Professionalism

As daycare providers one of our constant complaints is not being viewed with professionalism. As business owners we deserve that respect. However, I often find that a lot of daycare providers are not doing their part in earning the respect of being viewed as a serious, professional business owner. The fact that we work out of our homes does not negate the need for standards adopted by other businesses.

I always cringe when I hear of daycare providers who answer the door in their pajamas. Do they really think this is acceptable? I know of a provider in my area who I often see at school dropping off kids at 9:30am in her pajama pants, bed head hair and Crocs with socks. What the hell is she thinking? I always offer a cordial "Hi!" which inevitably always leads to a short conversation. The same conversation we always have. She is looking for more kids. She wonders why she is always struggling to fill spots and I try not to be smug as I call of the names of the five kids I have in care that day to make their way back to the quad stroller. Maybe I should just tell her that no one wants to send their kids to someone who can't even bother to get dressed to do the school run let alone comb their hair. Some things in life are not a mystery but rather ignorance of the stupid.

I have always employed every professional maneuver possible to give the impression of a place of business when you walk in my door. I have a dedicated daycare space, clean entry way, greet my clients in clean clothes that I put on after my daily shower, my hair is combed, the lights are on and I am ready for the day. I couldn't imagine it any other way. I demand this level of service from any other business so I should offer it in my own. There should be no double standards.

There are many ways to boost your ranking on the professionalism scale. Small things like business cards can make a huge difference. I carry these with me everywhere. While at the park when approached by a parent I can reach into my stroller, pull out a business card and instantly give her the information pertaining to my website, address, phone number, email and business name. I am prepared.

Business cards should always be your first order of building a professional repertoire of tricks. My favourite place to buy business cards is www.vistaprint.ca. You can actually purchase cards on that site for free. Only shipping charges are applied. I am frugal and this works for me. For the low cost of approximately seven dollars I receive more than two hundred business cards. You simply can not beat a deal like that.

Your second order of business should always be a website. In this day of information availability 24/7 many people like to shop around on-line before they make personal contact. Your website should be the avenue you use to lure potential clientele in to your web. A website should include enough specifics to whet their appetite while signing your praises. In short, your website should be a place to 'sell' yourself. You want parents to leave your site with an urge to know more about this fantastic place you call your business. And, it also serves as a time saver. If specifics like hours, fees and openings are listed on your site you will allow clients to self-qualify before calling you. It cuts down on the amount of time you will spend on the phone with parents whose needs you can not meet.

All of the above things are great, but will be all for not if you lack a contract. The number one life-saving appliance in the world of daycare is an iron clad contract. Not having a contract is akin to daycare disaster. More providers close their doors due to lack of contracts than any other reason. They might tell you it was because parents were too hard to deal with or the kids were a nightmare but in reality it comes down to a lack of printed and agreed upon expectations and those can only be found in a contract. Contracts convey that you have put considerable time and thought into your business. They give an air of experience even if you have none. So, if you don't have a contract you need to take every spare minute TODAY to make that happen. I will gladly send you mine if you need it.

Professionalism isn't hard to attain. You just have to look and act the part. Combing your hair helps. So does getting dressed each and every morning. And, if all else fails just live by the mantra of every doctorate student that has ever completed a residency period - "Fake it 'till you make it".


For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca