Can you develop a relationship with your neighbor provider and ask her to refer you to the clients she turns away? Perhaps you could have her visit on a professional level so she can see your daycare and get to know you as a provider so she would be confident in referring you.

Also put out advertisements where new moms gather. Church bulletin boards, the local YMCA, fitness clubs etc.

You could also have an open house for prospective clients. Advertise this in your local paper or put a sign out on your front lawn.

Do you have a website? Have you posted an ad on all the daycare providers web sites? Tried Kijiji?

When you are out running errands, hand your business cards out to Moms of little ones. Even send a congratulations card to families who have announced their babies birth in the paper. Include your business card.

Doing these things will make you feel in charge of your life and business instead on hoping for the phone to ring. I haven't had a phone inquiry in months. I recently went to a product party and it was a providers heaven. Almost everyone had a baby on her lap and I picked up a client who had heard about me from the host, a current client of mine.

Also, review your interview techniques. Do you come off a little desperate or anxious.

I wish you all the best. I know, as most of us do, that these quiet times can really be a huge source of anxiety. Let us know how you are doing.