Opportunity Abounds

A great article from Childcare Information Exchange Magazine - I get their daily email, do you? I also think things feel like they are getting slightly more positive - how about you?


Opportunity Abounds
March 17, 2009
Actions, looks, words, and steps form the alphabet by which you may spell character. Johann Kasper LavaterDennis Vicars has upbeat advice on dealing with current economic challenges in his article, "Times are Tough... and Opportunity Abounds!" in the new issue of Exchange (March/April 2009). Here is an excerpt from this article that can be read in its entirety at ChildCareExchange.com."Hard times are just that — hard. For most, sticking their head in the sand and ‘waiting this thing out’ is a plan of survival. For others, keeping your head up with eyes wide open for opportunities is a chance to succeed abundantly. Here are a few opportunities, which might be available:
1. Staff is on board with a full understanding of the financial demands and current economic reality of the school/center.
2. All staff is committed to absolute excellent service, school/center cleanliness, and frugality.
3. All staff is involved in marketing of the school/center on a daily basis — both internally and externally.
4. All operational procedures are analyzed for greater efficiency with marketing activities tracked daily.
5. Vendor contracts are reviewed for possible reductions or renegotiation, including landlords.
6. Vendors are on board with increased quality, especially janitorial.
7. Parent communication is increased through personal contact and Internet communication.
8. The program is interviewing for higher-quality staff.
9. You offer ‘enhancement’ part-time schedules for parents losing jobs.
10. As director/owner, daily marketing is your number one priority.
11. You increase the number of ancillary services offered to help families (i.e., morning coffee, ‘free’ parent’s night out, etc.)
12. You increase weekend events at the school/center such as organizing a job fair for parents.
13. You increase your school/center’s profile through community activities with staff participation.
14. You personally attend various community groups as the ‘expert’ in early care and education. 15. You commit to being a little bit better in everything you do instead of being the best in one thing. You leverage additional benefits from existing vendors.
16. You increase the range of services you offer to families, where possible.

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!

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.....

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......

Stop and think a moment

The whole idea of "in or on" is a simple one but key to understanding how to make and keep your child care business successful. Many times we find ourselves busy with the routine and mundane tasks - like driving the bus or mopping the floor. That's the "in" stuff. But the owner who's concerned with a profitable program that is great for kids knows that it's the "on" stuff that really makes a difference. Stuff like calling parents and thanking them for their business. Like working on teacher performance and class management. Like developing community contacts for PR and awareness opportunities. The list goes on....



Which are you - "in" or "on"? More ideas and thoughts to come in this section - keep checking back!