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!
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…)
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.
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…
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!
Find cheerleaders and support in prepping for 2023
Even with the best planning system in the world, being a home daycare provider can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelming. Don’t forget that you can find strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining our community! You can hang out with like-minded and aspirational day care owners in there. Plus I go live regularly to talk about topics that’ll help you grow.If you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips there too. Or maybe email is your thang…JOIN OUR MAILING LIST HERE. 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! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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
Even with the best planning system in the world, being a home daycare provider can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelming. Don’t forget that you can find strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining our community! You can hang out with like-minded and aspirational day care owners in there. Plus I go live regularly to talk about topics that’ll help you grow.If you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips there too. Or maybe email is your thang…JOIN OUR MAILING LIST HERE. 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! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!
“When you know you’re meant for more , you refuse to settle for less” – Sabrina Philipp Ninja, everything you will find on this page as been designed and created intentionally with YOU in mind. I am going to be real with you! I have spent the...
We’re already catapulting our way through 2022 and I know that finances are top priority for many of you. I’ve written this blog focusing on tips for creating a successful finance routine in your childcare biz.
Any of these sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve been struggling in the past to keep on track with incomings and outgoings? Or maybe you constantly miss deadlines for taxes? Does your in-home daycare business have trouble collecting payments from your clients?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, read on as I dive in and take a look at some ideas to help you get set up for success in 2022!
Time to get stuck into my top ideas for creating a successful finance routine, Ninja!
1. Separate your accounts!
It’s super important that you keep track of your business and personal finances. Set up a different bank account for your in-home daycare so you can manage your money better. Head to your local bank or credit union and open a new account.
Whenever you’re making payments for the business – resources, food, equipment, your team – do them from this account. Pay yourself from here too, so it’s really clear to see where you’re at financially. It helps you see what’s coming in and going out!
It also has the added benefit of making you feel more professional, and present yourself as a legitimate business to your clients. Keeps things on a serious level.
2. Pick a “money day”
One of the things that really helped me when I initially set up my home day care was allocating one day per week to focus on finances. Getting into a routine of checking your accounts, keeping on top of budgets and bills is key to making it all less scary.
Choose a day that’s maybe a little quieter and block out a couple of hours in your planner or Google calendar. Then spend that time going through invoices, paying bills, chasing payments and all of the things that used to get piled up and eventually done (badly) in a panic! Keep on top of your finances like this means that you’ll feel more confident in your decision making and when tax returns are due!
Set the scene for your fab finances day – diffuser on, door closed and keep focused! Let’s get into the habit of checking in on our finances every week.
3. Choose an accountant who understands Childcare!
A good accountant is worth their weight in gold! In my honest opinion though, it’s important to find one who understands how a childcare business works. Someone who is knowledgeable about the childcare industry! They’ve got to know what can or can’t be written off and they’ll be able to help you get the most out of the tax return.
Take the time to find the right accountant for you!
4. Have a budget
You might be killing it on your home budget, but do you keep that separate from your business? No?! Well now is the time to start. You need to keep things neat and tidy, so it’s easy to see what came out of where. Don’t mix up your budgets!
Try to make your day care finances and budget independent from your personal budget! Keep all receipts organized and filed away for your in-home daycare. Have a system in place to store and organize things, making it easier to find things when anyone asks.
It’ll save time and money if you keep things separate! Make your life and your accountant’s life easier by starting now! Keep reading for more tips for creating a successful finance routine!
5. Automate as much as you can!
Y’all know I’m all about the systems and automations. Why wouldn’t I love ’em?! After all, they’ve helped me grow from a home daycare into a multiple facility childcare business! But you don’t have to be bringing in the big bucks to put these things in place.
You can ensure you get paid as quickly as possible by automating! Quickbooks or PayPal (others also available!) can help you set up an automated invoices for your clients. These apps can bill them each month and makes them paying you more simple. They’re super easy to adapt and make changes for those times you’re putting your prices up. And you can set up reminders to ensure parents don’t forget to pay.
These don’t cost too much – a small percentage. But it’s worth it to take it off your to do list!
And finally, I’d highly recommend reading Profit First. Wanna know more? I wrote a blog about it here!
I hope you enjoyed reading my tips for creating a successful finance routine! Do you have any more tips to pass on?
