Any tips for finding new mindees?

[mogs0]

I really need a kick up the bum to help me find some new mindees please!

I have 4 very part-time mindees and need to get some more. There are lots of cms in my area and quite a few more going through the registration process.

I have my details posted on a few online sites but I don't hear from anyone via them.

CMs - where do you advertise?

Parents - how would you look for a cm?

I'd say get out and about to places where parents are likely to be - soft play, parks, toddler groups etc (and not just the ones where childminders and nannies tend to gather) school gates, sports centres, wherever = and chat! Advertising is all very well, but I have had just as many children, probably more, come to me through chance meetings and chats. If someone compliments you on one of the children with you, make sure they know you are his/her carer rather than Mum - and that all the children you care for are beautifully behaved! I think a face to face meeting is a lot more powerful than a written advert, especially if there's a lot of competition and it's hard to differentiate between what different settings can offer. Also have you asked the parents of the children you currently care for to spread the word that you have spaces? Put it to them that you need to fill some spaces and they may well recommend you to friends. It may not have occurred to them that you would like to be busier.

Thanks! I totally agree with what you have said. I was reluctant to get posters printed because there seem to be so many of them around here.

I have 2 siblings one day per week who seem to be known by everyone within a 5 mile radius as the naughtiest children in the county! I'm worried that this may have an effect on my reputation, however, in the month that they have been coming, I can see a vast improvement in their behaviour. This is the only day that I go to the school gates.

There is a new playgroup that's just opened up which isn't too far away so I'll try that next week. Also, now that the weather is better there seem to be lots more people at the park to get chatting to.

I'll definitely mention to current mindees parents that I'm on the look out for more mindees!

When a parent calls you up how to you steer the conversation?

I'm a bit crap on the phone and prefer face-to-face conversations but I think this may put people off.

Recently, a dad phoned and asked about my rates, availability etc which I told him then said if he'd like to come round to have a look at my setting then to let me know. Is this enough or do you offer to send more info in the post or via email?

I need some serious marketing advice!!!

I'm not a CM and have never used one - however re the naughty children thing. One CM I know cms for a very "lively" little girl, my thoughts are that if she can deal with that little girl she can deal with anyone! Make sure your current mindees parents know you're looking for more - they might be able to make recommendations

Hello

I found mine via family information service I have to say I contacted those that had email contacts first as much easier to send a standard email out to enquire about places etc than ring round.

I searched on gumtree, childcare.co.uk and netmums.co.uk

Gumtree
Netmums
Mumsnet
Childcare.co.uk
The CFIS
Your local Childminding group
Yellow pages and Thompson Local
Surestart centre

Put posters up at Libray, Doctors, Dentist, Newsagents, Maternity Unit, local coffee shops.

Hand flyers out door to door, softplay centres, parks, NCT sales, Boot fairs, Primary schools.

Wear T-shirt with logo and number on when out & about.
Have advertising details on your car (magnetic board).

Always have business cards to hand when out so if anyone approaches you regarding childcare, you can give them your contact details.

Set yourself up with a website.

Hope that helps.

Haven't read whole thread but I'll go look for my old advertising tips thread.......

Here it is

Some of the links may be out of date though, this is a very old thread

Thanks for all the replies and thanks for the link, looney.

How hard/complicated/time-consuming is it to set up a website? I don't have one but, from looking at other cms' sites, I think it's a great idea - although I wouldn't have the first clue where to begin .

I will look into getting some cards made up too.

I live on a busy main road and had considered putting a poster up in the window. Something stopped me from doing it but I can't remember what. Anyone have any thoughts for or against this?

If you have any large office blocks near you it may be worth asking to put a poster up in their communial area or leaving flyers on their reception desk or leave your details with their HR department.

Also leave flyers at local Hair dressers, they often get clients asking if they know of cm's in the area.

Any chance you can move please? We have not a single CM in any of the nearest 4 villages and you would be in great demand

The other thing i would do is let your current mindees parents know you have spaces as they might hear of someone looking but wouldn't mention your name if they didn't know you were actively looking?