Inspirational and Empowering Child Care Business Owners To Build Successful Child Care Businesses

Posts tagged ‘Building Enrollment’

How To Reassure Staff During a Low Enrollment Season

Every year in August as my summer camp comes to an end, many of the school-age children leave the program to go back to school and this usually leaves 16-to-20 slots for me to fill. In fact, this year, I started marketing my program 6-weeks before the camp ended, so that  as the school-age kids were leaving the program….the preschoolers would be coming in.

Several days prior to writing this blog post, I was observing two of my staff members as they talked about how many of the kids had already left the program due to the summer camp ending. One of the teachers looked really concerned. So, I walked over and said to her, “You seem to be worried about the enrollment?” She (sadly) replied, “Yes I am.”

I kindly reminded her that this season is not going to last long and that we will have new students coming soon. Also, I encouraged her  not to worry about her hours being cut or losing her job. After I spoke with her, she smiled and appeared as if two buildings were lifted off her shoulders.

Moreover, since my talk with the teacher who was concerned about low enrollment, I have enrolled six new students and this was the response that I received from that concerned staff member, Wow! You said more children would be coming!

I only have a few more enrollment slots to fill, however, I am so thankful that I did not have to lay off staff due to a sudden shift in enrollment after the summer camp ended. Furthermore, after my brief talk with that teacher, I also realized the importance of having open and supportive communication with your staff during tough seasons.

Furthermore, be careful of  the words that you speak over your childcare business as you build enrollment. Your words are so powerful. So, be sure to stay in a mode of expectation.

I shared my story with you to encourage you to reassure your staff when there is a change in enrollment, especially during low enrollment seasons.

Here’s something to think about: you depend on the money from your business to pay your bills and your staff depends on you to provide them with a  job to pay their bills, so in the event that you foresee or anticipate a shift in enrollment, they should be informed. This will help to minimize unnecessary anxiety or gossip.

Also, be sure that you are not worried and always have confidence that more kids are coming. As you walk in confidence during a Low Enrollment season, you can be assured that your staff will catch that same attitude!

With Enrollment in Mind!

Shiketa

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Category:

Budget, Business Management, Child Care Center, daycare, Enrollment Building

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Finish Your Tours With a Bang

Photo Credit: Link Child Care Center

According to Jon Gordan, a best-selling author and keynote speaker, “Whatever your job or business add some fireworks to your work. Think of ways you can create a grand finale and leave a lasting impression. Finish your speech or sales presentation with a bang and give your audience a reason to clap at the end. Give your customers something positive to talk about as they walk out the door.”

“Fireworks don’t have to occur just on the 4th of July. You can create a fireworks experience every day by finishing strong and making people say… “Wow.”

I shared this excerpt from Jon’s ( July 2, 2012) weekly e-newsletter with you to inspire you to (intentionally) finish your tours with a bang.

Prior to reading Jon’s e-newsletter, I noticed that when I end my tours by giving parents  a “Free” gift (Law of Reciprocity) for visiting the program or by simply having a great conversation at the end of the tour; it usually resulted in the child enrolling in my program.

However,  I found that if I was tired while conducting a tour and not really focused on closing the sale or not focused on ending the tour with a bang, I wondered if the parent would even call me after the tour. Parents choose your program based on how you present yourself to them and your business.

Tip: If you are tired, go outside to get some fresh air, listen to something motivational or do not give the tour.

Today, I hope that you have been inspired to end your tours with a bang and continue to strive to develop that salesperson within you. Moreover,  Conducting tours is all about being  a great sales person and if you want to build enrollment, it is vital that you end your tours with a BANG!

Think about how you feel after watching the grand finale of a firework show….that’s the feeling you want parents to get as you wrap up your tour with them. View Jon’s e-Newsletter, Fireworks and Finishing with a Bang!

With Your Enrollment in Mind,

Shiketa Morgan

Ready to Improve your Business Management Skills? Grow as a Leader? Develop a Mindset to Expand Your Business? Check out the Art of Owning a Center Audio Coaching Series

Category:

Enrollment Building, Marketing

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