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

Posts tagged ‘daycare’

The “Bear” Necessities of Choosing the Right Staff

Seek to hire people who loved their previous Job

 

I titled this blog post after a book that I am reading called, The Bear Necessities of Business, written by Maxine Clark. Just in case you do not know who Maxine Clark is…She is the Founder and Chief Executive Bear at Build a Bear Work Shop.

I bought Maxine’s Book, The Bear Necessities of Business about five years ago while on vacation in Chicago from one of the Build-a-Bear Workshops.  In fact, I was inspired  to buy Maxine’s book, because I was quite impressed with the company that she created with the help of a great team.

Earlier this year, I went on a field trip to the St. Louis Galleria Build-a Bear Workshop with my preschool graduates and I was loving  the spirit of excellence throughout the store. Moreover, I really enjoyed working with the staff at the Build-a Bear work shop. The staff was so friendly, very knowledgeable about their job and seemed to really enjoy working at Build-a-Bear Workshop. Furthermore, the trip to that store, inspired me to read Maxine’s book again, because I really enjoyed the experience and that’s what I want to give my customers…an Experience.

The night before I wrote this blog post, I was reading a chapter of Maxine’s book and came across a statement that inspired me to evaluate the questions that I ask applicants during the interview process. Maxine wrote: “I am not interest in bringing on people who hated their last job. I want to hire those who loved where they worked and came to us with great habits and ideas they have learned on the job.”

Maxine, also suggested that you hire people who have worked for great businesses that you respect and admire. In my case, that would be Kinder care Learning Centers, Head Start  and any Accredited Child Care Facility, because I know that the teacher has worked in a Quality environment.

Also, Maxine recommends that you ask those you hire this question: “What are we not doing that your previous employer did?

WOW!!! I think this is the answer to the job turn-over in the childcare field. What do you think? Do you know how much trouble that you and I can save ourselves if we simply ask the question: So, how did you feel about your last job?

I agree with Maxine 100%, because I recently hired a teacher that loved her previous job and she came to work with me for the summer and she loves her job. In the past, I hired teachers that hated their previous jobs and they hated working for me.

In summary, I think Maxine shared a golden nugget by mentioning the fact that she does not seek to hire people who hate their previous jobs. So, now when you schedule your next interview, be sure to ask: So, how did you feel about your last job?

What do you think about Maxine’s Philosophy about not seeking to hire people who hate their former jobs? Do you plan to ask the questions mentioned above during your next interview? I look forward to your comments below.

Be sure to get your copy of Maxine’s Book, The Bear Necessities of Business Today! Don’t forget to schedule your next field trip to Build-a-Bear Workshop!

With your business in mind,

Shiketa

Category:

Employee Management, Staffing

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25 Ways to Give Your Child Care Business a Makeover

 

I don’t know about you, but I get bored very easily when it comes to business. In fact, after only 5 years of operating my home daycare…I was ready to expand. Then after 9 years of owning my childcare center, I found myself getting  bored with my business. Moreover, I know that there was one thing that would cure my boredom and that would be the simple fact that I needed to make some changes and refresh my mindset about my business!

When I decided that I needed to make some changes in my business, I had a great idea to give my business a Makeover! During the process of my business makeover, my vision has been renewed, I am more excited about going to my business, the parents love the changes, the staff are being challenged like never before and most importantly..I feel like a new business owner!

Are you happy with your business? Can you relate to my story? Do you desire to make changes in your business? Have you thought about quitting? Maybe it is time for a Makeover!

Before I share with you 25 ways to give your childcare business a makeover, I want you to think about the television show, HGTV. I love watching HGTV, because I get to see the renewed look on a home owners face as they make over their home. In fact, as I watch the show, I am inspired to makeover my home and it gives me insight on the importance of constantly adding something new to your life or your business.

When was the last time that you added something new in your business? If it has been awhile, it’s time for a makeover. Here are 25 ways to make-over your childcare business and give your business a fresh look.

1. Add some fresh flowers at the front door

2. Hang some new posters on the wall

3. Add some new pillows in the reading center (s)

4. Update your signage

5. Decorate your windows

6. Update your website

7. Update your brochures and business cards

8. De-clutter your office

9. Buy your self a new desk

10. Paint the walls

11. Buy some new toys

12. Add new chairs to the parent waiting area

13. Add new food items to your menus

14. Buy  new business books and implement some of the business practices in your business

15. Hang some new curtains to soften the look in your home or classrooms

16. Add new area rugs in the learning areas

17. Update your social media page(s) with new photos

18. Add fresh plants throughout your home or center

19. Label toy containers and organize classroom space

20. Add new professional development books to your resource library for fresh ideas

21. Add some new flowers/scrubs to your landscaping

22. Purchase some new playground items

23. Update your logo

24. Change the color of your business t-shirts

25. Revise the template on your parent newsletter

I hope that you are inspired to give your business a Makeover! Whatever you may decide to do, the slightest change makes a difference and it will be quickly noticed by parents.

I promise you that as you begin to make changes in your childcare business, that you will begin to feel like a new business owner and your vision will be renewed!

Much Success To You!

Shiketa

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Category:

Quality Care

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