Hello!  My name is LaDonna Woolsey, owner and operator of Woolsey Academy for Young Learners, http://www.woolseyacademy.com/.  I am an in-home childcare provider just like you.  My clients pay top dollar to have their children in my care.  That is not bragging, it is simply true.  They are wonderful people that I have in the past and currently become close friends with. 

They trust me, listen to me, appreciate my efforts with their children, respect and recognize my expertise and skill.  I seldom have an opening and have operated with a waiting list for many years.  How?  How does a little home daycare gal achieve this?  This sounds like something only top rated centers achieve!

I have learned many truths in my years operating a licensed in-home childcare/preschool and the number ONE unchanging fact is that communication is king!  However, how we communicate has changed TREMENDOUSLEY over the years.  I have consistently achieved the above claims of respect and appreciate THROUGH communication.   Without effective communication delivered efficiently in today's image dominated, instant access society, you may have the BEST childcare system in the market, but NOONE will ever know it and therefore you risk becoming obsolete. 

It is estimated that up to 86% of people searching for a product or a service first do so with a handheld internet device and that up to 63% of buying decisions occur PRIOR to anyone ever picking up a phone and calling YOU!  What that says to you is be online or be left behind!  In my webinar I will be discussing blogging, websites, seo's, interviewing, etc.  But this post is dedicated to one of the easiest things you can and must start doing right now if you own/operate a childcare business and that is to begin your social networking marketing campaign.

For years I have utilized my personal Facebook page for my business and only recently have I began my WoolseyAcademy page.  If you send me a "friend request" I will respond and allow you to see how I have built, through image and content, a strong reputation with families and my community.  Please...take a moment RIGHT NOW and click the BIG "like" button.  It will take you to my WoolseyAcademy Facebook page.  "LIKE" my page, leave me a link to your page and I will "like" you too!  This is a wonderful way to get the word out about amazing people in the ECE world like you!

Setting up your business Facebook page is 1.1 of starting your social networking marketing campaign. This is what I call "soft" marketing.  It is VERY easy to do and if you have not already done so, stop right now and go to these links

Create A Facebook Page
Create a LinkedIn Profile

For Facebook: From here you will want to choose "Local Business," then select if you would like to be listed as "Education," or "Local Business."  Follow the prompts.  If you think you have messed something up, it's o.k.  Facebook settings can get you back to where you started and you can make changes as you go.  You may choose to link your personal page to your Facebook page to allow you more ease in moving back and forth in managing both accounts.  Let's not get stuck in the weeds here.  It doesn't have to be perfect to be done.  The important part is that you begin posting pictures TODAY of your little ones and their activities.to Facebook and you connect to the families of the children in your care.  Once you have done that, "tag" the photo's of the families so that they will be alerted each time your have posted a picture that includes their babe.  This will also alert the people in their circle as well and you will begin building a raport with others in your community. 

There isn't anything that eases a parent's mind, warms their heart, concrete's your reputation for excellence in their mind, or connects a parent better to their child's day than seeing their little one engaged in building blocks, painting, eating a fun lunch, playing in the sand box, sleeping peacefully, reading books, pretending, or simply just "at play!"  This connectivity to their child also allows families to have talking points with their children at day's end.  Your C.D.A. also required that you provide for connection with families and their children through newsletters, activities, parties, etc.  This is an EXCELLENT avenue to complete all of these requirements all with the click of your smartphone.

We all work VERY hard wiping boo-boo's and bottoms, providing activities and education, and it is a service to all working families out there to allow them a glimpse into their children's lives each and everyday.  This can be done either with, or without the inclusion of little faces.  Personally, I am very up front with families that I utilize all methods of social media in effort to keep them informed of meals, activities, curriculum, upcoming parties, etc. and I have yet to have a family ask me NOT to do so.  I also send out emails asking families to respond with exclusion if they do not wish for themselves or their children to be included in this effort. 

