Something I can pin up on my wall, and add to as time goes on. To me, it’s a prod or poke to remind me where I’m headed and how I’m going to get there.

Let yourself try it!

After spending a couple of years ignoring the suggestion by numerous coaches, I finally let myself try it in 2017. Slowly, I began to really believe I could build the business of my dreams and a life where my values are centered. And since then I’ve achieved so much. I’ve helped 100s of female founders find the right words to say in their businesses; I’ve held writing workshops and spoken in groups; every day I write for some phenomenal women! I started a feminist podcast “This Sister Speaks” and began hosting writers’ retreats in my Airbnb guest space.

I’ve begun to be the female leader I put on my vision board. I have built a blossoming political career alongside my business – I became a Councillor in December 2017 and I ran for UK Parliament in December 2019; I’ve set up community groups, run campaigns to raise awareness around education cuts and changes to the social security system…Honestly, looking back makes me feel so proud.

And all this is because everyday, I’m reminded of my soul goals and the steps I needed to take to get there. Each morning, I look up from my desk and see the empowering words and mantras, the pictures that align with my future self. I allowed myself to believe. Because I can do this. And if I can do this, you can too!

Creating your vision board

First, you’ve got to pause and think about where you’re at and where you want to go. Ask yourself where you’d like to be this time next year, and where you want to be in 5 years. What steps do you need to take to get there? Think about your why. Where do you want to take your childcare business from here?

Once you’ve taken time to contemplate your goals, and gathered up the craft materials – scissors, washi tape, Sharpies, and a glue stick – plus a big pile of magazines and catalogs to delve into, you can begin! Set aside at least 2 hours of time where you can just be in the moment, with no interruptions.

As you flick through the pages, cut out images and words that you feel drawn to. Perhaps you’ve got specific quotes or mantras you want to include. You might have 3 goals you’re working towards and divide the space accordingly, adding words and images that represent that. This is completely personal and for your eyes only.

Creating a vision board with your goals in mind – really putting your heart and soul into it – can be an extraordinary experience. Like you’ve just read from my own journey, they can truly help you focus and will act as a reminder to you every day of what you want to achieve.

vision board collage

Making the vision board work

While making a vision board is fairly simple, what actually matters is making sure that it works. If you’re spending a good chunk of time on this, you want to ensure that it is worth the hours given.

Acknowledge that this isn’t actually magic. It won’t do the work for you. You’ll get the most from vision boards when you’re determined to put in the work needed to reach your goals. Studies have shown that people who visualize themselves achieving their goals and – crucially – taking the steps to get there are more likely to succeed than those who only visualized themselves attaining their end goals.

Therefore I’d like to encourage you to incorporate those steps you need to take! Add more actionable images and dynamic verbs to your vision board.

Train your brain

Display your vision board where you can see it every day. Place it in your bedroom, work space, the bathroom (probably laminate it!) or any other place that you’ll see it repeatedly.

Reason being that vision boards help prepare your mind, getting it ready to take action. Whenever an opportunity presents itself for the accomplishment of your goals, you’ll be less likely to shy away from it because everyday you’ve been presented with an image of your success in this area.

Having consistently given your mind visuals to prepare it, you won’t waste opportunities to head towards your goals. You’ll find yourself taking action. Essentially what you’re doing is training your mind!

Go and get creative, Ninjas!

Hopefully you’ve stuck with me on this and can see how helpful vision boards can help you grow your business. Although I’m creative – I’m a writer after all! – I’m a hugely practical person, who is apologetically ambitious. I don’t want to spend time doing things that won’t give me a return! I’m a busy woman, as I’m sure you are too.

But creating a vision board is something I invest time into at least once a year, and add to it or create a new one whenever a new goal comes on the horizon. I ask myself, does it fit with my values and soul goals? How am I going to do this? And then it goes on the board!

