Organization and Mission

I'm doing some reading of different companies' mission statements as we embark on the task of re-defining ours here at PureFUN!. Some of the more robust and interesting ones are Whole Foods and REI. We're also looking at putting down in writing, admittedly for the first time, our organizational chart. With a staff of 27 it's about time, don't you think?

Why am I telling you this? So you'll know we're committed to constantly looking for ways to improve our serve - to you! As we clearly define our mission and our structure we can be more efficient and responsive to the needs of you, our valued and loyal customer.

But there's another reason.... And that is a challenge to each of you as center owners or directors to think about your mission and structure and see if it clearly reflects the way you want to do business today or if it needs to change to be able to take better care of your customers. Your staff will appreciate the clarity and direction too. A few minutes web surfing to look at great company mission statements will provide just the motivation you need to start work on yours - good luck!

Meet and Greet

As center owners many times we get to the point where we like to enjoy some of the luxury of ownership - reduced hours, not as much closing or opening, delegating of less attractive duties, etc.


But there is one thing you should never abandon - the personal greeting of your customers and their parents! I made it a habit of coming in early or staying late several times each week and just hanging out in the lobby at drop off and pick up times. No other duties - just give high fives, hugs and handshakes. Quick tip - do as much of this at the child level (that means down low) as you can stand. Your customers will love you and their parents will become more loyal!

Where the Money Is......

Quick - what is the single largest expense for your center? If you didn't answer "payroll" pull out your financial statements and study them! Your staff is your most valuable asset but can also be the biggest and fastest drain on your cash. Do you know what your payroll is as a % of your tuition income?

Working "on" your business means you track this expense each and every week and study why is varies from your budget or plan. You should set some operational guidelines for what that % should be (most schools run at or under 50%). If it varies on the high side you should immediately evaluate why and how and make corrections in your staff schedule.

There are only two ways to reduce the % - reduce staff costs or increase income. The challenge is to do this while offering the best possible care for the children and families you serve. Analyze your numbers.....

Great Article from CCIE

I know I said I wasn't going to harp on the economy but everyone needs to read this great article from Child Care Information Exchange magazine. Thriving in these times takes hard work....

http://ccie.com/resources/view_article.php?article_id=5014310&keyword_id=120

Do you have a lead sheet?

Today's comment is short and sweet. The assignment for those who want to work "on" their business and not "in" is this - if you don't already have a phone lead card or sheet, create one! It should include pertinent contact info, how the caller heard about your school, an area to record notes about their wants, info on the children, etc. Also make sure there is an area for your staff member to record their info so you can track, hold accountable and incent!

If you already have a lead sheet your assignment is to make sure it's being used consistently and effectively. So, pull it out and look it over and re-train the staff on its use if necessary.

Spend 30 minutes "on" your business today......

Love and Joy - In Egypt!

That's me in the middle!

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit one of PureFUN's partners halfway around the world in Cairo, Egypt back in November of 2008. Love and Joy is the name of the child care center that offers it's services to many children and families that cannot afford to pay full price for care. Some of the children even come from the garbage dump areas of Cairo to stay at the orphanage that is housed in the same facility as the child care.

We're proud to be able to help Love and Joy by contributing to the salary for the director as they build their enrollment and strengthen the program at the center. By the way - the salary for a great director in Cairo is $700 per month!

Magdy Bassaly is the president of this organization and when he was in the US over the Christmas time I was pleased to show him how the "centers" concept should be used in the classroom (thanks to Kids R Kids #8 for this tour). He now reports that he is working hard to implement center based learning in Cario at Love and Joy.

Maybe one of you would like to join me this fall......

The Economy

I'm not an economist - nor do I pretend to be. I'm not a business expert. I don't have the answers for our country's current economic crisis. But I have a hunch...

My hunch is that if we would do a little less talking about the crisis, a little less blaming, a little less crying in our soup and start turning our thoughts and conversations about what's still very good in this country we might begin to see our way out. No - I'm not a Norman Vincent Peale follower nor am I a name-it-claim-it guy. I just believe that if we fill our day with CNN, Fox News and all the constant media chatter we'll join the glum crowd and make this thing even worse than it already is.

So here are a couple of things I'm trying to do.

• Trust that God is in control and I'm pretty much not.
• Work hard and smart and keep the work and family balance.
• Not hoard every last dollar but instead be generous and spend wisely.
• Display a positive attitude towards those around me.

Let's move away from doom and gloom toward faith and attitude shall we?