Putting together your childcare biz dream team

Putting together your childcare biz dream team

When it comes to hiring new staff, how easy do you find it? Finding the right people for your childcare biz dream team isn’t always as straightforward as we’d like! However, I’ve been in the childcare industry for 15 years now and I’ve got a couple of super simple ideas for you to try out.

Whether you’re just starting to put together your dream team, or honing your hiring process, read on for some simple considerations!

Why creating your dream team matters!

Before we get stuck in, it’s key that you know what you need a team for in the first place. So you run a childcare business, we know! What’s your goal, what are your aims? How can you craft a team that’ll help you achieve those?

Earlier this week, I had a planning session with two of my team members. They’re totally awesome and amazing at what they do! Each member knows the vision, knows their role, and runs with it! Both of them work really well together and put in 100%. And it’s partly because of having a brilliant team that I’ve been as successful as I have been!

Having a well-rounded team who are in sync means that you can know for sure that your childcare biz is in safe hands! There’s a reason that they use the acronym “Team = Together Everyone Achieves More”.

teamwork makes the dream work

What help do you REALLY need for your childcare biz dream team?

Occasionally we know it’s time for us to get help and begin thinking about new team members. But I’ve noticed that as childcare biz owners, we don’t always take the time we need to consider what we actually want. Often, instead of getting specific support, I’m seeing hires of generic all-rounders who don’t elevate your team to the next level. Mostly this is because the hiring process is rushed but sometimes it’s due to not knowing what you need.

Getting any kind of help takes a decent amount of time to contemplate!  You’ve got to look at what’s needed to help create the right team for yourself.

Get specific about what you want and need to create your dream team!

This might sound obvious, but it’s important to have this clear before you start advertising! If we don’t have that clarity on WHO you’re looking for you can find yourself hiring the wrong person, or a good person but for the wrong role.

Do you need someone to work with the kids or is it about support in the admin department? It’s vital to be clear on your vision and goals so you hire the right person for the right job at the right time!

For instance if you already have a good core team working directly with the kids but find you’re getting swamped with the paperwork and books then you would be better off getting an administrative person in to focus on up-levelling there. Perhaps you don’t like the paperwork and you’re finding it drains your energy and you’re not able to move your business forward. If you’re struggling to work on your vision, finding yourself working ‘in” the business rather than ‘on’ the business, then admin may be your first spot to get covered.

Look at where you have gaps in ability and strengths on the team – not vacancies!

Choosing team members wisely

Okay, I want to take a second and explain why you can’t just hire the top of the class from your local college and hope for the best. Just because people get straight As doesn’t mean they’re automatically a good fit for your childcare business. You’ve got to take time looking at other aptitudes and really delve into what your team needs.

You can think beyond academia. For example, who is going to be great at dealing with client concerns? Have you found anybody with skills in crafting or music…? And you want all your hires to be team players.

Check out their references thoroughly too!

looking for your dream team

Create the kind of team that works well together

This comes down to communication. You have to know who you’re hiring and why, in order to craft a team that shines! And once you’ve hired them, you have to make sure everyone knows what their roles and tasks are.

If your staff can be clear on expectations of them, what they’ll be working on, when, where and who with, you’re less likely to have issues like  personality clashes or overlap with 2 people doing the same task by accident.

You can definitely put together the type of team that works well together and does a stellar job. But it also takes good leadership…

A good team has a strong leader

I’m looking at you, Ninja! You’re the leader in this situation and it’s important that you know that. It’s hard. I get it! You’ve got to effectively communicate your mission and get all your team members on board.

Like the coxswain on a rowing boat, you’ve got to give direction, support, motivation and encouragement. Essentially, you’re responsible for steering the boat (childcare biz!) and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers (your team!).

And being a great leader is a skill that takes years to hone. You’ve got to grow! Find out how to be a better childcare boss and grab opportunities to develop your leadership skills. I know it’s totally different working for yourself! And this may be all so new to you, you may just be starting out (or maybe you feel like you’re rusty in this area?!) – I encourage you to be open to learning and growing.

