1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,000 Have you ever dreamt of swapping your 9 to 5 for like the joyful chaos of running your own daycare? 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Oh, yeah. 3 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:09,000 All those tiny humans? I bet it'd be... 4 00:00:09,000 --> 00:00:10,000 So much energy. 5 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,000 Yeah, constantly interesting, right? 6 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:13,000 For sure. 7 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:15,000 But could you actually make it work as a business? 8 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:17,000 Especially here in Germany. 9 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:19,000 Right, it's one thing to love kids, but... 10 00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:21,000 Gotta pay the bills too, right? 11 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:22,000 Exactly. 12 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:24,000 That's what we're diving into today, the business of childcare. 13 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:26,000 Love it. 14 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:29,000 You've been researching how to start a kindertages-fleeche? 15 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,000 Basically a home-based daycare, yeah. 16 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:36,000 Exactly, and we're taking a deep dive into those materials with a business lens. 17 00:00:36,000 --> 00:00:42,000 It's fascinating how seriously these resources take the business side of things. 18 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:46,000 Yeah, it's not all about loving kids and arts and crafts. 19 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:48,000 Which is important, but... 20 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:52,000 Absolutely, but they emphasize approaching this as a legitimate enterprise. 21 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:55,000 So it's like, passion is great, but you need a plan too. 22 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:56,000 100%. 23 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:59,000 That makes sense, especially with all the regulations in Germany. 24 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:01,000 Oh yeah, there's a lot to navigate. 25 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:06,000 And we should mention, these sources come from the Academy for Kindertage Flüche. 26 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:09,000 Are they the go-to in Germany for this kind of thing? 27 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:12,000 They definitely position themselves as a one-stop shop. 28 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:14,000 Oh, how so? 29 00:01:14,000 --> 00:01:19,000 They offer consulting, courses, they even have this thing called an Erfolgstein, 30 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:22,000 which I guess is like ongoing support for daycare providers. 31 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:24,000 Wow, so they're with you for the long haul. 32 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:25,000 It seems like it. 33 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:26,000 That's impressive. 34 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:30,000 Yeah, and they mentioned having worked with hundreds of people over more than a decade. 35 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:31,000 So they've seen it all, huh? 36 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:34,000 It seems that way. All the challenges, the triumphs, everything. 37 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:36,000 Experience matters, for sure. 38 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:37,000 Absolutely. 39 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:42,000 One thing that really jumped out at me was this XXI Gründungskutschein. 40 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:43,000 Yeah, the government funding. 41 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:46,000 Yes, 90% government-funded consulting. 42 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:50,000 That sounds almost too good to be true, especially for someone just starting out. 43 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:52,000 It's a pretty amazing program, got to give them that. 44 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:53,000 Right. 45 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:55,000 And it's specifically for Baden-Württemberg. 46 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,000 So location matters. 47 00:01:57,000 --> 00:01:58,000 It does, definitely. 48 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:00,000 But there's got to be a catch, right? 49 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:01,000 Well, it's not just free money. 50 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:02,000 Okay, that makes sense. 51 00:02:02,000 --> 00:02:06,000 You're very clear that this is an investment in your sustainable success. 52 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:09,000 Ah, so they want to see you succeed long-term. 53 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:14,000 Right, they want a solid business plan, not just a love for playing with Legos. 54 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:18,000 So what does that actually look like, what's involved in this XXI program? 55 00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:21,000 Do they just hand you a stack of pamphlets and wish you luck? 56 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:23,000 Oh, no, it's much more structured than that. 57 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:24,000 Oh, good. 58 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:25,000 They break it down into modules. 59 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:26,000 Okay, interesting. 60 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:30,000 They're covering everything from legal and financial basics, so taxes, registration, 61 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:31,000 that kind of thing. 62 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:32,000 The essentials. 63 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:36,000 Exactly, but then they also have these very specific practical workshops. 64 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:39,000 Ooh, like what, give me an example. 65 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:44,000 Let's see, one that stood out was a session dedicated to negotiating with parents. 66 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:49,000 Oh, fascinating, so not just like here are my rates, take it or leave it. 67 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:50,000 Right, exactly. 