Thank you Judy for your marketing advice!

[Artsand crafts]

I wanted to thank you publicly because of the great help I have received from you!

I’ve been trying to fill up my last spot since 8 months ago and have only received 3 calls for full time in that time frame since I am currently located in a thought area to get clients. Some of the challenges that I have been facing are:

• That 2 kids have died recently in different home daycares very close to my house (one of them is the girl from the warehouse daycare that has been mentioned as the cause of Bill 143)
• Home daycares are seen in this area as the bottom choice of childcare. Most parents prefer the status of a well-known daycare centers or live-in nannies.

There are only a few of us, home daycare providers, around this area (since we are not very popular here) and in the past months I have seen a couple new home daycares disappear and older ones struggling to fill up several spots at a time.

I didn’t know what to expect when I asked for your help, but I am very glad I did! During the last week I have received 3 calls from families looking for daycare, after following your advice. So I have gone from 3 inquires in 8 months to 3 inquires in a week. I couldn’t be happier! I really appreciate the time you spent on helping me solve this issue. Thank you!

[Janet]

I'll never be able to thank Judy enough for helping me to fine tune my skills as a child care provider and giving me guidance that has allowed me to have success without compromise. Thank you, Judy!

[Blackcat3168]

It's funny that you mentioned Judy here today. I was just telling a friend of mine about her. My friend is starting a home child care and asked me if I knew anyone that could mentor or help her navigate the rules and regulations of child care.

I sent her to this forum and told her to specifically look up Judy. I remember a thread about her offering Daycare coaching. Which, btw is a fantastic idea in my opinion....

Anyways.....where did that thread go? I searched for it but I can't find it? Was it removed or deleted? I've heard that happens a lot here.

If so, I wonder why.... as helping support or teach/help new providers via coaching is such a wonderful idea that I can't imagine why it wouldn't be something that a daycare forum promoted.

So if anyone knows the link or how I find it, please let me know. TIA!

Does anyone know the link so I can share it?

[Samantha33]

It's funny that you mentioned Judy here today. I was just telling a friend of mine about her. My friend is starting a home child care and asked me if I knew anyone that could mentor or help her navigate the rules and regulations of child care.

I sent her to this forum and told her to specifically look up Judy. I remember a thread about her offering Daycare coaching. Which, btw is a fantastic idea in my opinion....

Anyways.....where did that thread go? I searched for it but I can't find it? Was it removed or deleted? I've heard that happens a lot here.

If so, I wonder why.... as helping support or teach/help new providers via coaching is such a wonderful idea that I can't imagine why it wouldn't be something that a daycare forum promoted.

So if anyone knows the link or how I find it, please let me know. TIA!

Does anyone know the link so I can share it?

Is this what you are looking for http://www.daycarecoaching. com/

[torontokids]

I wonder if maybe if it was removed because this is blatant advertising for her business which I am guessing they have not received money for. I think the business is a good idea as well but these "plugs" are a little lame.

[Artsand crafts]

I wonder if maybe if it was removed because this is blatant advertising for her business which I am guessing they have not received money for. I think the business is a good idea as well but these "plugs" are a little lame.

I hope you are not talking about my "plug". If I offended you for wanting to share my experience with Judy, I am sorry, but I am really happy that to have found a results oriented person (which I have met only a handful of them in my lifetime) willing to help me in this though time that I have been going through in my business. I am so impressed with her knowledge and effectiveness that I will for sure share her information with the few providers around my area (since our main competition are really daycare centers here).

If the reason they removed her post was because she was "advertising her business without receiving money" I think they should removed the "Courses for providers" section of this forum altogether since I have found there several threats advertizing other people's businesses and I am sure they have not paid a single penny to daycare bear.

[SLD]

I wonder if maybe if it was removed because this is blatant advertising for her business which I am guessing they have not received money for. I think the business is a good idea as well but these "plugs" are a little lame.

Why? The information Judy has to share has helped people. What's lame about getting that out there? Unless it's merely a money thing which would be a shame.

[Blackcat3168]

Obviously, I am new here so I thought I would ask.

I don't know much about the forum's advertising rules and what not. I was merely asking a question because some one else mentioned her name.

I didn't realize my question would be considered a "plug"...sheesh :confused:
....sorry I got your panties in a bunch.

No wonder other people "warned" about this forum. :rolleyes:

I "thought" it was a board where providers could share things with each other and get help.
Which is exactly what I was doing....

I am a little PO'ed that I came here to ask a simple question and get called lame for doing so.

If there is a list of certain things or specific names I am not suppose to be mentioning, could you please point me in that direction please. I would appreciate it.

