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

Prepping for 2023 like a Childcare Ninja

Prepping for 2023 like a Childcare Ninja

It might only be October, but I’m already prepping for 2023! You are perhaps thinking that I’m getting ahead of myself, but this is how I like to plan and it’s what helps me succeed and continue to grow every year. And that’s exactly what I want for you too!

I’m not suggesting for a second that we write-off 2022. Nope, I know that you’ve got plans to end the year way ahead of where you were in January. Me too! Currently, I’m waiting on permits for two of three new daycares I’m opening. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to set aside time to plan what I want from 2023 and start prepping to get ahead of the game.

Read on for my tips on how to prepare for the coming year like the ninja you are!

be prepared - scar lion king

Finish Q4 strong and ready

As the year is drawing to a close, ensure that you are taking time each week to reflect on how far you’ve come. It’s important that you really look at the progress you’ve made as a childcare business owner and then start to think about “what next”?

Remember that you’ve got systems in place now for staying on top of things. Also allowing you to make room in your schedule for planning time. Make sure you allocate time to analyze data – not just your profits but other information that gives you clues for what needs to happen in 2023.

Why you should start prepping for 2023 NOW!

If you don’t make time to prep before the holiday season, you’re going to run out of it! We all know that by the time the festivities begin childcare business owners are exhausted from weeks of working without a break. And often this means our bodies suddenly get ill. So don’t leave planning until you’re officially off work.

Get ahead of the game and block out a little time each week from now. This will give you plenty of time to think about your goals for 2023 (having looked at your data). Look at what’s worked well and where things need some support. You can then plan out how you’re going to achieve these goals in a SMART way.

be the goal do the goal become the goal

SMART planning

If you’re wondering what I’m capitalizing the word for, it’s because it’s an acronym: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. It’s a dynamite way of setting targets for your childcare biz.

Setting super specific goals, like “Find 2 team members for the new day care” or “create new play area on a smaller budget”, will mean you can easily see if you’re making progress. Just be sure to write down detailed plans, to chunk big goals down into bite-size ones. Then make a timeline for achieving your goals.

Prepping like a ninja

It’s not just about goal planning when I’m talking about prep. I know you’ve got to plan your curriculum, figure out menus, get ahead on your social media scheduling…there’s a lot to do.

So that’s why it’s good to start early when you’re prepping for the year ahead. Over the last 3 years we’ve seen a global pandemic, bizarre weather patterns causing chaos, and an economic disaster…who knows what this year will throw at us?! Which is why we need to be prepared.

one must prepare for any event moira rose

Sit down and look at all the areas in your business and break them down into categories. This will make it easier to see gaps in your preparations.

And I’ve got something coming VERY SOON that’ll help you do this!

Get on the waitlist for my new Childcare Business Planner

Want to be inspired to take action every day? Have the tools you need to plan ahead and  a customized planning system for Childcare Ninjas looking to take their business to the next level?! It’s more than a planner…it’s a whole system created with resources and tools to help you level up and grow your childcare business to maximum success in 2023.

BUT it’s important that we plan in a way that works for us. So that’s why this year I’m bringing you two versions for my new 2023 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM – traditional AND digital!!

mock up of childcare ninja planner purple and gold branding

This exclusive planning system is specifically set up to help today’s childcare professionals! You can easily and quickly plan curriculum, menus, social media scheduling and so much more. Let’s get you organized and systematized in 2023!

So if you’re looking to reduce overwhelm, get organized and achieve your goals this year, WATCH THIS SPACE! Soon you’ll be able to get your 2023 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM! 

Find cheerleaders and support in prepping for 2023

Don’t wait! Start your marketing while you’re getting your childcare license

Don’t wait! Start your marketing while you’re getting your childcare license

If you’ve been wondering when to start your marketing, the time is RIGHT NOW! Don’t wait until you’ve got everything in place to begin telling people about your new venture.

It’s vital that you start spreading the news about your opening and let parents know who you are and why your day care will be awesome.

The time to start marketing is NOW!

A mistake I often see with new childcare business owners is that they are cautious to market their day care.  But waiting until you’ve got a license in place is too late! Start right now before all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.

start your marketing now

It’s key that you get your messaging spot on, and that you communicate your unique selling point to potential families. Make a plan and focus your marketing on the places your new clients might be hanging out. Are they spending time online – where? Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or LinkedIn…

So how are you going to start marketing your new childcare biz?  Will you create some flyers to drop in your local area and put up posters in local coffee shops and libraries? How about starting to collect email addresses? Have you thought about how you can use email marketing?