68 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:52,000 To view actual strategies. 69 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:57,000 Yeah, like how to find common ground, handle different personalities, set boundaries, 70 00:02:57,000 --> 00:02:58,000 that kind of thing. 71 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:01,000 That's smart because I bet that's a whole other skill set. 72 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:02,000 It is. 73 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:04,000 It's one thing to wrangle toddlers. 74 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:06,000 Dealing with their parents is a whole other beast. 75 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:08,000 You said it. 76 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:10,000 This academy seems to really get that though. 77 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:11,000 Yeah, they really do. 78 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:14,000 They seem to get the whole picture. 79 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:15,000 It's true though, right? 80 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:16,000 Totally. 81 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:18,000 And you know what else often gets overlooked? 82 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:19,000 Marketing. 83 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:20,000 Oh, for sure. 84 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,000 Which, let's be real, can totally make or break you. 85 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:25,000 Especially when you're starting out. 86 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,000 Absolutely. 87 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:27,000 Word of mouth only goes so far. 88 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:28,000 Right. 89 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:32,000 So what's their approach to marketing a kindertagious fledge? 90 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:36,000 Well, they seem to get that most new daycare providers aren't exactly rolling in dough. 91 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:37,000 Thank goodness. 92 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:42,000 I was a little worried we were going to get hit with that whole just hire a social media guru advice. 93 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:44,000 Nope, not at all. 94 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:47,000 Their materials are all about practical, affordable stuff. 95 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:48,000 Like what? 96 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:51,000 Okay, so tapping into local Facebook groups. 97 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:52,000 I sense. 98 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:56,000 Building relationships with other, you know, family oriented businesses in the area. 99 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:57,000 Mark. 100 00:03:57,000 --> 00:03:59,000 Even something as simple as offering a discount for referrals. 101 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:01,000 It's all about that word of mouth, right? 102 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:03,000 Becoming part of the fabric of the community. 103 00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:05,000 Exactly, exactly. 104 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:09,000 And it kind of goes hand in hand with another big takeaway from these materials. 105 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:10,000 Well, what's that? 106 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:13,000 Defining your Aline Stellings Merkmal. 107 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:15,000 Okay, you're going to have to translate that one for me. 108 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:18,000 It's German for unique selling proposition. 109 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:19,000 Oh, okay, got it. 110 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:23,000 Basically, what makes your kindertages fliege stand out from the crowd? 111 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:27,000 Right, because even in a sea of like finger painting and nap time, 112 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:30,000 you've got to have something that sets you apart. 113 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:34,000 Exactly, so maybe you have a background in, I don't know, music education. 114 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:35,000 Oh, I like that. 115 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Or you offer super flexible hours that work for parents who, you know, work nine to five jobs. 116 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:41,000 Yeah, that's huge. 117 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:47,000 Or maybe you've got this amazing outdoor play area where the kids can like really connect with nature. 118 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:50,000 So it's about identifying what you're good at, what makes you special. 119 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:51,000 Yes. 120 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:53,000 And then making sure parents know about it. 121 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,000 A hundred percent. 122 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:55,000 Yeah. 123 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:56,000 Because parents have options these days. 124 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,000 They really do. 125 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:58,000 You have to give them a reason to pick you. 126 00:04:58,000 --> 00:04:59,000 Makes total sense. 127 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:06,000 So how does the academy suggest going about this whole Aline Stellung's Merc Mall thing? 128 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,000 They actually give pretty concrete advice. 129 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:09,000 Oh, like what? 130 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:11,000 For example, they have this e-book. 131 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:15,000 It's called 50 Plus Ideas for Marketing with a Small Budget. 132 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:16,000 Catchy. 133 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:17,000 I like it. 134 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:21,000 And one of the ideas that stuck with me was creating a simple website. 135 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:22,000 Oh. 136 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:23,000 Like a one-pager. 