Let us know if you’ve ever tried before! How do you create yours? Nyckie and I would love to hear from you, so leave a comment! Or if you’re trying for the first time, tag us in a photo of your vision board on Instagram – I’m @thissisterscribes and Nyckie is @childcareninjas.

grow-your-childcare-business-with-childcare-ninjas

Have you discovered the Childcare Ninja Facebook group yet? We are an army of childcare professionals who are sharing ninja-sharp skills to transform our businesses into childcare empires! This is Childcare Ownership all Grownup! Interested in becoming a part of the community? Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

8 Ways You Can Stay Motivated Towards Your Vision For 2021

8 Ways You Can Stay Motivated Towards Your Vision For 2021

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the first month of the year?! I’ve been caught up in the excitement of planning and writing intentions, getting clear on where I want to take Childcare Ninjas and my daycares. Have you created your vision for the year? I love the hope and joy that thinking big brings! However, I know from experience that it’s really easy to lose momentum and forget about the bigger picture.

There’s so much excitement in these first couple of months of the new year, then by March our energy and motivation starts to dwindle, right?! So I wonder if you’ve thought about how you’re going to stay motivated and on track to reach your 2021 vision? Read on for some handy tips for staying motivated!

Why do we lose motivation?

Losing focus isn’t a new thing. It doesn’t come because of a global pandemic. This is pretty common to how every year goes! January arrives and we’re all goal setting and resolution Queens, but come the end of February our gym bags are gathering dust, our intentions for our businesses have fallen by the wayside.

The daily drudgery of our childcare businesses, the endless juggling our families, and keeping on top of our homes leaves us drained of energy and we begin losing sight of our vision and, with that, knowing how to reach our goals disappears. The steps fade and we can’t see how to get there. Procrastination and distraction take hold.

The difference comes when we are able to keep up that initial excitement and motivation, staying focused throughout the year on that bigger vision.

lets do this

Is 2021 any different?

I have been hearing lots of people talking about how pleased they are that 2021 is finally here because they were so sick of 2020. And then this year has arrived and it feels like this year may just be more of the same. But even if it is going to be similar, we got through last year – we can do it again! So don’t let that discourage you from aiming high and creating a vision for what you want this year.

We don’t know what 2021 holds for us, but we’ll know what our hopes are. It’s great if we know our expectations and aspirations so well that we can keep coming back to them as reminders.

How to stay motivated

I’m determined that we’re not going to fizzle out this year! So I’m going to share with you some ideas I have been using to keep myself motivated over the years. I have a toolkit that I dip into to help me keep working towards my goals. These are 8 things I utilize because I know if I don’t I’ll not stick to my vision!

  • Have a mantra

    • a word or phrase that helps you refocus and stay in your lane! My word this year is “focus” because I want to move my business forward, in my professional development and investing in my growth, and focusing on my relationships. It helps by reminding me to really ground myself so I can keep moving towards my vision. So see what feels right for you. Choose a word or a phrase that resonates with you and will help you stay focused!
  • Set specific financial goals

    • Get clear on what you want to bring in! Don’t be shy about how much you want to earn. It’s important that we talk about money and finances so it’s less taboo! What’s your money goal for the year? Break it down into stepping stones for the year.

mom kissing her baby finance goals

  • Create a vision board

    • Put reminders on a vision board to keep your goals at the front of your mind! Put your financial targets on it, and words that align with your goals. I often put words on to remind me of things I sometimes neglect – this year I’ve got “tranquility” on mine! I need a visual memory jog to help me rest.
  • Revisit the previous year

    • Take some time to reflect on the silver linings from 2020. Yes, last year was A LOT! But the year was not a total write-off. There were things that went well. Even if it’s just your health and the fact that you made it to this year! Journal on this and go through the year noting down where the good stuff was!
  • Lean on your business BFFs

    • I highly recommend finding yourself an accountability partner. Someone who can keep you motivated – and you can encourage them too! This person is going to check in to make sure you’ve ticked off that to do list. It really does help to give you drive to get things done! You don’t want to show up to your accountability session with nothing to show. I’ve achieved so much more since having somebody to nudge me forward! They’re your new biz BFF and they really do help.