One of the ways you can get support is joining a community of Childcare Ninjas 😉 We’ve got tonnes of resources and another course coming up very soon. If you need help or want to find out more about our support, reach out and let’s chat! I got you, Ninja!

In the meantime, here’s some other posts that can help you put together your childcare biz dream team: this one all about hiring, this one about beating competition in hiring, and this one about getting to know your team!

Sometimes being a Childcare Business owner can feel pretty isolating and massively overwhelming. Getting connected with other childcare owners is a game changer! Gain strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining a community! That’s why I set up my FREE Facebook group, where you can hang out with like-minded and aspirational daycare owners AND get training every other week from me! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!

Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips 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

 

Time to join: The Childcare Flip Course

Time to join: The Childcare Flip Course

When I first set up my home daycare business, I had no idea what was to come. I knew I wanted to have some financial freedom and to be there for my kids.  But I could’ve gotten there faster with better support. And this is why I’ve designed a course to help you. It’s called The Childcare Flip Course and it’s going to support you on this incredible journey of yours.

Because who doesn’t want a roadmap to help you fast track your own childcare business? And you should know how you can automate your childcare business on a budget, so you can actually get stuff done! As I believe that YOU TOO can also have a multi-six-figure childcare business like me. Know why? You have the power to become exactly who you always wanted to be!

Not sure what I’m on about yet? No worries at all, Ninja! Read on to find out how…

Where are you now?

After setting up Childcare Ninjas a few years ago, supporting women like you to build sustainable childcare businesses, I know where you’re at right now. You’ve most likely just begun your journey as a home daycare owner to fit work in around your family. Or you’ve invested in a space in your local town because you’ve seen a gap in the market.

I’d bet my bottom dollar that you’re super passionate about the kids you work with and ensuring that they thrive in your care. That you adore the families you serve in your neighbourhood and want to give them the best start ever. Am I right?!

So imagine how it’d feel to go from serving a handful of families from your home to supporting many more!

Well, I’m happy to tell you that it feels AWESOME. And I know because I’ve done it.

Be the change you want to see – flip it!

15 years ago I successfully opened my own childcare business despite all the challenges I came up against. I was a single mother to four gorgeous babies, with limited resources. But nowadays I have multiple centers, with teams of All Stars running them with me!

I’ve gone from a 9-5 job to being a multi six-figure childcare business owner. And I’ve continuously grown my childcare business day-in, day-out. I love it so much that I’ve been teaching other women how to succeed too, using their passion and skills for childcare.

Is it time for you to flip things round? Of course it is! There’s never been a better time…

You’ve got to take action

Want to know how I’ve managed to come so far? It’s quite simple really: I took action. Every single day. If I didn’t take action to become who I am today, I know exactly where I would be. Broke, unfulfilled, & plain ole tired!

Every day, I took another step to reach my goal. Sometimes I’d hit a bump in the road and have to start over, but it never stopped me trying to push forward. And I want to show you how you can do this too.

Action taking is tough

Wait a minute. Before you bite my head off. I KNOW taking action can be hard. We’ve all got things that might get in our way. A difficult family history, circumstances that don’t make it easy. But if I’d let my challenges and negativity get me down, I’d be stuck in that 9-5, I’d never have spent time raising my kids and I’d not be where I am now.

So we’ve got to make a choice. You’ve got to stand up and decide to take action. No more excuses. The time is now.

But I don’t know where to start, Nyckie!!

Hold up! I hear ya! When we feel like we don’t know where to start or even where we are going, we can lack clarity & confidence.

Trust me, I have absolutely been there! And let me tell you, 15 years ago there was NOTHING out there to guide me. Which is why I’m so excited to get The Childcare Flip Course out into the world. This course is where you can begin. Some might say it’s the green light you need to start thinking big.

Let me guide you with The Childcare Flip Course

The doors are NOW OPEN for my brand new Childcare Flip Course. I’m seeking passionate and driven childcare owners to join me. I’ll be guiding you along the journey and sharing the knowledge and tools you need to create your own profitable childcare business with ease.