137 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:24,000 Peezy. 138 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,000 Exactly. 139 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:29,000 That just showcases your unique offerings, maybe some testimonials from happy parents. 140 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:30,000 That's a great idea. 141 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:34,000 Because even if you're not super techie, you can still manage a one-page website. 142 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:35,000 Exactly. 143 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:39,000 And it just underlines how important that online presence is. 144 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:41,000 Even for something as local as, you know, a home daycare. 145 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:42,000 Yeah. 146 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:44,000 You've got to meet those parents where they are. 147 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:46,000 And these days, they're online. 148 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:47,000 Totally. 149 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:51,000 Now, speaking of support, we haven't even touched on the Academy's EarthFolg Steam yet. 150 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:52,000 Oh, right. 151 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:55,000 This is their ongoing support program, right? 152 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:57,000 It's like having a business buddy, but for daycare. 153 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:58,000 It's kind of like that, yeah. 154 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,000 But more than just a buddy system. 155 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:01,000 Oh, how so? 156 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:03,000 They offer things like collegial case review. 157 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:04,000 Okay, what's that? 158 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:08,000 So it's where providers can get together and discuss real-life challenges. 159 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:09,000 Oh, interesting. 160 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:14,000 And they get feedback, not just from each other, but from experienced mentors, too. 161 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:18,000 So it's like having a built-in support network, even after you've launched. 162 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:19,000 Exactly. 163 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:22,000 Because starting any business, it can be isolating. 164 00:06:22,000 --> 00:06:23,000 Oh, tell me about it. 165 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:26,000 Especially if you're used to working with others, you know? 166 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,000 Right. 167 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:32,000 And then when you're working with kids all day, having that adult interaction, it can be so valuable. 168 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:33,000 For sure. 169 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:36,000 So they bring in experts on different topics, too, right? 170 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:37,000 They do, yeah. 171 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:39,000 They mention child psychology, nutrition. 172 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:40,000 Important stuff. 173 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,000 Even financial management. 174 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:42,000 Oh, wow. 175 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:43,000 They really do cover it all. 176 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:46,000 It seems like they really want their participants to succeed long-term. 177 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:49,000 Not just like get through the first year and then see ya. 178 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:50,000 That's huge. 179 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:54,000 And it kind of highlights something interesting about this whole kinder-tages-fleege thing. 180 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:55,000 What's that? 181 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:59,000 You're essentially a solopreneur, you know? 182 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:00,000 You're responsible for everything. 183 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:01,000 Oh, yeah, that's true. 184 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:05,000 From the curriculum, to the snacks, to the marketing, to the bookkeeping. 185 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:07,000 So having those resources and that support. 186 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:08,000 It's invaluable, really. 187 00:07:08,000 --> 00:07:09,000 Couldn't agree more. 188 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:15,000 Now, I have to ask, everything we've talked about today has been very specific to this 189 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:16,000 academy, to Germany. 190 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:17,000 Right, right. 191 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:22,000 So what about someone listening who's like, this is amazing, but I'm not in Germany? 192 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:23,000 Good point. 193 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:27,000 What are the bigger takeaways here, the stuff that applies no matter where you are? 194 00:07:27,000 --> 00:07:32,000 I mean, so much of what we've discussed seems applicable beyond Germany. 195 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:33,000 Although. 196 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:34,000 Even beyond childcare, right? 197 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:35,000 Right. 198 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:39,000 The need for a solid business plan, targeted marketing, having that unique selling point, 199 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:40,000 that's universal. 200 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:41,000 Absolutely. 201 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:43,000 This wasn't just about opening a daycare. 202 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:45,000 It was a case study. 203 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:46,000 Okay, frompreneurship. 204 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:47,000 Exactly. 205 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,000 Especially for that solopreneur life. 206 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:50,000 Right. 