bff high fives

  • Create a 90 day goal

    • Planning is key to reaching your goals for the year. But when we plan for 365 days, we can feel a bit like “it’s so far off, and I don’t need to work on that yet!” So sometimes planning a bit shorter term feels more achievable and less daunting than planning for the whole year. If we plan for 90 days (three months!) it pushes us to go for our goals and make progress! It keeps the excitement there. Break the 90 day goal into achievable segments.
  •  Investing in yourself

    • This one doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Start with a book that’ll help you grow – a business finance book, something about marketing, or a mindset book. If you’ve got the budget to work with a coach or to sign up to a program or course, that’s awesome. Go for it! Spending money on your growth is never wasted money. You’ll be so surprised how fast things start moving once you start opening yourself up to investing in yourself. It is a game changer. You’ll notice everything starting to go right. Times and places and people falling into your lap.

  • Keep a blessings book

    • I have this little book on me at all times. In it I write down ways I want to bless people. The ways I have blessed people. When I’m having a tough time, or get side-tracked, I go back through it to remind myself how much I care. To look at the good things that have been happening to me and the people I love. It keeps me motivated to see the blessings my hard work can bring people.

So to summarize, I want you to know that you’re not alone if you’re struggling to get motivated. Or maybe you’re worried about losing momentum. It’s okay. Try to use some of the tools from my kit, and head into my Facebook group because you can find more ideas for keeping on track in there.

While you’re here, I’d love you to invite you to join me on Friday 22nd January (next week!) for my free Masterclass –Simple Childcare Ownership. I’ll be helping you get unstuck so you can grow a successful childcare business in 2021 – even if you don’t have a lot of money!

Click here to register!

And before you go, let me introduce who we are! We’re an army of childcare professionals who are sharing ninja-sharp skills to transform our businesses into childcare empires! This is Childcare Ownership all Grownup! Interested in becoming a part of the community? Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!childcare ninjas logo 2020

Why is planning so good for your Childcare Business?

Why is planning so good for your Childcare Business?

You might be wondering what the big deal about planning is. Why should I bother, Nyckie? It’s just another thing to add to my To Do list, right?!

WRONG!

I believe that to be an effective leader and childcare business owner, you ought to be taking charge of your business goals and planning for success.

So here are 7 of my top reasons why planning is so darned good for your biz!

1. Planning improves your business growth

It’s vital for your childcare business growth strategy to set targets and plan how you’ll meet those goals. 

Once you’ve figured out what you’re aiming for and why, it’s time to set goals for how much you want to grow by. 

Consequently, these goals should be based on your blue sky thinking aspirations, but also need to be achievable and somewhat realistic! Quantify your goals in terms of metrics and timeline. Aiming to “set up two new day care centers by quarter 4”. SMART remember!?!

2. Planning reduces stress

Childcare ownership can be super stressful at times.

Planning is proven to reduce stress and is the most effective stress management technique. What’s not to love?! Proactive planning for the win!

Although planning doesn’t have to be time consuming, trust me! It takes as little as 5 to 10 minutes out of your day, and that can make the whole day less stressful and far more productive. If you find yourself jumping from task to task with no solid plan in your mind, you can quickly get stressed. And that leads to burn out. Not cool.

Also, I’ve found that by mixing motivational and inspirational elements into your planning you’re able to go beyond reducing stress and step into finding joy in your work!

3. Planning boosts productivity

Using a planner helps you manage your time better, which can make you more efficient during the day. Time spent being effective and productive = great for your childcare business!

And there’s the added bonus that writing down your plans allows you to notice if any of your activities are slowing you down, and might indicate the need for support or a change in systems.

4. Planning promotes positivity.

Slipping into negative mindset can happen before you even notice. It can be bad for biz.

Funnily enough research shows that planning for things can make you happier. Hands up if you’re currently counting down to something special?! It is a relief to see it there in the calendar isn’t it?

