3 Year Thank You Letter

Three years ago this month, NannyMall, llc, came into existence. It was in motion several months before that, however I was with another agency and truthfully, I really liked my position there, so I took my time in preparing this agency, there wasn't a hurried sense about it.

I think that's what made a difference, the slow process. Getting everything lined up and being involved in every area/decision.

I took what I knew from being a previous business owner and culminated it with the "love" I had seeing Families & Nannies matched, thus making sure NannyMall was everything and more that both groups would appreciate. So far so good.

Yes, there has been a few potholes along the way, but nothing that has caused this agency "to pull over to change the tire." I think every business has it's moments where it could have done something different, made a better decision, but instead of letting those moments stimy us, we choose to learn and grow from them, knowing that we can serve the next Family even better!

So I guess this really is a thank you letter. Thank you to all the Nannies, the Families, the learning times, and all the NEW FAMILIES & NANNIES coming in!

We can't wait to serve you!

Safety ---always an issue

NannyMall Nannies know this agency is just but one source of finding a great Nanny position. They are encouraged to seek a position through another agency, word of mouth or independently.


If using independent sources, i.e. craigslist or kijiji, there are some strong rules of safety that should be followed. *(this blog is dedicated to all nannies but especially the nannies that relayed stories of unscrupulous people to my attention a number of times in the past few weeks.)
** PLEASE NOTE, this blog is simply for informative purposes only, it's not to be used in lieu of any safety training class or manual, nor to be viewed as a single source of safety procedures; it is simply suggestions of safety.



1. When a family contacts you, let them interview you and when it's your turn, ask a lot of questions! Don't feel intimidated.
Ask pointed questions about their children, ask if they've ever hired a nanny, ask how soon they are needing to hire, ask if either parent works from home, ask about taxes, and then ask if the have personal references, yes you ask them if they have a friend and/or family reference you can call. You will find that 99.99% of the families will be fine with that request because they'll understand you are being cautious and who wouldn't respect that? Even though it's you looking for a position, you can still "interview" the family to make sure it's the right fit....and that's it a real position.


2. If all your questions were answered and you feel okay about setting up an interview, set it,
and follow through with the reference check. If attempts to reach reference don't pan out but you are still interested, then perhaps drive by their home a couple of times, not in a stalker kind of way, but in a, making sure it's all legit, kind if way. Note the number of cars, note if there are children's toys outside (perhaps you won't see any in Winter), note the amount of lights on....if only one person lives there, most likely won't have but one or two lights on; with children look for several.

3. A day or two before your interview, call their house phone (if they gave # to you) and see who answers, if it's someone different than you originally spoke with, that's probably a good sign. You can say you are confirming the interview...because actually you really are.

4. Make sure you tell a couple of friends and/or family members when your interview is scheduled and also give them the name, address and phone number. Let them know that family interviews can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

5. When you arrive at the home, call a friend or someone to let them know you are there and are going in for the interview. Have them note the time.
Once introductions are completed, politely ask if you may call your friend/mom to let them know everything is good to go. ---From a parent's prospective, they will deem you worthy because if you're THAT careful with your personal life, you will MOST LIKELY be THAT careful with their children. -----Make it a brief call!----

6. If you get there and something doesn't feel quite right, don't enter the home. Wait till you see the other parent or the children, or ask if there is a better time to come back when all the family is home.

7. You could always bribe a friend to go with you to sit in the car....just offer to buy her lunch or buy a small "thanks for waiting in the car for me" gift. Perhaps you'll ask the family to meet you in a public area such as McDonalds or St. Louis Bread Co. to avoid the home interview.

Whatever you do, remember safety first! ---This blog is in response to several stories relayed to me about nannies going for interviews and it would turn out to be a person with no children.


If you have your own methods of safety you'd like to share please leave them in the comment section.


St. Louis Childcare Agency
St. Louis Nanny Agency
NannyMall.com

Nurture your "daisies."

Agencies are much like a garden!

Lets break it down (like compost).

Any good/legal garden (agency) should:

* have perfect soil composition for the daisies (Nannies) to grow

* be nurturing from the very beginning

* take to time to talk with and encourage

* give water (praise)

* pull the weeds that try to shade them

* teach about negative growing conditions ( how to avoid dry, arid, stunt your growth areas )

* spray "weed stop" to keep the negative growing conditions at bay

* have genuine interest in finding the perfect "clay pot" for the daisies

* works the ground to ensure fertile growing conditions

* continue to give support after daisy has left the garden

Our garden totally supports our daisies because they are worth supporting!