We love working with children, & it is our dream to be helping families and have the freedom we desire – whether it’s time freedom, financial freedom, or just being our own boss. Let’s admit it to ourselves and declare it to the world!

Childcare Ninjas group course

Stop delaying your dreams!

For so many years I let my inner critic tell me I wasn’t good enough and that I didn’t have the skill or the passion to succeed. When I was able to switch that noise off and focus on the steps I needed to take, everything changed.

If you don’t believe in the power of your dreams, you’ll risk sitting on the sidelines your entire life. You risk never seeing your dreams turn to reality.

Sign up today & start getting the right help to get your business to the next level so you can see your dreams turn into reality.

Grab your place on The Childcare Flip Course today!

The Childcare Flip Course

 

Before you head off, don’t forget that there’s already some free support available to you. We have an active community of like-minded childcare business owners over on Facebook, because I know that being a home daycare provider sometimes gets lonely. So connect with other childcare owners – it’s a total game changer! Gain strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining a community! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be! Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips 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

It’s time to dial in on your marketing message!

It’s time to dial in on your marketing message!

When it comes to getting your marketing message right it’s really important that you pay attention to what you’re putting out into the world and whether or not it’s being seen. 
Nailing your messaging is the key to growing your childcare business and making it the success it deserves to be.

Are you hearing crickets?

Often we find ourselves putting tonnes of effort into our marketing and think we’re really visible. We believe we’re getting our information out into the world and that our ideal clients are seeing. But when we hear crickets and realize we’ve had zero inquiry calls, we begin to wonder what’s going on. 
hearing crickets awkward
What’s happened here? Is there a disconnect between what you think you’re saying and the message being received by your audience? Or is there an issue with the platforms you’re using?
Take a deeper look into this before making your next move!

More often than not, we’ve missed a trick

And that trick is relatively simple: we have not got the messaging for our childcare business right.
Maybe it’s the information you’re relaying, or maybe it’s not hitting home. But whichever it is, it means we haven’t dialled in on our message well enough.
So how can we clear our messaging up and get people signing up to waitlists or booking in for tours?

What’s your mission?

 

Imagine you’re at a networking event and you’re in a conversation with someone you’ve not met before. They ask you, “What do you do for a living?” You reply, “I’m a childcare business owner.” Simple enough, right? WRONG! 
Telling them what you “do” is absolutely fine. However, you’ve left them with only a vague idea of what you do and it’s unlikely that they’ll ask you anything deeper.
And that’s the same when it comes to your marketing. Don’t be vague and wishy washy. Be bold and make moves! Make it clear that you have a purpose, that you’re on a mission to make a difference. Show them the fire in your belly!
time for bold action

Getting your marketing message just right

So how about if, instead, you answer them with a precise mission statement that explains what you do, how you do it differently and what actually sets you apart from all the other childcare businesses.
That’s the power of getting your marketing messaging correct.
It’s about actually getting your information out there in a way that people quickly and easily understand who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from the competition.
When you can execute your messaging well, you’ll notice that more people are heading your way and are seeking you out specifically. And that’s all because they’re aware that you’re suited to their needs. They know exactly what they’re looking for from their day care provider.

I want to help you nail your marketing message, and I’ve got just the thing! 

Introducing The Childcare Flip Course!

Childcare Ninjas group course

 

We are now welcoming passionate childcare biz owners who want to utilize their passion, skills, and expertise to CREATE and GROW a SUCCESSFUL childcare niche into our brand new course!
This exclusive group coaching will help you break through your fears, frustrations, and overwhelm of starting and growing a childcare business so you can begin creating the freedom of time and finances and start living life on your terms!

WHAT IF…you had a roadmap to help you fast track your own childcare business?!

AND… you really CAN automate your childcare business on a budget?!
I CAN SHOW YOU… you too can have a multi-six-figure childcare business!
SO…you can become precisely who you always wanted to be?!

Ready to get stuck in with me? Learn more —-> HERE.