So...I have discussed how to "retain" clients.  But, what about ATTRACTING clients??  The magic of this type of "soft marketing" is that it is always ON!  Every "like," every "share," every "comment" connects you with the circles of friends of everyone in your circle, your friends circles, your current families circles and their friends.  This allows you to be presenting your services, your business, your curriculum, your fun times, your environments, warmth, skills, trainings, and Early Childhood Education philosophies to your current AND future clients with the "likes" (reputation building) of those currently in your care.  There is NOTHING more powerful than having those that do not know you, "getting to know you" through social media.  This makes those NOT doing this look as though they are either behind the times or possibly not doing as good of a job as those presenting their program each and everyday online and in the hands of eagerly seeking families.  Another powerful force this imagery presents is the ability to extinguish the dreaded "mommy guilt!"  I can't tell you how many times I have had momma's and daddies tell me how much they appreciate the efforts I take to keep their children's days at front and center, so that they can get a "real-time" view of their little one's throughout the day.  It truly is worth "A Thousand Words" of love, trust, respect, and warmth for a family to be able to log into their Facebook and see the amazing things their children are doing with YOU!

And center owner's and directors...this applies to EVERY teacher in your facility.  You CAN do this...they CAN do this.  With parameters in place like taking photos of children's hands while building blocks, painting, coloring with chalk,  or the back of their heads instead of faces while reading books, interacting with their peers, or pretending in the play-yard.  These are still POWERFUL images of their little ones fully engaged in every moment of learning presented throughout their day.

Take a moment and "like" my Facebook page now, connect with me on LinkedIn, and you will see examples of our moments together.  This is not for me to gain more "likes" or "links."  It is for you to see, first hand, how another in your field is harnassing the power of a thousand words...ONE...PICTURE...AT...A...TIME...

Once you have your profile set up, drop me a line and I would LOVE to "like" and "connect" with you too.  Let's build up one another together!

The amazing part about this type of marketing is that you are using what you already do, who you already are, and the learning adventures you and your little ones go on together each day to reach an EAGERLY waiting audience AND it doesn't take ANY extra time.  BUT, you must have the proper tools in your tool box to make that happen. 

The picture to the left appeared in a blog post of mine, after appearing in my Facebook.  I get to utilize these moments to communicate the fun and learning we are immersed in each day.  I don't have special equipment.  I am not a professional and I too do not have the time to edit photos, upload anything or stage a process.  I just look, click and send.  It is that simple. 

MOST likely you already own a smartphone and are aware of how you can take and upload pictures to your Facebook.  You can also tag your photos so they will have a more personal and broader reach.  If you do not have one.  Please do yourself a HUGE favor and make the purchase sooner rather than later.  This is a tool for you no different than your pots and pans.  You have to have them to cook up all kinds of fantastic dishes to share with those around you.  Make certain you get one that has a good quality picture taking ability.  Yes, this is an investment.  It is an investment in your success, your marketing, your future and existing clients being able to see you and ALL the dedicated, heart-felt work you pour into the little lives in your presence each day.

In my free webinar (listed below) I will also be teaching you how to post to your website and how to blog ON THE GO using your smartphone and a free app.  This is an incredible communication device that keeps you and your business front and center in the minds and lives of other educators, families, your community, future and existing clients.  This does NOT have to take extra time.  You can and must be doing this to maintain your existing client base and attract new business, as well as, being able to add a waiting list.  When you consistently create meaningful content that is directed at a target audience earnestly waiting for it's arrival, it is the MOST effective marketing that you deliver efficiently.  Nothing is more efficient than reaching people with the same devices they are literally plugged into each and every day...their handheld device. Challenge me on this...try, for one day to NOT look at your handheld device.  I bet you can't.  Now try to tell me that you don't remember anything your read or saw posted....again...I bet you can't.  Now, try to tell me why you don't need to be doing the same???  You must be reaching your current clients daily to reach your future clients, AND create a meaningful waiting list.

There are MANY places you can purchase these.  I soon will have a link to a great organization I would hope everyone will support to aid you in receiving the best prices AND supporting a wonderful cause...our veterans.