Have you heard that we have a course starting next month?! Yaaaaasss Ninja! It’s time to learn! Find out more about our Phenomenal Foundations Course here.
While you’re here…Did you know that you can schedule a 20 minute chat to see how we can help you start and scale your childcare business?
And don’t forget that you can find strategies and tips to move your childcare business forward by joining our community! You can hang out with like-minded and aspirational daycare owners in there and I go live regularly to talk about topics that’ll help you grow. 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! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!
If you prefer Instagram, we share ideas and tips there too. Or maybe email is your thang…JOIN OUR 💌 MAILING LIST HERE.
Also if you’re looking to reduce overwhelm, get organized and achieve your goals this year, you can get your 2022 CHILDCARE BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEM right here.
Have you thought about starting a childcare business in 2022? What are your priorities for getting started? At this time of year I always pause for reflection, and I’ve been thinking about the things I’d do if I were to start my business again in 2022…
So this blog has 5 things I think might help you get a head-start! There are things that took me a while to learn or implement, and things I wish I’d done more of sooner!
Read on, Ninja!
If you’re a visual or auditory learner, you might want to watch the YouTube episode I recorded about this right now:
Or continue reading if you love a blog!
Ok, so I’m diving in with these 5 tips…
Tip Number One: Have a niche!
If you’re starting your childcare business in 2022, there’s definitely a lot to be said for niching down sooner rather than later. Instead of being another generic local daycare center, offer something that local families need or want! That way you’re meeting a need and making a name for yourself. You’re likely to be more memorable with a niche and the news about your childcare business will spread faster.
I’ve talked more about how you can niche down in my previous blog post.
Tip Number Two: Mix the old school and the new!
Something I’d do straight away if I was starting up next year is not get caught up in trends. They’re great and serve their purpose, but there’s no need to ignore the old marketing tricks like flyers and posters.
Social media is super useful for getting your message out there. But what happens if the global server goes down and we have no socials?! It was all a bit worrying last time, wasn’t it?! Imagine if it had been down for longer… Gulp! Not a nice thought, am I right? So you’ve got to think strategically.
One thing I must mention if you’re going to be starting a childcare business in 2022, is that you need to have a clear budget. And more importantly, you’ve gotta stick to it! There are so many things you can do to set up your childcare on a budget, so you don’t need big bucks to get going.
However, sometimes it’s easy to get carried away buying resources, spending too much on marketing or uniforms… Basically not sticking to your financials. So I urge you to make a plan for what you can afford. Prioritize your budget and stick with it. I’ve written loads of content on starting out on a budget, so don’t panic! Read them here.
Tip Number Four: Build your systems!
Y’all know I’m obsessed with systems, but it’s for a good reason! They make running a business so much easier! There’s no way I’d be where I am today – a multiple facility owner bringing in a sustainable 6 figure income – if I didn’t have systems.
Having certain parts of your childcare business automated really does help you stay sane and keep things ticking over smoothly! So if you’re just getting started in your business, now is the time to get those systems in place! Don’t leave it as long as I did, Ninja! Read more about why you need systems in your childcare biz here.
Tip Number Five: Invest in yourself!
Investing in myself is one of those things I wish I’d done a lot sooner!! Sometimes I wonder where I’d be now if I’d prioritised my self-investment! I’m passionate about women in biz investing in their education, up-levelling their skills and learning about strategy. And I believe and have spent the last few years discovering how mindset is SO IMPORTANT!
And it doesn’t have to cost you the earth! There are numerous ways to invest in yourself, from borrowing books from the library or buying them second hand, to joining a membership or hiring a coach. However you do it, it’s important to get insight from people who have already been on the journey. Nowadays there’s lots of information readily available – so much more than when I was starting out. Daycare owners have become much more willing to share their journey, so why not use their expertise!
Educating yourself on the business side of daycare is vital too. Even if you love playing with the kids and your gift is coming up with the curriculum you really need that business acumen too. You can join daycare business groups like mine and ask questions, get tips and learn from others too. Have a think on where you may have gaps and ways to fill them within your budget!
So whether you’re up-levelling or starting your childcare business in 2022, 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. 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! 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.
MAILING LIST HERE. 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! Join us for more tips on how to make your childcare business the success it deserves to be!