[mimi]

I think torontokids meant the plugs on Judy's posts not your thank you to her for the help you received and appreciated. I see no problem with your public thank you as many of us have helped each other with sharing daycare documents, websites etc.

It did come to my mind though, and I am sure others remember it too, that Judy posted that she would not be returning to this forum due to being pissed off about some attitudes of some posters. To me it was clear she was done. So I was pleased to see her back, but saw all the links to her website and new business that I realized that was a big reason why she had returned.
Still happy to read her opinions.

[SLD]

Re-reading these I don't see these as plugs. One is a thank you, nothing wrong with that. Another is a question.

A "plug" would be "hey have you seen this website?" Thanking someone or asking a question isn't lame.

[torontokids]

Maybe I read more into it then I should have. I thought the post was merely advertising for her business in a different way. If it was a traditional post that you would find in here it would be more like "Judy is so awesome she suggested I do ________ to drum up business and it worked. Instead it was more like an advertisement for her services without being specific. It just feels like Judy said she wouldn't come back here and then as Mimi said returns with info re: her new business. It was I guess more an observation.

That being said, I do appreciate Judy's insights/bluntness and enjoy reading her posts.

[bright sparks]

One of Judy`s responses on another thread to someones questions and concerns was to direct them to her daycare coaching website, so this is most definitely advertising her business. That being said, I personally didnt think there was anything wrong with that as it didnt effect me directly and it was simply advising someone that there was a service available for them. From the perspective of a website like this though which relies heavily on advertising to generate money as the forum, daycare listings and search engine for parents is free, I can see why that would not be allowed.

I am also glad that someone else has noticed and pointed out that a big announcement was made RE Judy`s departure from the forum, which as a result caused a huge thread of responses, but all of a sudden she returns with her new business venture. It`s not that it is in anyway an issue, she has valuable perspectives that enrich this forum and I for one was recently wishing she was here to give her views and opinions a few weeks ago on a member and a specific situation that came up, who was with us just since January and left us a couple of weeks ago, but I to the conclusion from her final post and was lead to believe that she was gone for good and then saw that her return was accompanied by her new daycare business venture.

I don`t think anyone needs to be pissed off. Nobody was rude, just gave their perspective. Of course this is a place for difference of opinions which includes different perceptions. It doesnt necessairily make one person right over the other though. I dont think anyone needs to apologize if they didnt make some kind of personal remark to another, and in response I dont think people need to take things so personally when they arent actually having any mean or vindictive comments directed towards them.

To Blackcat, I have to say I didnt think you meant a link to Judy`s actual website as that is right their on her profile page or if you click on her name it allows you to link directly to her website, and also at the bottom of each of her postings it is there, or have they been removed. I thought you mean`t she had linked something else in a response to a thread and that had been removed. What was it you were actually referring to *EDIT...sorry I thought this was the OP who asked but reread that it was blackcat so editted the post to reflect this*

*I apologize for poor punctuation. My daughter has changed the settings to french punctuation and so I cant do half the things I need to lol*

[Artsand crafts]

I guess I am not a traditional woman then, only an appreciative one. This is not my first thank you in this forum. I thanked once the ladies in this forum for helping me solve my son nap time issues and yes the name of the threat was "Thank you ladies for all the help to solve my son nap time issues" or something similar. I do not remember anybody questioning me why the subject of my thank you post wasn't different or asking me then to provide details of how my issues got solved. I was so happy then, as I am now, that I wanted to share and recognize the value of the women in this forum, as I am now doing with Judy. And if my thank you has come in the moment that Judy is starting her business and helps her on her endeavor so be it. I don't see anything wrong with it and I actually believe it will be beneficial for a lot of daycare providers out there. I don’t know why this is rubbing people the wrong way. I would think in a women’s forum there would be more support for woman starting a new business.


From the perspective of a website like this though which relies heavily on advertising to generate money as the forum, daycare listings and search engine for parents is free, I can see why that would not be allowed.

I do not agree with this statement. If you go to "Curses for daycare providers" in this forum, you will see other websites that also generate money on several threats. This just makes me wonder why Judy’s post should be treated differently. There seem to be an arbitrary approach of threats removal in here.

[notaunicorn]

totally brainfarting here but didn't there used to be another provider or two that had links to their web pages and side businesses?

Playing devils advocate here if they were allowed to advertise their side business why shouldn't everyone be given the same opportunity?? Unless there is different rules for different folks here that is.