                                 
Please register for Five Transforming Steps To Marketing Your
Childcare/Preschool Business on Oct 22, 2013 1:00 PM CDT at:                

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1787420331783776513
 
            Five Transforming Steps To Marketing Your Business will tell you: 

Deliver Effective Communications Efficiently

1. How To Utilize
Social Media Marketing
2. SEO (What It Is and How To Do It For FREE!)
3.  Rocking The Interview (On The phone and In Person!)
4. How To Build Your  Website For Free (that looks like a MILLION!)
5. How To Build Your Childcare Blog For FREE (free app included!)  Also why it is VITAL to your continued successful operations.

                After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the  webinar.

        

I am often asked, "How do you do it?"  My response is usually, "Which part!?"  As the preschool teacher/caregiver/friend/cook/and all around daytime momma to several different personalities it can be a challenge at times to maintain a my frame of focus when I walk upon a HUGE unexpected mess.  Sure...I expect messes...it goes with the territory, but sometimes I get a "surprise!"  HA!!! 

I wanted to share this little tid-bit because it is a "View You Can Use" and definitely a part of "What You Focus On You Get More Of!"  This phrase was originally coined by Dr. Becky Bailey and is truth to the core.  What you focus on you get more of.  When my focus is on the mess I wasn't expecting and the interruption it brings to the day, I am focusing on a negative emotion and a result I cannot control.  Kids WILL be messy...that's all a part of learning and is developmentally appropriate.  It is EXPECTED. The key is to focus on what you want more of.  Do I want them to not make messes?  No...it's an expected part of learning.  It means they are exploring, creating, and discovering their skills.  Do I want them to help with the clean-up? Maybe, sometimes that is the goal.  What do I want?  I want LEARNING!  I want EXPLORATION!  I want CREATIVITY!  I want DISCOVERY! I want meaningful connections each and everyday.

So...If our focus is on our children exploring their creativity, discovering and growing their skills, and being unafraid to try, and meaningful connection we must take each moment as it presents itself,  we MUST welcome the messes and determine to celebrate them.

In this "View You Can Use," I have walked upon a bit of a unexpected mess.  I was around the corner at the bathroom changing a diaper and when I walked back in (to inspect the source of the quiet! ;)) I discovered that a new game had been invented..."scatter the hundred bags!"  I had a choice in that moment.  I could have said, "Who did this?" "You know you aren't allowed to drag things out of the cabinets!" or "Time-out!" "You know you shouldn't have done this!"  But...that would not be an appropriate response for a toddler.  Actually, if I didn't want them dragging stuff out of the cabinets it is up to me to make certain that the cabinets are not a choice.  Discovering, dumping, scattering, and enjoying the exhilaration of a "new" game IS appropriate.  So...my response must also be.

I chose to create another "new" game with the bags.  The "count and clean" game.  I utilize this method to help the children have fun AND learn concrete counting while cleaning up.  Yes, the little one doing the help is my little one and she had just departed the breakfast table with a full yogurt face.  But, in an effort to make it as real time as possible, I just walked in, saw the mess, and hit "record."  I hope you enjoy!!

-L

Thank you for taking your precious time to join me.  Grab a cup of coffee (you've earned it and if you're ANYTHING like me, you've been working for 8 hours already today and still have another 8 to go!) and get ready to GROW! 

I have been in operation as a top rated daycare/preschool/childcare professional for many years.  I have started and restarted with NOTHING and grown my business in different cities and states.  Each time I restarted I literally had a low to ZERO dollar ad budget. 

Restarting in a new state was the biggest challenge I faced and it brought me to several truths that I may not have fully realized the importance of otherwise. 

Like I mentioned before, I too am an owner/operator of a licensed home childcare business.  I do it ALL myself.  I wear ALL the hats...just like you.  I have learned many lessons in my time and want to HELP providers just like you grow so LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!

In this blog post you will learn my top five list of the most important practices for building your enrollment and maintaining an operating waiting list.  I am going to state these and in the weeks to follow will expound on each one of them.   Communication via these five topics will guarantee improvement in the number of people searching for, reaching, and enrolling with YOU.  

