DESPERATELY Seeking Clients!

[treeholm]

I think I've shared this before, but it is worth mentioning again. I started advertising in July to open in September, and was full within 2 weeks. I thought it was because of my kick-butt ad on kijii...hahaha. I found out later that a local daycare provider DID see my ad, thought I sounded like someone she was philosophically similar to, and asked if she could refer her overflow to me. Of course, I said yes... found out later every single one of my five families came from her on her recommendation, and she hadn't even met me yet. We just corresponded by email and she thought I was a lot like her. We since went out for dinner, and guess what? She's like a younger version of me. So, my advice is to meet well-established providers in your area who are similar to you in style and beliefs. If they send you the people on their waiting list with their recommendation, being new won't seem like a disadvantage.

I am a grandmother, and the families who came were clearly wanting that kind of person, so that was also good. They appreciated the fact that I raised three children, and that I am an empty nester who isn't up during the night with my own children anymore. It's all about finding a good match. Just my 2 cents' worth... it was eye-opening for sure!