207 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:54,000 Because it's like, the academy's approach, it could be a blueprint for anyone who's launching 208 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:58,000 a service-based business, where that personal touch is so important. 209 00:07:58,000 --> 00:07:59,000 Absolutely. 210 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:00,000 Couldn't agree more. 211 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:05,000 But, it also makes you realize how important it is to find resources tailored to your situation. 212 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:06,000 Oh, cool. 213 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,000 Like, even within Germany, right? 214 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,000 What works in one area might not fly in another. 215 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:12,000 Exactly. 216 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:14,000 Regulations, support, it all varies. 217 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:19,000 So, someone in, I don't know, Bavaria, they're going to have a different experience than 218 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:20,000 someone in Baden-Württemberg. 219 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:21,000 Right. 220 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:22,000 Even with the same goal in mind. 221 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:24,000 It's all about being a savvy researcher. 222 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:25,000 Exactly. 223 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:27,000 Knowing where to look, what questions to ask. 224 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:31,000 So, no matter where you are, there are resources out there. 225 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Tons. 226 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:36,000 Local agencies, business development centers, even just online forums, right? 227 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:37,000 Oh, yeah. 228 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:39,000 Those online communities can be lifesavers. 229 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:43,000 Places where you can connect with people who are doing the same thing, maybe just a few 230 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:44,000 steps ahead. 231 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:45,000 Exactly. 232 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:46,000 Share tips. 233 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:47,000 Get advice. 234 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:49,000 Because even if they don't have all the answers. 235 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:50,000 Yeah. 236 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:53,000 Just knowing you're not alone in this. 237 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:54,000 Makes all the difference. 238 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:55,000 Totally. 239 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:56,000 Yeah. 240 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:57,000 Now you said something earlier that really got me thinking. 241 00:08:57,000 --> 00:08:58,000 Oh, yeah. 242 00:08:58,000 --> 00:08:59,000 What's that? 243 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:04,760 This whole idea of the level of business savvy needed for a kindertagist fledge. 244 00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:05,760 Right. 245 00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:06,760 Because it's intense. 246 00:09:06,760 --> 00:09:12,000 It makes you wonder, would you need that same level if you were opening a more traditional 247 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:13,000 gay care center? 248 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:14,800 That's a really good question, right? 249 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:16,640 Because you're not a solopreneur. 250 00:09:16,640 --> 00:09:17,640 Exactly. 251 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:20,400 You need to have a built-in structure, maybe even staff. 252 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:24,440 So is this focus on like hardcore entrepreneurship? 253 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:28,740 Is it unique to the kindertagist fledge model? 254 00:09:28,740 --> 00:09:33,120 Because you are everything, the CEO, the marketer, the janitor. 255 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:34,560 Wearing all the hats. 256 00:09:34,560 --> 00:09:35,840 All of them. 257 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:41,600 Or are we seeing this shift in general, where like, no matter what you're passionate about, 258 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:44,480 you have to have that business sense to back it up. 259 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:46,520 It's interesting, isn't it, how the world's changing? 260 00:09:46,520 --> 00:09:47,520 It really is. 261 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:53,680 Like, even something as heartwarming as childcare, there's this whole other layer to it now. 262 00:09:53,680 --> 00:09:55,280 The business eye to caring. 263 00:09:55,280 --> 00:09:56,280 Exactly. 264 00:09:56,280 --> 00:10:00,400 So for anyone listening who is maybe inspired by today's deep dive, maybe they're thinking 265 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,360 about taking the leap themselves. 266 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:06,120 Remember, loving kids, that's amazing, that's the heart of it all. 267 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:07,120 Absolutely. 268 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:08,120 But it's not the whole story. 269 00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:09,120 It's a good start, but yeah. 270 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:12,120 You've got to bring your business a game, too. 271 00:10:12,120 --> 00:10:16,480 Do your research, figure out what makes you stand out, and embrace that entrepreneurial 272 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:17,480 spirit. 273 00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:18,700 I bet I'd better myself. 274 00:10:18,700 --> 00:10:21,200 And remember, there's help out there. 275 00:10:21,200 --> 00:10:22,200 Always. 276 00:10:22,200 --> 00:10:23,200 Don't be afraid to ask for it. 277 00:10:23,200 --> 00:10:28,920 Well, that's it for today's deep dive into the world of kindertagious fliege. 278 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:30,040 So much good stuff. 279 00:10:30,040 --> 00:10:31,600 Until next time, happy learning.