In my attempt to provide everyone with what I have learned I am going to host a
FREE One Hour WEBINAR  covering these topics on Tuesday, October 22nd at 1p.m. Central Time (naptime :))  Since the response on LinkedIn has been tremendous, please sign up today.  It sounds so cliché to say, but it's true...space is limited.  AND when you sign up, please realize that you are securing a spot that someone else may have also needed...put it on your calendar and make sure you attend.  (You want to know all this anyway:))

My Free Webinar Will Cover These Topics:

1.    Learn how to utilize Social Media Marketing to 
        1. Attract new clients,
        2. Retain existing clients, 
        3. Build a top rated reputation in  your community. 
            (This one is HUGE and FREE for you to do yourself!)

2.   SEO (Search Engine Optimization) 
        1. What it is,
        2. How YOU can do it YOURSELF!
        3. Local Google and Yahoo search how to get listed,
        4. How to get your families to write referrals you can USE!

 3.  The Interview! On the phone and in person...(what to say, how to say it.)
        1. On the phone:
                a.    The ten questions to ask that will cause their answer to naturally choose YOU! 
                b.    Top 20 Power words and poison words that invoke "enroll" or "stroll" in a 
                       parent's mind.
        2.    In Person
                 a.    Setting the Stage for the in person interview.
                 b.    The Walk Through and Talk Through, and closing the sale.

4.   How to build a website for FREE!
         1.    How to find and use stock images (and what that is).
         2.    How to present your strengths.
         3.    Must have tabs for your site.
         4.    Branding your image.
         5.    The logo.
         6.    Full color business cards for CHEAP that match your Branded Image.
         7.    Full color banners for WAY less than you may think that match your Branded Image.

 5.   How to build a blog for FREE!
        Regardless if you have a center or a home based childcare, ALL the teachers in your facility, and YOU need to be blogging regularly about what you are doing, how you are doing and why it's important!  This portion is a MUST SEE for ALL ECE professionals! THIS IS VITAL to YOUR continued success!

        1.    Free smart phone app that enables you to capture the precious moments and blog on the
               go as you go (made especially for all of us that "Don't have the time!")
        2.    The importance of a functioning blog to keep your families feeling connected to you and 
               their children.
        3.    Power words and poison words for evoking emotion
        4.    Using your smart phone to capture curriculum, learning, fun, and milestones that keep 
               parents feeling like they are a part of their child's day, EVERYDAY!

If you are reading this and own a home or a center, these ALL apply to YOU, the families you service, the people you hire and the reputation you are building.  This needs to be a MANDATORY webinar for everyone on your staff, especially the sections regarding Blogging!

                                 
Please register for Five Transforming Steps To Marketing Your Childcare/Preschool Business on Oct
22, 2013 1:00 PM CDT at:               

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1787420331783776513  Click the link :)

    Five Transforming Steps To Marketing Your Childcare/Preschool Business will tell you: 

Deliver Effective Visual Communications Efficiently

1. How To Utilize Social Media Marketing
2. SEO (What It Is and How To Do It For FREE!)
3.  Rocking The Interview (On The phone and In Person!)
4. How To Build Your Website For Free (that looks like a MILLION!)
5. How To Build Your Childcare Blog For FREE (free app included!)  Also why it is VITAL to your continued successful operations.

                After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

                Brought to you by GoToWebinar® Webinars Made Easy®           

Over the coming weeks...I am going to CHANGE THE WAY YOU VIEW EACH DAY!  I will be blogging about each one of these topics at the rate of one per week over the next several weeks.  You can keep reading these posts at the rate of one per week, OR, register for my FREE One Hour
WEBINAR and I will cover all of them for your there in digestible, workable bit-sized pieces.  Really...each ONE of these could take several weeks each to cover.  Unfortunately, I only have time for one/week due to my jammed packed schedule as a fellow childcare owner/preschool teacher/
homeschool momma/ and blogger, that doesn't even include my guest blog spots!  We are all in this together and it's my goal to elevate our profession, our professionals (yes, that includes YOU :)), and the amazing service we perform in the lives of little ones each and everyday.