How to get your agency unstuck.

Winter Series: Work less, create more.

“I feel so incredibly trapped.”

“In 10 years in business, I’ve never seen anything like this—am I the only one?”

“This is the most desperate feeling. I can’t go on and I can’t close my doors.”

“My family is suffering. My staff is suffering. I’m so lost with what to do next.”

“Things are so difficult right now—I’ve had to let several people go.”

Most nanny agency owners operate from a scarcity mindset; however, it’s also usually that mindset that keeps them from thinking outside the box to find a creative solution that gets them unstuck.

Well friends, to wrap up our Winter Series, this one’s from me, Megan, to you as the-nanny-agency-owner-turned consultant-that’s-still-a-nanny-agency-owner-first. 

Yes, THAT Megan, and I know you’re struggling because I’m struggling too, and I’m not sugar-coating this one.

Coaches are business owners, too.

2023 was tough for my nanny agency, Preferred ChildCare. After 22 years in business, we have been through a lot: the 2008 recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and necessary pricing increases of 30% at a time. However, 2023 was still one of the most difficult years to date. 

Despite this, I went into 2024 with a newfound energy and excitement. I AM CERTAIN that things are looking up. One of the reasons for my continued positive mindset is my personal business coach and mindset expert, Candice Cartner! Her coaching services are invaluable for me. I have had a coach for my businesses since 2005, and find they are one of the best things to happen to my business! Coaches and consultants can offer a more objective view of your business, hold you accountable, and give you the extra support you need to succeed. 

In addition to receiving coaching or consulting, another way to breathe new life into your business is to consult with those who have been in the same situation and can offer new perspectives and ideas. Our Arise Community Membership came about in 2023 and it could not have come at a better time. I have loved creating our community and a space where people can share their stories, relate to one another, and offer real advice and fresh ideas to help out other agency owners. 

First aid, yes. Magic pill, no.

There isn’t a quick fix or set progress formula to get your business from stuck to blooming, but there IS something I always do first: I analyze the symptoms to determine the root cause, and only then can I even begin to map out a cure.

We understand being stressed and exhausted, so take a moment to sit down, rest, and read as we share some surface-level remedies for common ailments. 

Stuck because of stale, inconsistent, or unappealing branding.

Your favorite color might not look good paired with your second favorite color’s text on your website. Efficient marketers studied the effects of everything from text readability to efficient use of white space to photo placement.

Don’t underestimate the power of reviews—both from families and other nannies—sprinkled throughout your website and social media. Also, having no reputation can seem as untrustworthy as a poor reputation.

Creative Solutions: 

There’s sophistication in simplicity. You’ll never go wrong with a clean logo, legible font, and neutral color palette.

What’s the best way to manage your reputation? Prioritize client and employee satisfaction by providing exceptional service and promptly addressing any concerns.

Then, solicit reviews by sending an email with a link and politely asking for clients and employees to complete one. People who have a positive experience are often happy to share their opinions but just need a nudge.

Stuck because of a stifled reach.

Owning a nanny agency isn’t like owning an advertising agency. Your goal is to connect your clients with caregivers for lasting matches. Hopefully, neither your nannies nor families will need your services again for a long time.

That means you must 1) consistently reach new potential families, and 2) create another product or service that can provide you with recurring revenue. So, in other words, you can’t just rest on what you already have. 

Also, your agency might be missing out on potential clients and talented nannies if your referral program isn't incentivizing people to spread the word.

Creative solutions:

Keep your marketing game fresh by expanding your visibility. Don’t be afraid to partner with neighborhood businesses—especially the target-rich environment ones—for analog advertising.

Everybody’s online, but not everybody has a poster at the local hockey arena. Get your business cards sitting at the cash register of the children’s clothing store or sponsor a kid-friendly community event.

Incentivize clients and nannies to refer other great people your way. Offer gift certificates or rewards such as discounts on services or bonus hours of childcare to encourage clients to refer friends and family.

Stuck because you lack differentiation.

Clients may struggle to see why they should choose you if your agency blends in with competitors and fails to stand out. Build your credibility by sharing your childcare knowledge (consistently) on a blog or social media.  

People want to work with people, and this gives you a face while allowing your personality to shine through to attract your ideal audience.

Education is a great way to let caregivers and parents know you’re here to stay and an industry authority. Additionally, you can multitask sharing information and other helpful resources while staying connected with clients. It’s a win-win.

Creative Solutions: 

Identify your unique selling points, whether it's last-minute babysitting, retired teachers, bilingual nannies, or other specialized childcare services, and highlight them in your marketing materials.

Then, tell people you’re that nanny agency subject matter expert by hosting high-value virtual and in-person seminars. Attend networking events, join local associations, and collaborate with complementary businesses to share how you set yourself apart from the competition.

The childcare industry is constantly evolving, and failing to adapt to emerging trends can leave your business behind. Reconnect with your passion for providing quality childcare and recommit to your agency's future to reignite your enthusiasm.

We like to share free educational resources, too! Sign up for my no-strings-attached Agency Accelerator newsletter. I don’t need more emails either, and that’s why I only send it monthly and pack it with pro tips.

If you already know you want more in-depth assistance, partner with me for the full, one-on-one private consulting experience. Whether you’re a new agency owner, a seasoned veteran who’s stuck in neutral, or on the brink of closure, I’ll meet you wherever you are right now, grab your hand, and together, we’ll find the way out.

XO,

Megan

"After spending way too much time with other coaches I signed up with the one and only Megan Metzger. She's provided so much more value in the first 24 hours than I could have imagined. I just wish I started working with her 3.5 years ago when I first started the agency. Thank you, Megan Metzger!!!" - Jane Theilen