Simply looking at your schedule and seeing an upcoming event or vacation to look forward to helps you feel more positive because it leads to anticipation and feelings of happiness!

5. Planning improves learning

Planning on paper apparently helps improve learning and memory, researchers found.

Because we know this, get on and write it down and plan it out! (Your brain thanks you in advance!) But using a digital planner is just as effective for most people.

6. Planning promotes mindfulness

Writing your plans down in a paper planner makes you slow down, unplug, and be more intentional and mindful.

However, if you set a timer and limit your screen time, using a digital planner is also mindful, because you’re using it with intention, not mindlessly scrolling.

Actually, it’s the process and repeated habit of planning every day that helps you promote mindfulness in your daily life.

(And that’s also because planning makes you more efficient and therefore gives you more time in your day to relax!)

6. Planning helps you meet your goals

It can be hard to stay on track when it comes to goals. Luckily, planning increases your ability to track your biz goals – both short and long-term.

Moreover using a planner also keeps you accountable, helping you lay out plans clearly and follow any steps needed for your childcare biz success.

Keep reading to see what I’ve got especially for you!

7. ​Planning helps you declutter.

Yikes! Studies show that clutter negatively affects your memory, mental health, and even eating habits.

So using a planner is a simple and effective way to download your mind onto the page so you can ditch the clutter and streamline all the other stuff!

Additionally, it makes it easier to physically declutter and organize your workspace, freeing you up to be your best self! More about decluttering here!

Hopefully you can see why I LOVE planning and how it’s going to help you smash your 2023 goals. Now I’ve got something you’re going to want in your life, STAT!

mock up of childcare ninja planner purple and gold branding

This year my Childcare Business Planner for 2023 will be in physical, printable, and digital format for the first time!

I know we all prefer to work and plan in different ways, so I wanted to make sure you were covered. If you’re more traditional you’ll probably go for the laminated letter-size spiral planner. You can use the inside financial checklist and back page for notes with a whiteboard pen!
However, if you like to print out just what you need and like the freedom of rewriting your plans then the printable option would be a good fit. Print off as many copies as you need.
Perhaps you’ll go Paperless?! Keep your plans with you at all times, on your iPad with a PDF reader like Goodnotes, Noteshelf, or on Android tablets Xodo. It looks like a printable but with tabs that are hyperlinked that you can click on to navigate to each month.
childcare ninjas annual planner gold scissors gold pen
Inside all of the versions you’ll find:
🟣 Week on 2 pages
🟣 Month on 2 pages
🟣 Childcare form checklist on 2 pages
🟣 Curriculum
🟣 Mind your money financial overview
🟣 Inspiring #NyckieSays each month to grow your biz & more
Enhance your productivity RIGHT NOW by effectively organizing your day and streamlining your workflows. Take notes, keep track of meetings, set your priorities, and hit those targets like the Childcare Ninja you are! Unleash the tools you need to plan ahead easily and effectively with our new latest planner selection.

Order yours today, Ninja!

Our exclusive planning system is designed with childcare biz owners in mind. It was frustrating not being able to buy one, so I desugned one for us all instead! My aim is to help fellow childcare professionals get organized!

Let’s take the boredom out of planning. Quickly and easily plan curriculum, menus, social media scheduling and so much more. Create your vision for next year with the awesome vision board section! This will inspire you to take daily action to grow!

Let’s get you all set up for 2023! 

So if you’re looking to reduce stress, get organized and achieve your goals next year there’s finally a way to do it! Get your 2023 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM today and kiss procrastination goodbye!! 

Find cheerleaders and support on your journey to success!

7 ways to get organized & ready for 2023

7 ways to get organized & ready for 2023

Like most business folk, childcare owners are looking to get organized and ready for next year. So how do we do that alongside running our day to day biz?

Here’s my 7 tips to help you get organized this winter!

Let’s do this, Ninja!

1. Brain Dump your To Dos

I highly recommend taking 5 or 10 minutes just to simply write down all the things you need to do. Get it all out if your head! Then organize everything into categories and prioritize them as high or low urgency.

