Mumsnet Talk

I began the long process of becoming a CM this time last year.
I had lots of initial interest from friends/ acquaintances (I told people about my course on Facebook lots of positive interest and 5 people asked me to have their children)
Due to the length of time it took me to register and changes in circumstances for some parents nobody has signed up)

e.g.
1. parent said I want you to have X but then Mum decided to stay part time.

2. one Mum got fed up of waiting and her children started with another minder the day I got my Ofsted Certificate.

3. Another lady started her child with a CM more local to her.

4. One Mum said she wanted me for after school but found out work would give her extra hours.

5. One parent has decided to continue using family whilst she can.

6. Another one changed jobs.

7. Another parent pulled her child out who was due to start last week because her course was pulled by the college. (the only one to come close to signing a contract)

So almost 3 months post registration I have no customers.
How long did it take you?
What did you do to promote yourself?

I feel close to packing it in as it feels like too much trouble for £3.50 /hour.
(I can't lower my price as I feel it is rock bottom any way for what a CM is expected to do now - it is the going rate in my area (an it includes all food & Drinks)

It doesn't help that a new Day Nursery has since opened on my street and in the last year 8 other CM have passed the LA pre-reg course.

I need some positive stories and inspiration.

I have a website, a Facebook Page, Poster up at school, registered with Early Years at LA, registered with google and yell etc, I have a sign up in my porch and magnets on my car.
The only thing I haven't done yet is a leaflet handout @schools/ baby clinics / put up round and about.

* 8 others local to me (I live in small mining town 30,000 people)

Ate you on childcare.co.uk, childmindingforum.co.uk, netmums eyc all have message boards. Do you go to toddler groups, I got a response 3 months ago to a leaflet drop I did in march 2010 so definitely worth a shot! I took 3 months til I got my first enquiry. Good luck!

I am on childcare.co. uk but not he other website - I will try.
Had an enquiry tonight but for September
I go to toddler group and network meeting and a friendly with lots of minders in my area.
I will wait and see.