Judy may have wished us all a grand goodbye a while ago but quite frankly I think it was a much needed wake up call for quite a few "cliques" on here. And it is totally her prerogative to come back after a cool down period and post again if she wishes. Unless it is a closed forum...and only those that drink the koolaid are welcome :p:blink:

[SLD]

Maybe I read more into it then I should have. I thought the post was merely advertising for her business in a different way. If it was a traditional post that you would find in here it would be more like "Judy is so awesome she suggested I do ________ to drum up business and it worked. Instead it was more like an advertisement for her services without being specific. It just feels like Judy said she wouldn't come back here and then as Mimi said returns with info re: her new business. It was I guess more an observation.

That being said, I do appreciate Judy's insights/bluntness and enjoy reading her posts.

That isn't at all how I read it. I saw it as what it apparently was.. a thank you. I'm not sure why that would then bring up the fact that someone left and came back?

Why can't a thank you be a thank you. I'm apparently missing something.

eta: Notaunicorn I believe you're right. I don't post often but have been reading for a while. Perhaps that advertising was paid for..?

[Blackcat3168]

To Blackcat, I have to say I didnt think you meant a link to Judy`s actual website as that is right their on her profile page or if you click on her name it allows you to link directly to her website, and also at the bottom of each of her postings it is there, or have they been removed. I thought you mean`t she had linked something else in a response to a thread and that had been removed. What was it you were actually referring to *EDIT...sorry I thought this was the OP who asked but reread that it was blackcat so editted the post to reflect this*

*I apologize for poor punctuation. My daughter has changed the settings to french punctuation and so I cant do half the things I need to lol*

Some one pointed me to this forum because there was a thread posted about (Judy) a daycare coach. I wasn't aware of Judy's comings and goings and whatever other drama or non-drama has or hasn't been happening over here.

I was told there was a thread about a daycare coach and it listed the website, so I came over here looking for that thread. I did not know to check her old posts or whatever else may have had her links.

I was simply asking a question and another user apparently thought I (along with others) was advertising or plugging someone's business. ???? :confused:

Like I said, if advertising is against the rules, then why not just say that?

BTW, I found the answer I was looking for.

Another member was gracious enough to PM me the link. (thank you!)

Which is something that kind of concerns me about this board. Why did that member feel the need to have to PM me the link? Why not post it in the thread in case others readers could see it too? Was she going to be reprimanded for mentioning Judy's name or something?? :rolleyes:

I was told before I joined this forum that there is a bit of learning curve to this place. That some gals will not be helpful and/or friendly at all and if I should happen to get on the "popular girls" bad sides, I could get booted.

I have been hesitant to post since and don't visit often because of that.

If Torontokids read the original post wrong or misinterpreted it, that's on her but if she wasn't sure, why not ask for clarification rather than just make a rude comment.

I think I'll just go back to reading instead of posting as this place is too much like free play after a no-nap day. :unsure:

[mimi]

Oh brother seriously? There is no clique, there are no popular girls, there are no repercussions for getting on someones bad side and no one gets booted out. If someone is on just to be a continuous shit disturber, which we have encountered, we can ask the Administrator to deal with this person.

Judy told this forum that she had had enough and was never, ever coming back. I could even hear the door slam as she left. I thought it was too bad, as she, along with many others who post here, have some great advice and insight. Now, she is back and I was happy to see she had changed her mind. I did notice that her "tone" had softened and that she had another website. I'm not stupid, I knew she was back to promote her websites...........a nd I had no issues with it, but don't pretend her return is just a change of heart.

I wish people would stop interpreting some posters who ask the difficult questions and who are up front about what they think, that this is some high school clique. ITS NOT! , and if someone misinterprets what you post, then kindly set them straight without feeling like they are coming after you. That being said, this site is not like free play after a no-nap day, but I respect your right to say so.:)

[bright sparks]

I think it's worth a shout out to ADMIN with regards to why Judys thread got deleted. Also her comment on another thread seems to have vanished. I think the forum is a fine place to offer gratitude to anyone and that there was nothing wrong with the OP comments.

Arts and Crafts you don't have to agree with the statement I made about advertising, I did however make it clear that this was not my opinion but that of the website needing to generate revenue from paid advertising and not allowing the forum to be a place for dcproviders to advertise freely, and for this reason I suspect the thread was removed. I quite clearly stated that I can see from their perspective, I did not say I agree or that this was my opinion. I was simply trying to come up with an explanation for why this may have happened by putting myself in their shoes and this is what I came up with.