You can read more marketing message tips and tricks over on the blog, and don’t forget that we’ve got a really active community of like-minded childcare business owners over on Facebook!
Because sometimes being a home daycare provider can feel pretty isolating. Get connected with other childcare owners – it’s a game changer! Gain strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining a community! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!

Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips 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

How to compete for the best team members (despite being small!)

How to compete for the best team members (despite being small!)

When you’re running a smaller childcare business, it can feel like a gargantuan task to find a great new team member. We often look around at these big chains offering the world to new staff, and think we can’t do it. However, you can 100% compete for the best team members if you think outside the box.

Take a look at the benefits and practicalities that your smaller day care brings to the table. What can you offer that those bigger less personable chains can’t?

Have a read and make a note of all the unique ways you can market your business to potential employees…

Compete for the best team members BECAUSE you’re smaller

Being a smaller employer isn’t a bad thing. For the staff member, they’re going to get more attention and support. When they need a hand figuring something out, they can ask a real human in real time, not just send an email to HR.

Make sure your current team feel valued and are singing your praises outside of work. They are your ambassadors, so nurture them and say thank you!

Talk about the team you already have to prospective new employees. When you’re doing a tour, showcase your team’s talents. Potential new team members will love that you’re able to name and highlight the skills your team bring. That personal touch matters. And they’ll recognize that their efforts won’t be diluted and their endeavours will be more noticeable to leaders. Which is a huge positive!

small but mighty

Flexibility is a massive plus!

Being smaller has other advantages too! The fact that you haven’t got hundreds of employees to juggle means that you can be more flexible in your rotas and this might allow new team members to work around their other responsibilities.

It’s often something that people applying for jobs in childcare are afraid to bring up because they’ve been shot down before. Pre-empt that conversation by demonstrating to them how flexible your day care schedule is. Maybe you offer split shifts that allow your workers to collect their kids from school and then come back to work later on, or you have capacity for them to bring theirs with them. So I highly recommend that you give examples of how it can benefit everyone.

I’d suggest asking your current team about the benefits they’d like to see, offering it to them and then recruiting with these offers! Market the benefits of flexible working and call in those marvellous humans who always got the extra mile.

be flexible

Offer different perks to compete for the best team members

While you might not be able to offer amazing healthcare insurance, a 401(k) plan or other expensive benefits that the big dogs can, you can do better! Don’t get caught up in “but I can’t”! Instead think outside the box. What can you seek out as perks to offer your staff?

Use your local connections and great networking skills to bring alternatives to the table. Small things that are important to people. Do you ensure they get a homecooked meal like the kids in the daycare? Or perhaps some veggies to take home to their families from the garden each week? Maybe you can pay their monthly cell phone bill? Would they benefit from a local gym membership? How about a pre-paid gas card?

Something I’ve seen a bit more of recently is pampering for your team. Do your team love getting their nails done, or do they need more relaxation time? How about a monthly massage?

Don’t underestimate the different perks you can offer. And when you’ve figured it out, shout about them from the rooftops!

the perks are unbelievable

When it comes to choosing a job, I know from my own experience – and from my team telling me – it’s not always about the money. Often people are looking for roles that allow them flexibility and support, while using all their skills and valuing them as members of the team. It’s not unheard of for people to leave a well-paid and benefits-rich job to go and do something they’re passionate about that gives them creativity and a chance to grow around their family responsibilities.

So now you’ve finished reading this, have you written down some ideas? What can your lil ol’ daycare offer to entice (and sustain!) new fabulous All Star team members?!

 

Don’t forget!

If you’re looking to sort out your childcare marketing this year, you’re in the right place! I’m hosting a FREE webinar next week which is going to revolutionize how you’re feeling about marketing your childcare biz. 

The Childcare Flip Masterclass is on February 15th at 7pm. 

REGISTER HERE to nab your FREE place! 

 

The Childcare Flip Masterclass

 

Sometimes being a home daycare provider can feel pretty isolated and massively overwhelming. Getting connected with other childcare owners is a game changer! Gain strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining a community! That’s why I set up my Facebook group, where you can hang out with like-minded and aspirational daycare owners. Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!

Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips 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

Avoid these marketing pitfalls in your childcare biz!

