Have you ever dreamt of swapping your 9 to 5 for like the joyful chaos of running your own daycare?
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Oh, yeah.
All those tiny humans? I bet it'd be...
So much energy.
Yeah, constantly interesting, right?
For sure.
But could you actually make it work as a business?
Especially here in Germany.
Right, it's one thing to love kids, but...
Gotta pay the bills too, right?
Exactly.
That's what we're diving into today, the business of childcare.
Love it.
You've been researching how to start a kindertages-fleeche?
Basically a home-based daycare, yeah.
Exactly, and we're taking a deep dive into those materials with a business lens.
It's fascinating how seriously these resources take the business side of things.
Yeah, it's not all about loving kids and arts and crafts.
Which is important, but...
Absolutely, but they emphasize approaching this as a legitimate enterprise.
So it's like, passion is great, but you need a plan too.
100%.
That makes sense, especially with all the regulations in Germany.
Oh yeah, there's a lot to navigate.
And we should mention, these sources come from the Academy for Kindertage Flüche.
Are they the go-to in Germany for this kind of thing?
They definitely position themselves as a one-stop shop.
Oh, how so?
They offer consulting, courses, they even have this thing called an Erfolgstein,
which I guess is like ongoing support for daycare providers.
Wow, so they're with you for the long haul.
It seems like it.
That's impressive.
Yeah, and they mentioned having worked with hundreds of people over more than a decade.
So they've seen it all, huh?
It seems that way. All the challenges, the triumphs, everything.
Experience matters, for sure.
Absolutely.
One thing that really jumped out at me was this XXI Gründungskutschein.
Yeah, the government funding.
Yes, 90% government-funded consulting.
That sounds almost too good to be true, especially for someone just starting out.
It's a pretty amazing program, got to give them that.
Right.
And it's specifically for Baden-Württemberg.
So location matters.
It does, definitely.
But there's got to be a catch, right?
Well, it's not just free money.
Okay, that makes sense.
You're very clear that this is an investment in your sustainable success.
Ah, so they want to see you succeed long-term.
Right, they want a solid business plan, not just a love for playing with Legos.
So what does that actually look like, what's involved in this XXI program?
Do they just hand you a stack of pamphlets and wish you luck?
Oh, no, it's much more structured than that.
Oh, good.
They break it down into modules.
Okay, interesting.
They're covering everything from legal and financial basics, so taxes, registration,
that kind of thing.
The essentials.
Exactly, but then they also have these very specific practical workshops.
Ooh, like what, give me an example.
Let's see, one that stood out was a session dedicated to negotiating with parents.
Oh, fascinating, so not just like here are my rates, take it or leave it.
Right, exactly.
To view actual strategies.
Yeah, like how to find common ground, handle different personalities, set boundaries,
that kind of thing.
That's smart because I bet that's a whole other skill set.
It is.
It's one thing to wrangle toddlers.
Dealing with their parents is a whole other beast.
You said it.
This academy seems to really get that though.
Yeah, they really do.
They seem to get the whole picture.
It's true though, right?
Totally.
And you know what else often gets overlooked?
Marketing.
Oh, for sure.
Which, let's be real, can totally make or break you.
Especially when you're starting out.
Absolutely.
Word of mouth only goes so far.
Right.
So what's their approach to marketing a kindertagious fledge?
Well, they seem to get that most new daycare providers aren't exactly rolling in dough.
Thank goodness.
I was a little worried we were going to get hit with that whole just hire a social media guru advice.
Nope, not at all.
Their materials are all about practical, affordable stuff.
Like what?
Okay, so tapping into local Facebook groups.
I sense.
Building relationships with other, you know, family oriented businesses in the area.
Mark.
Even something as simple as offering a discount for referrals.
It's all about that word of mouth, right?
Becoming part of the fabric of the community.
Exactly, exactly.
And it kind of goes hand in hand with another big takeaway from these materials.
Well, what's that?
Defining your Aline Stellings Merkmal.
Okay, you're going to have to translate that one for me.
It's German for unique selling proposition.
Oh, okay, got it.
Basically, what makes your kindertages fliege stand out from the crowd?
Right, because even in a sea of like finger painting and nap time,
you've got to have something that sets you apart.
Exactly, so maybe you have a background in, I don't know, music education.
Oh, I like that.
Or you offer super flexible hours that work for parents who, you know, work nine to five jobs.
Yeah, that's huge.
Or maybe you've got this amazing outdoor play area where the kids can like really connect with nature.
So it's about identifying what you're good at, what makes you special.
Yes.
And then making sure parents know about it.
A hundred percent.
Yeah.
Because parents have options these days.
They really do.
You have to give them a reason to pick you.
Makes total sense.
So how does the academy suggest going about this whole Aline Stellung's Merc Mall thing?
They actually give pretty concrete advice.
Oh, like what?
For example, they have this e-book.
It's called 50 Plus Ideas for Marketing with a Small Budget.