[Artsand crafts]

Arts and Crafts you don't have to agree with the statement I made about advertising, I did however make it clear that this was not my opinion but that of the website needing to generate revenue from paid advertising and not allowing the forum to be a place for dcproviders to advertise freely, and for this reason I suspect the thread was removed. I quite clearly stated that I can see from their perspective, I did not say I agree or that this was my opinion. I was simply trying to come up with an explanation for why this may have happened by putting myself in their shoes and this is what I came up with.

I also was trying to come up with a LOGICAL explanation for the reason her threat was removed while other threats with businesses websites are still in this forum and have been here for a very loooong time. Is there a set of rules that who knows where they are to be found as to when threats with businesses websites should be removed? Do these rules apply only to Judy???

I didn't see anything wrong with Judy's previous threat and I think it could be of great help for several providers, mainly the ones that are considering quitting because of children's or parent's stress. This job does not have to be stressful or depressing and I do not see why Judy can't help with that. If some people do not want to pay for it that's fine, but there are others that are at the end of their rope and this could be a good option for them.

[Artsand crafts]

Why not post it in the thread in case others readers could see it too?

I would be happy to point you in Judy's direction or any other provider in need of help.

Her coaching website is: www.daycarecoaching. com

Her blog: www.JustTheBabySitte r.com

[bright sparks]

I agree with you A and C and that's why I shouted ADMIN!!!

ADMIN, please would you kindly explain why Judy's posts were taken down... I think it would help clear up the questions from this thread...Thank you

[sunnydays]

We are all self-employed business women here. In my opinion, we should be suppotive of each others' initiatives and business plans. If Judy has found a way to make a little bit of extra money in return for helping new providers with her knowledge that she has gained over years and years of experience I think that is great! Isn't this what happens all the time? People retire in their field and come back as consultants. I don't think it harms anyone here to have her business linked to in case some sturggling providers are really in need of some help from an experienced provider. This forum is a place where many new providers (and old as well) come for help. Nobody is forcing them to pay Judy for services. It is just a service that is available and you can choose to use it or not. I didn't see A & C's post as advertising, nor did I see the other posts as plugs. I am not sure why this has even become an issue. I have also stopped posting much on here because it seems every time I try, things end up getting nasty and this is a public forum. I cringe thinking that this is how parents see daycare providers if they are reading.

[Lou]

Wow, controversy! I, too, read it initially as advertising but I didn't care because, honestly, who cares?! We all advertise our home based businesses here and since Judy's business is daycare related I'm not sure where the controversy lies. If you are not interested in daycare coaching, simply by pass and ignore. If you are, click away!
Also, I've been here for quite some time and cliques? popular girls? I've never seen issue with this here, what are we 13?? I've seen some side with others on various issues, but that is life people...people have different philosophies, personalities etc. In a forum with this many members, friendships will be formed with people you find you "mesh" with. Obviously, I don't belong with either of these so called groups so maybe I'm being naive!
Anyways, I guess I'm trying to figure out why everyone's knickers are in a knot?? I can't see the big deal.

[superfun]

Wow, controversy! I, too, read it initially as advertising but I didn't care because, honestly, who cares?! We all advertise our home based businesses here and since Judy's business is daycare related I'm not sure where the controversy lies. If you are not interested in daycare coaching, simply by pass and ignore. If you are, click away!
Also, I've been here for quite some time and cliques? popular girls? I've never seen issue with this here, what are we 13?? I've seen some side with others on various issues, but that is life people...people have different philosophies, personalities etc. In a forum with this many members, friendships will be formed with people you find you "mesh" with. Obviously, I don't belong with either of these so called groups so maybe I'm being naive!
Anyways, I guess I'm trying to figure out why everyone's knickers are in a knot?? I can't see the big deal.

This is exactly what I was thinking

[Blackcat3168]

Oh brother seriously? There is no clique, there are no popular girls, there are no repercussions for getting on someones bad side and no one gets booted out. If someone is on just to be a continuous shit disturber, which we have encountered, we can ask the Administrator to deal with this person.

Judy told this forum that she had had enough and was never, ever coming back. I could even hear the door slam as she left. I thought it was too bad, as she, along with many others who post here, have some great advice and insight. Now, she is back and I was happy to see she had changed her mind. I did notice that her "tone" had softened and that she had another website. I'm not stupid, I knew she was back to promote her websites...........a nd I had no issues with it, but don't pretend her return is just a change of heart.

I wish people would stop interpreting some posters who ask the difficult questions and who are up front about what they think, that this is some high school clique. ITS NOT! , and if someone misinterprets what you post, then kindly set them straight without feeling like they are coming after you. That being said, this site is not like free play after a no-nap day, but I respect your right to say so.:)

I feel like I stepped into the middle of a hornets nest.