Avoid these marketing pitfalls in your childcare biz!

These last few months I’ve been thinking about marketing pitfalls that I come across in the Childcare business. There’s so many! Sounds like bad news, right?!

Wrong! These marketing pitfalls are super easy to overcome, so don’t panic!

Have a read of these 4 most common mistakes I see childcare businesses making in their marketing, and then if you know you need a helping hand, I’d love you to register for my FREE upcoming Masterclass “The Childcare Flip MasterClass!”. In that class I’ll be diving deeper into the pitfalls and how to avoid them. I got you, Ninja!

Anyway, here’s some of the things that you need to avoid doing in your childcare business marketing:

Thinking too small

Childcare Ninjas, it’s time to stop thinking your childcare business is too small. Size does not matter when it comes to childcare! Stop believing the lie that you’re too small to contend with the other day cares in your area, especially the larger chain centers.

It is a negative mindset and false belief that tells you: ”Will people really want what I’ve got to offer?”. Stop listening to that voice when it says: “I’m just an in-home daycare! How on earth am I supposed to compete with a massive daycare center?! One that has all the fancy gadgets and latest kit?”

Instead, position it in a way where it will pique your ideal client’s interest! Here’s your permission to brag about what makes your biz unique! Do kids get to eat your home-grown veggies? Do you offer music sessions that enrich your curriculum?! The little touches matter here. It’s time to stop discounting what makes you unique and amazing and start shouting it from the rooftops!

One of the things to start doing so you don’t fall into that pit of ‘marketing or comparison blues’ is look at what you do well and highlight it.

Even if you’re small you can still position and market yourself so you’re set apart and your uniqueness shines bright!

think bigger

Pretending to be something they’re not

You’d be surprised how many businesses fall into this trap. But it’s all because of the comparisonitis childcare business owners get, as highlighted in my first point! They worry they’re not good enough or big enough and then try to market themselves as something they are not. 

I’ve seen it plenty of times where a home daycare biz owner puts out messaging that builds expectations they can’t possibly meet. From stock images on social media posts and leaflets to language that insinuates a huge corporate company – it doesn’t matter how. What’s important is showing your true colors in your marketing.

People love to buy from people, and they want to get to know you. They also love supporting small, so why wouldn’t they want a more intimate experience for their babies?

So stop pretending and start telling the world who you really are!

Not asking for help

Something I witness time and time again is this “I’m a strong independent woman” mantra from Childcare business owners. I am absolutely 100% down for being strong and independent, but not to the detriment of my business and my mental health! And not asking for help is often caused by this need to appear strong and independent all the time. Which is – in my humble opinion – unnecessary!

Being strong doesn’t mean keeping going till you reach breaking point with something. Showing strength can look like saying no to the things that don’t serve you or your business. It might be that you show strength by reaching out to a mentor or your peers.

So don’t end up making this common marketing pitfall! Instead ask for help when you need it.

asking for help is an act of courage

Not having a marketing plan

Hands up if this is you?! Are you doing your marketing on a wing and a prayer? It’s okay, you’re not alone. Many childcare business owners don’t prioritize their marketing, don’t bother making a plan, and then find themselves in a panic!

So take some time to sit down and figure out your marketing plan. Set some goals for your marketing. If getting a waitlist going is a priority, how can you let people know you’re there? Decide what the purpose is to your marketing and go from there. Create a plan that is manageable and sustainable!

Not sure where to go from here?! Never fear, my blog is full of awesome ideas for marketing your childcare business.

 Put a plan in place for your marketing! Even in-home daycares need one!

Have you noticed any other marketing pitfalls in the industry? Share them in the comments below!

If you’re looking to sort out your childcare marketing this year, you’re in the right place! I’m hosting a webinar next week which is going to revolutionize how you’re feeling about marketing your childcare biz. 

The Childcare Flip Masterclass is on February 14th at 7pm. REGISTER HERE to nab your FREE place! 

Hope to see you there, Ninja!

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 more involved in the community and to grow your business? Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be! Or if you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips there too!

childcare ninjas logo 2020