Start your email list ASAP

One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is the importance of using the tools at our fingertips to our advantage. And email marketing is a low cost, high return way of communicating with your prospective new clients.

Building an email list is the best way to build a relationship with potential customers in a truly intimate and genuine way. It’s a vital way of  connecting because you’re not just a temporary status update on social media; instead you’re landing in their inbox. That’s a special place, Ninja! It’s where their nearest and dearest communicate with them (as well as work!) – so it’s a fairly sacred space to hang out. You just need the key – their email addresses and permission to show up there.

So how do you get people’s email addresses?

Getting an email list started…

You could just ask people for their email addresses and have an “opt-in” for your newsletter. But in my experience, I’ve found that the best way to collect those precious email addresses is to offer something really helpful in return. Because that’s what it is – it’s an exchange.

Create something that they’ll want and they’ll sign up with their email address in order to download it. Once they’ve signed up, you can connect deeper with a fantastic nurture sequence. And you can get started on creating your waitlist right away, telling them all your news!

Bring them on the journey with you

You can send out regular emails keeping your potential parents informed about where you’re at. By bringing them on the journey with you, you’ll make them feel part of something special. Share the milestones of your path to opening, like renting your space, or getting approval. Show them your designs for the space and let them watch as it comes to life.

Talk about how excited you are for what’s to come and your plans for the future. Keep them in the loop so they know when you’re likely to open your doors.

Keep it fresh

Something that many businesses forget – not just childcare ones! – is to send out a kinda “Hey! Are you still interested in hearing from us?” message on the regular. This is an opportunity to refresh your list and encourage unsubscribes. Because you don’t want hundreds of people on there who’ve got no interest in your daycare and are negatively impacting your open rate. You want a list – no matter how small! – of engaged people eagerly waiting in anticipation of you opening up!

keep it fresh

Keep communicating

I’d recommend sending out an email at least once a month to your subscribers. That way you are keeping them up to date and be well on the way to start your marketing properly once you get your license!

Don’t be afraid to tell them about challenges or share frustrations as well as the exciting bits. Being open and honest in your initial emails demonstrates what you will be like to work with. It shows your values!

A really great way of building your relationships with these potential future clients is asking their opinion on things. What would they like to see in your space? What extra services might they be interested in? Have they got any food preferences? Of course you can’t accommodate everything but it’s a way of engaging them and making them feel part of the process.

Start your marketing with the right mindset

Mindset is something that comes up all the time with my childcare coachees. Often they tell me they don’t feel ready to market – even when everything seems like it’s in place. So I encourage them to start before they’re ready!

I believe that language matters so I correct them when they tell me “if I get my license…” or “if I’m able to get clients”. I remind them about how important it is to use positive language to help adjust our mindsets. So I explain that they need to replace “if” with “when”. “When I get my license” and “When I get my clients” sounds so much more affirming. I’ve written more about mindset here.

 

The Childcare Flip Business Marketing Bundle has everything for you to use to start your marketing to get more clients ready and waiting for you when you open.

In the bundle you’ll find copy you can swipe for your funnel and templates for the lead magnet itself!! Plus videos that demonstrate how to do it all in an easy and accessible way. I’ll show you everything you need to start your marketing RIGHT NOW so you’re ready for WHEN you open!
And if you want MORE, marketing is one of the trainings we cover in detail inside The Childcare Flip Course. I’ll be teaching you how to formulate your PMM (Premier Marketing Message) to set yourself apart in the childcare industry and become irreplaceable. As well as harnessing your passion, skills and expertise to create your Premier Marketing Message. You’ll learn how to strategically build your network and get free marketing. Want in?!

We’ll be opening up for the next cohort next week! So I’m sharing the link here for you to take a look and get ready to learn how to BUY BACK YOUR TIME Ninja! 🥷🏽

 

Did you know you can also catch my live trainings on Thursday nights over in my free Facebook group?!  Join us in there and get connected with other childcare owners. Every week we’ll move your childcare business forward by with tips and ideas! Hang out with like-minded and aspirational day care owners as well as resources and tips for success from me! Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tonnes of other stuff there too.

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!

childcare ninjas logo 2020