Catchy.
I like it.
And one of the ideas that stuck with me was creating a simple website.
Oh.
Like a one-pager.
Peezy.
Exactly.
That just showcases your unique offerings, maybe some testimonials from happy parents.
That's a great idea.
Because even if you're not super techie, you can still manage a one-page website.
Exactly.
And it just underlines how important that online presence is.
Even for something as local as, you know, a home daycare.
Yeah.
You've got to meet those parents where they are.
And these days, they're online.
Totally.
Now, speaking of support, we haven't even touched on the Academy's EarthFolg Steam yet.
Oh, right.
This is their ongoing support program, right?
It's like having a business buddy, but for daycare.
It's kind of like that, yeah.
But more than just a buddy system.
Oh, how so?
They offer things like collegial case review.
Okay, what's that?
So it's where providers can get together and discuss real-life challenges.
Oh, interesting.
And they get feedback, not just from each other, but from experienced mentors, too.
So it's like having a built-in support network, even after you've launched.
Exactly.
Because starting any business, it can be isolating.
Oh, tell me about it.
Especially if you're used to working with others, you know?
Right.
And then when you're working with kids all day, having that adult interaction, it can be so valuable.
For sure.
So they bring in experts on different topics, too, right?
They do, yeah.
They mention child psychology, nutrition.
Important stuff.
Even financial management.
Oh, wow.
They really do cover it all.
It seems like they really want their participants to succeed long-term.
Not just like get through the first year and then see ya.
That's huge.
And it kind of highlights something interesting about this whole kinder-tages-fleege thing.
What's that?
You're essentially a solopreneur, you know?
You're responsible for everything.
Oh, yeah, that's true.
From the curriculum, to the snacks, to the marketing, to the bookkeeping.
So having those resources and that support.
It's invaluable, really.
Couldn't agree more.
Now, I have to ask, everything we've talked about today has been very specific to this
academy, to Germany.
Right, right.
So what about someone listening who's like, this is amazing, but I'm not in Germany?
Good point.
What are the bigger takeaways here, the stuff that applies no matter where you are?
I mean, so much of what we've discussed seems applicable beyond Germany.
Although.
Even beyond childcare, right?
Right.
The need for a solid business plan, targeted marketing, having that unique selling point,
that's universal.
Absolutely.
This wasn't just about opening a daycare.
It was a case study.
Okay, frompreneurship.
Exactly.
Especially for that solopreneur life.
Right.
Because it's like, the academy's approach, it could be a blueprint for anyone who's launching
a service-based business, where that personal touch is so important.
Absolutely.
Couldn't agree more.
But, it also makes you realize how important it is to find resources tailored to your situation.
Oh, cool.
Like, even within Germany, right?
What works in one area might not fly in another.
Exactly.
Regulations, support, it all varies.
So, someone in, I don't know, Bavaria, they're going to have a different experience than
someone in Baden-Württemberg.
Right.
Even with the same goal in mind.
It's all about being a savvy researcher.
Exactly.
Knowing where to look, what questions to ask.
So, no matter where you are, there are resources out there.
Tons.
Local agencies, business development centers, even just online forums, right?
Oh, yeah.
Those online communities can be lifesavers.
Places where you can connect with people who are doing the same thing, maybe just a few
steps ahead.
Exactly.
Share tips.
Get advice.
Because even if they don't have all the answers.
Yeah.
Just knowing you're not alone in this.
Makes all the difference.
Totally.
Yeah.
Now you said something earlier that really got me thinking.
Oh, yeah.
What's that?
This whole idea of the level of business savvy needed for a kindertagist fledge.
Right.
Because it's intense.
It makes you wonder, would you need that same level if you were opening a more traditional
gay care center?
That's a really good question, right?
Because you're not a solopreneur.
Exactly.
You need to have a built-in structure, maybe even staff.
So is this focus on like hardcore entrepreneurship?
Is it unique to the kindertagist fledge model?
Because you are everything, the CEO, the marketer, the janitor.
Wearing all the hats.
All of them.
Or are we seeing this shift in general, where like, no matter what you're passionate about,
you have to have that business sense to back it up.
It's interesting, isn't it, how the world's changing?
It really is.
Like, even something as heartwarming as childcare, there's this whole other layer to it now.
The business eye to caring.
Exactly.
So for anyone listening who is maybe inspired by today's deep dive, maybe they're thinking
about taking the leap themselves.
Remember, loving kids, that's amazing, that's the heart of it all.
Absolutely.
But it's not the whole story.
It's a good start, but yeah.
You've got to bring your business a game, too.
Do your research, figure out what makes you stand out, and embrace that entrepreneurial
spirit.
I bet I'd better myself.
And remember, there's help out there.
Always.
Don't be afraid to ask for it.
Well, that's it for today's deep dive into the world of kindertagious fliege.
Until next time, happy learning.
Until next time, happy learning.