Description of the Business and Business Need
The proposed company is a contractor or agency that hires and finds babysitters, nannies, and other home assistance on a temporary or permanent basis. While presently a full-time student, one’s past part-time job experiences includes performing babysitting on the side and working as an office assistant for a leasing company. Given my little experience with business organizations but want to be actively involved in one, the business of assisting parents and main caregivers by locating the best suitable babysitter or nanny services has great potential. The planned company will be located in one’s hometown of Springfield, Virginia.
According to the data in IBISWorld’s 2012 report on the day care sector, “Demand for day care services will increase as more parents and guardians, especially women, return to work. Furthermore, families will be able to spend more on child care due to the anticipated rise in disposable income ” (IBISWorld, 2012, p. 1). As a result, there are profit opportunities, and the capacity to help in the hiring of babysitters and nannies would contribute to economic growth. The typical hourly wage for childcare providers is $9.28 per hour, or $19,300 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). More significantly, the future seems bright, as it was recently reported that “From 2010 to 2020, employment of childcare professionals is projected to increase by 20%, faster than the average for all professions. Increases in the number of children requiring daycare and the demand for preschool programs are anticipated to drive growth ” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012, p. 1).
The report provided relevant information pertinent to childcare workers including what childcare workers do, the work environment, guidelines in becoming a childcare worker, the median pay as of May 2010, job outlook, and data on similar occupations. As a result, it was discovered that the median salary for this occupation is $9.28 per hour, or $19,300 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). More significantly, as shown by growth patterns and trends, the prognosis is positive. These details are critical in determining the business requirement and determining the feasibility of starting a company that employs individuals in this profession.
The site provided details in industry analysis and industry trends of the day care industry in the United States. It provided relevant statistics and overviews such as the industry revenue, annual growth, employment, and number of business establishments. As disclosed and noted, “as parents and guardians, particularly females, rejoin the workforce, demand for day care services will grow. Additionally, the expected increase in disposable incomes will allow families to spend more on child care” (IBISWorld, 2012, p. 1). This particular information therefore confirms the viability of establishing this kind of business within one’s proposed location.
Introduction
In contemporary work settings, it is evident that increasing numbers of parents are required to find appropriate employment to support the daily needs of the family. With both father and mothers at work, the childcare and direct supervision for very young children are left to other family members: grandparents or siblings, if available. Otherwise, parents resort to finding baby-sitters or nannies on either a temporary or permanent basis. In this regard, one proposed to establish a contractor or agency for employing and finding employment for babysitters, nannies, and household helps. The proposed site is within one’s area of residence at Springfield, Virginia where an online site could be designed to promote and offer these services.
Based on preliminary research on prospects for this kind of business, the information disclosed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that the outlook is optimistic and “employment of childcare workers is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of increases in the number of children who require childcare and continued demand for preschool programs” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012, p. 1). This information was likewise corroborated by the industry report published online by the IBISWorld (2012) where it was clearly indicated that “as parents and guardians, particularly females, rejoin the workforce, demand for day care services will grow. Additionally, the expected increase in disposable incomes will allow families to spend more on child care” (IBISWorld, 2012, p. 1). As such, the need was effectively established and would thereby be used to support the feasibility and viability of the business proposal.
Value to the Organization
The establishment of this kind of business within one’s strategic location would assist nearby families and those who would contract the services through addressing the needs for effective childcare. As one has had experiences working as a baby-sitter, one knows through experience the nature of work and the challenges that go with it. Likewise, one would advertise through the online site two options: (1) one for baby-sitters, nannies, and even household helps looking for employment and (2) for parents to post their requirements. Consistent with the need to ensure safety, privacy and confidentiality; as well as conformity to ethical, moral and legal standards, all background and identification checks, profile reviews, interviews with applicants would be tediously done. All required documents to validate that personal and professional information were accurately provided would be compiled and double checked. The required pay consistent with that announced by the BLS and rates within one’s locality would be considered to be competitive in the area. Thereby, aside from addressing the childcare requirements of parents and families, the organization would provide employment to those in need.
Persuasive Techniques
To validate that this business proposal is both feasible and viable, the growth and employment prospects were reviewed from credible sources. Likewise, one’s past experience working as a baby-sitter increased competence and qualifications to enter this endeavor. One’s knowledge in designing an enticing website to announce the business’ services, to invite applicants, and to help parents find perfect match for their childcare requirements would be effectively addressed. Finally, the safety, security and privacy matters would be seriously complied with to ensure that the business would prosper, as needed.
Strategies to be Employed
As noted, the proposed business would be announced through online advertisement and promotions. Likewise, flyers would be distributed within one’s area of residence to serve as the information medium to announce the services being offered and to invite prospective applicants for the position of baby-sitters, nannies and household helps. As an added initial invitation strategy, after assessing the basic rate offered within one’s area, the business could initially provide discounts for the first 100 parents who would contract childcare services within the first month of operations. Regular customers would also be given discounts.
Communication’s Impact on Managerial Decision-Making
The relevance of effective communication would be instrumental in soliciting the needed amount of clients for the new business. When the online site is designed effectively, ensuring easy access to prompt and using language that is clearly and universally understood, then, more clients would try the business’ services.
Importance of Managerial Communication
It is thereby evident that clear and effective managerial communication would either make or break a business. As one proposed the baby-sitter agency, the effective communication tools that would entice parents and prospective baby-sitters to contact the organization and comply with the requirements are most needed for future success.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012, April 26). Childcare Workers. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from bls.gov: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Personal-Care-and-Service/Childcare-workers.htm
- IBISWorld. (2012, February). Day Care in the US: Market Research Report. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/default.aspx?indid=1618
- IBISWorld. (2012, February). Day Care in the US: Market Research Report. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/default.aspx?indid=1618
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012, April 26). Childcare Workers. Retrieved June 13, 2012, from bls.gov: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Personal-Care-and-Service/Childcare-workers.htm