This is a fabulous way to get a plan in place for your “get organized” day.

2. Say no to multitasking

Guilty of trying to do all the things?!

However, when you decide you want to declutter a room, it’s best to set a concrete goal, outline a timeframe and stick to it. Only do things that help you finish what you set out to do, rather than getting distracted with other side projects that can come up while decluttering.

3. Let go of old stuff!

Now you’re in the right headspace, one of the things you can do to get organized is throw away everything you don’t need to keep.

Because I’ve always believed the less stuff you have to organize, the easier it gets! So that’s why the first step of organization project is to reduce (and then recycle!).

Make sure you include all those old printouts of documents that you’ve got  digital versions of! Then tackle stacked up piles of mail, ancient dried-out pens (you know you’ve got ‘em!) and put the curled up post-it notes into the recycling bin!

4. Organize Your Workspace

Now that you’ve thrown out the unnecessary clutter, it’s time to organize your workspace! Doing this drives you to a more productive 2023 and help you feel much happier while working on growing your childcare business.

First, grab a dust cloth and wipe down your desk and any surfaces. A clean space helps you get organized.

let's get organized with yellow stars

Use a specific container for your stationery. Put all your pens, pencils, scissors, tape, paper clips, etc. all in one place! No need to scrabble for something to write with when that client or supplier rings you with info! I love this rose gold desk tidier.

Get yourself an in tray for papers, bills, and other mail, and dedicate time twice a week to clear it. File things appropriately to avoid getting disorganized again!

5.  Declutter Digitally!

Hands up if you’re guilty of putting files on your Mac or laptop desktop so you don’t have to search for things?! Now is the perfect time of year to sort it out.

Delete any unused apps, old photos, and files, but don’t forget to refresh your playlists and contacts. Also take time to uninstall programs you’ve not used in the last year on your computer.

Of course, your social media needs a declutter too! Unfollow any people you don’t align with any more. Remove or block users who don’t bring you joy or serve you well.

While you’re in the zone, delete all non-essential emails. Unsubscribe to newsletters you never open!

6.  Create a Life Map or Vision Board

I’m talking about this again, but visualizing your life is powerful! Sit down and see if you can picture it in your head. Where will you be this time next year? How do you want to feel? Use old magazines to create a visual representation of it! Write it down as if it’s already taken place.

Read more about vision boards here.

7. Work Faster and More Efficiently With Great Tools

It’s super essential to have the right organizational tools to help you stay on top of things throughout the year.  And remember, mental organization is important, too: A planner gives you a place to write down your daily or weekly to-do list so you can stay focused and on task.

With this in mind, we created an AMAZING tool especially for you, Ninjas!

Have you heard about our brand new Childcare Ninjas digital planner?!

childcare ninjas annual planner gold scissors gold pen

Our Digital Planner transforms getting organized! Instead of carting round a heavy bound planner, you can access your organizational tool from your device! A much more streamlined process and so easy to use!

Enhance your productivity RIGHT NOW by effectively organizing your day and streamlining your workflows. Take notes, keep track of meetings, set your priorities, and quickly accomplish your goals like the Childcare Ninja you are! Unleash the tools you need to plan ahead easily and effectively with our new digital planner.

Let’s get organized, Ninja!

Our exclusive planning system is designed with you in mind. I want to help fellow childcare professionals get organized! It’s time to take the faff out of planning. Quickly and easily plan curriculum, menus, social media scheduling and so much more. Create your vision for next year with the awesome vision board section! This will inspire you to take daily action to grow!

Let’s get you all set up for 2023!

So if you’re looking to reduce overwhelm, get organized and achieve your goals next year this is EXACTLY what you need! It’s time for your action! Get your 2023 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM!! 

Find cheerleaders and support to get organized for 2023

5 reasons why you should make your childcare biz go digital

5 reasons why you should make your childcare biz go digital

Have you been sitting on the fence when it comes to making your childcare biz go digital? Well I’m about to spill the tea on why it matters and why now is the perfect time to make the change!