The thread was fine until a long standing member posted that "plugging" someone's business in this manner was lame.

Did she know ALL the posters were doing that? If she has been on the forum for a while, why wouldn't she ask for clarification if she didn't know? She didn't ask a difficult question. She simply misinterpreted what posters were saying and said that was lame. THAT is childish.

I would expect a longer standing member to state her issues, let newbies (me) know that it wasn't allowed, connect links to show me and leave it at that.

But instead she choose a rather childish way to handle her problem (or imagined issue) and in the end, the gals who reacted to her are the ones being "corrected" :confused:

I only asked a question and have gotten an earful about Judy and her past doings....NONE of which have anything to do with me (a newbie to this board) so if that doesn't make this site look like a high school girls lunch table, I don't know what does.

You specifically say that if a poster misinterprets your post, set them straight. I did and am still being given a bunch of dramatic details about some type of drama that went down here. Who cares??? I surely don't. Because I am not 13 and personally I like to form my own opinions and ideas about stuff but so far you guys are doing a pretty good job of showing me how petty and childish forums can be.

fwiw, I won't be posting in this thread anymore because I have my answer but it doesn't mean I will be leaving the forum and slamming the door...I am merely going to continue being a regular reader and a minimal poster so that nothing I say gets misinterpreted.

I asked ONE question. Got the answer I was looking for and a WHOLE bunch of other unnecessary info. So thanks...I think.

[Artsand crafts]

I just received another call!!! However the girl is 4yo and I like to start with infants. Mom was very interested because her place is very close to mine. I mentioned that the girl would be bored here since I currently have only toddlers and we are doing toddlers' activities, because she was trying to convince me by saying the girl likes to play with her 2 yo cousin. She is also starting JK in September, so no my best choice...

Anyways, another family is coming on Monday to drop off my contract signed and the little guy is starting the following week. I feel my last spot very close to be filled up! but I will keep my options open until he is enrolled, we never know in this business.

[torontokids]

I am sorry I caused such an uproar...geez. I never in my wildest dreams thought the reaction would be as it was. Just to clarify: I never said that Judy shouldn't advertise, nor did I say that she shouldn't have a side business; I am sure a lot of us do. What I did comment on was the post that just "appeared" to be plugging the business and I questioned if they were genuine. I have been corrected, thank you.

I really didn't care enough that it was advertising vs. genuine posts really so perhaps I shouldn't have commented at all (I truly did not see the responses being so strong to my comment I was just pointing out something). I had no intentions of "creating a hornets nest" nor making people feel uncomfortable. I think this forum is fantastic, I do not wish to make people feel like they can't safely post something. This is probably the first time I had posted something of this nature. Read my other posts, I try to be helpful and seek help often.

I also said Judy's post may have been removed because daycare bear may not have liked her free advertisements. I did not place any value on this (e.g. people should or should not do this) I was merely answering the posters question about where her post had gone and had it been removed.

[Artsand crafts]

I am sorry I caused such an uproar...geez. I never in my wildest dreams thought the reaction would be as it was. Just to clarify: I never said that Judy shouldn't advertise, nor did I say that she shouldn't have a side business; I am sure a lot of us do. What I did comment on was the post that just "appeared" to be plugging the business and I questioned if they were genuine. I have been corrected, thank you.

I really didn't care enough that it was advertising vs. genuine posts really so perhaps I shouldn't have commented at all (I truly did not see the responses being so strong to my comment I was just pointing out something). I had no intentions of "creating a hornets nest" nor making people feel uncomfortable. I think this forum is fantastic, I do not wish to make people feel like they can't safely post something. This is probably the first time I had posted something of this nature. Read my other posts, I try to be helpful and seek help often.

I also said Judy's post may have been removed because daycare bear may not have liked her free advertisements. I did not place any value on this (e.g. people should or should not do this) I was merely answering the posters question about where her post had gone and had it been removed.

I understand that when we write, our words may sound different compared to when we talk, that's why in this case I felt offended when I though my post was called "lame plug" or when I though you were trying to tell me how I was supposed to write the subject of my treats or the content of my posts. Thanks for clarifying.

[Artsand crafts]

By the way Torontokids getting out of the subject, how is the cleaning lady I recommended you doing?

[mamaof4]

Saying thanks for good advice is not an issue, at least not in my opinion.

The threads/responses that were removed were removed because advertising your business in a free forum is not allowed- I did discuss it with the admin and we came to the decision as a team.

Judy does have great advice and has been a huge help for a lot of providers, I completely agree with that.