Many agencies start out solely with nanny placements; nannies are in high demand and business is strong, but this limited option can be hindering your growth. Adding additional services costs little to implement, and the return is huge. To begin this process, ask yourself these questions:
What other services would I want to offer?
Optional services you can add include:
- Housekeepers:
- Full Time, Part Time, Live-In, Live-Out, Temporary
- Chefs:
- In-home, Delivery
- House Managers:
- Full Time, Part Time, Live-In, Live-Out, Temporary
- Personal Assistants:
- Full Time, Part Time, Live-In, Live-Out, Temporary
- Pet sitters:
- Dog walking, Overnight stays
- Newborn Care Specialists:
- Nursing support, Night nurses, Doulas
- Elder Care:
- Day visits, Around-the clock care
Would I need to add staff to my agency in order to cover these additional services?
It is likely that your current staff structure is adequate, though you may need to make a few changes. Rather than working harder, you’ll simply need to work smarter. For interviewing and hiring decisions, you will need to change a few important questions to address the range of skills. But getting to know a candidate–their capabilities, skills and career goals is similar across service types. The management and oversight of these positions is also similar. As you are engaged in the process of expanding services and concerns arise, the solutions should be easy. Just be sure to review the rules and regulations in your state when bringing in new services.
How would my costs change?
All types of domestic workers tend to seek jobs in similar places, so your costs for advertising can remain steady. In reality you will add vastly more to your revenue than what you will increase in spending, because you already have the families with whom you have placed nannies and you can target for these additional services. You can make multiple placements in one home, making your marketing costs lower in the overall scheme of things, and you will also attract new families seeking support in different areas by offering multiple services.
A key to success as a full service agency is to target the high-end clientele who need multiple staff. Prepare yourself for high expectations and demands. Often you will fully rely on the house manager or personal assistant to work with you on the placements. This type of multifaceted outsourcing is in high demand when you reach out to the right clientele.
Everything takes work, and getting started may feel difficult, but look ahead to the growth and success that awaits you. Set the process into motion and see for yourself. When you get your foot in the door as the one stop shop for everything domestic, your business will grow exponentially. Ours did!
by Erin Krex, First Class Care