In case you haven’t heard it’s the 21st century and it’s all about digital. The way we use paper for business is just not the most efficient way to do things anymore.

Have you taken your biz digital yet? Read on for why you ought to!

What do I mean by “go digital”?

It’s funny because when I was talking to some of my coachees about going digital, they completely misunderstood at first. They thought I meant take their day cares online – go virtual. Nope! I’m not even sure how that’d work! What I am referring to is setting up your systems using tech to help you and moving your planning to digital too.

But I love paper…

Hey, don’t get me wrong. I love heading to Target each September and buying new stationery as much as every other female entrepreneur. But the time has come for us to take into consideration the impact that’s having on 1) the planet and 2) the growth of your childcare business.

When I made the shift from paper systems to digital – staffing systems, family systems, planning systems – I saw a huge difference. I spent less time paper shuffling (literally!) and more time on the things that matter. And of course I want that for you too!

go digital written on a cartoon laptop

1. Going digital saves you time

By turning your childcare biz digital, you can be more efficient. Whether that’s by copying tasks and appointments on your digital planner, dragging and dropping items across on your scheduling app you can save a ton of time in your business with by going digital. You can batch tasks and then duplicate things as and when, erasing items with a click of a button and editing as you need to.

One of the best things about going digital is the ability to search through your apps. This saves you having to sift through paperwork looking for that one thing a client of staff member needs. Being able to find info quickly frees up your time!

2. Take it with you wherever you go

When you go digital, you’ve got no worries if you left your paper planner at home or if your bag is too small for one. You can carry so much more information than ever before!  Think of all your work notebooks, folders and drawers of files being instantly accessible from one device. Unlimited portability. (Unless you’ve got one of these bags…)

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a gray jumpsuit and carring a pigeon-shaped clutch, inset of the clutch

3. They’re so easy to use

All these digital apps and planners available nowadays are incredibly user friendly! I am no tech whizz, but I have digitized my entire biz and have had no issues – except for keeping up with my biz growth!

4. Going digital is cost effective

Imagine how much money you’re going to save your business in the long run! No trips to Walmart to get your stationery kicks and clutter your office up with more notebooks you’ll never use. And you can wave goodbye to the impractical planner you thought you’d use everyday but actually it sits gathering dust because it’s too big and bulky.

go digital I love saving money so much

5. Environmentally friendly

Who needs endless reams of post-it notes and pages of notes nowadays? It all creates so much waste. And unless your county has great recycling facilities, that’ll all end up in landfill. So going digital is a green and clean option!

With the reusable features of digital planners and other systems, you won’t need single use paper anymore. And you’ll have digital stickers, no need to buy pencils and pens to use with it either because it’s all reusable. Your digital stationery can be used over and over again!

Which means digital planners are more environmentally friendly than traditional planners, creating less clutter and helping you reduce  waste. Less waste, more haste makes Childcare Ninjas awesome!

Let’s make your childcare biz go digital

Hopefully I’ve convinced you that it’s as easy as pie to go digital and now is the time to do it! Soooo…

Enter our brand new Childcare Ninjas digital planners!

childcare ninjas annual planner gold scissors gold pen

Digital planning uses the foundation of our traditional method of paper planning and transforms it into a more streamlined process.

Our digital planner enhances productivity by effectively organizing your day and streamlining your workflows. You’ll be able to take notes, keep track of meetings, set your priorities, and quickly accomplish your goals like the Childcare Ninja you are!

Our exclusive planning system was created especially to help today’s childcare professionals get organized! You can easily and quickly plan curriculum, menus, social media scheduling and so much more. There’s even a vision board section! Let’s get you flying high in 2023!

So if you’re looking to reduce overwhelm, get organized and achieve your goals next year here you go! Get on the waitlist for your 2023 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM right now!! 

Find cheerleaders and support in prepping for 2023