New Household Employee Hiring Trend is Emerging

When new clients call in and relay criteria they wish to have met within the Nanny they will be employing, what we're seeing is the beginning of a new trend.

Our observation: Up until 6-9 months ago, Families that employed Nannies would generally also employ a Household Manager and a Housekeeper. The hiring of 3 individuals is now morphing into one position, which NannyMall nick-named, "the Gold Star Nanny." (affectionately named after the gold star we received in school as children for going above and beyond what the teacher had asked of us)

Gold Star Nanny is asked to do a variety of duties, first and foremost, tend the children. But what was out of the question for additional duties before is now definitely required.

Looking back at our last 10 placements, 8 of them required/hired a Gold Star Nanny.

Families are looking for the well qualified, educated Nanny but also for the Nanny that doesn't mind cleaning the bathrooms and picking up the family dry cleaning. These Gold Star Nannies were few and far between but as the Families desires have changed, so has the Nanny's understanding. They realize in order to get into a long term position, they have to be willing to take on extra responsibilities.

As we talk with Families about their requirements, we let them know they are pioneers of the new household employee hiring trend and that while morphing the positions together is totally acceptable, they also need to keep in mind that while they save from having one individual do all three jobs, they should also expect to pay a higher salary for Gold Star Nanny.

To learn more about the changes in the industry or to hire your Gold Star Nanny, please contact us, we'll be happy to speak with you!

St. Louis' childcare referral agency, NannyMall.com

It's Recruiting Time!

NannyMall.com is looking for a few (many) good Nannies!

And since NannyMall.com has some of the best Nannies in STL & STC County, we are also recruiting Families!

Yep that's right, Families we are looking for you!

Are you a Nanny that is looking for "the family?" Are you a Family that is looking for "the Nanny?"
We may have your solution!

Our passion is matching Families w/Nannies & Nannies w/Families. We fully appreciate and respect both!

Please visit us at Nannymall.com for more information. You'll be glad you did!

Sharing is good!

Introducing The Urban Studio Cafe, a new non-profit cafe in Old North St. Louis! 8am to 2pm, Monday through Saturday. Free Wifi. Coffee, Sandwiches, and Pastries, and more. Hold your group meetings or events at the cafe! www.urbanstudiocafe.org

2815 N 14th St
St Louis, MO 63107-3902

314.601.3699

theurbanstudio.blogspot.com

On Saturdays, Students receive FREE small "for here" coffee with any purchase of $5 or more!

The Urban Studio, a non profit organization that provides innovative art and educational programming for under served youth, recently opened a social venture café in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood. This project builds a bridge between the arts and urban revitalization; profits from The Urban Studio Café’s coffee and food sales will generate sustainable funding for The Urban Studio’s youth programs.
In addition, The Urban Studio Café creates jobs for low-income individuals, fosters a sense of creativity and possibility, and strengthens social bonds while serving a quality cup of joe. This social venture concept won the Skandalaris Center’s Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition in April 2009.

Old North St. Louis, home of Crown Candy Kitchen, possesses a strong sense of community and a history as a vibrant urban center. However, due to years of disinvestment, the neighborhood now lacks local businesses, job opportunities, community gathering spaces, and positive outlets for youth. The Urban Studio’s past work addressed the issue of outlets for youth by providing photography camps, media literacy programs, mural painting, and Brazilian martial arts classes. This new social venture will continue to use the arts to strengthen the community and will additionally focus on six critical goals:

1. To generate profits to provide sustainable funding for The Urban Studio arts programming

2. To create jobs and provide job-skills training and financial literacy

3. To serve as a gathering place for neighbors to strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhood

4. To create an atmosphere of creativity and possibility through events and programs held at the café

5. To be a catalyst for economic revitalization in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.

6. To be a model social venture for other emerging community cafés

Tell your friends and come visit us today!!

EDUCATOR MONDAY: All teachers, professors, tutors, educators receive 15% off entire purchase!
TOOL BELT TUESDAY: All trades people (construction workers, plumbers, welders, electricians, etc) receive 15% off entire purchase!
WEAR-A-TIE WEDNESDAY: Wear a tie and receive 15% off entire purchase
PARENT THURSDAY: All parents receive 15% off entire purchase. If you bring in your child, receive 1 FREE goldfish cup or animal cracker cup with purchase!
UNIFORM FRIDAY: Police Officers, Firefighters, Military personnel or any other public service professionals with a uniform receive 15% off purchase!
STUDENT SATURDAY: Show your student ID and receive a FREE small coffee with purchase of $5.00 or more!



FPR

NannyMall recognizes Nannies in their GREATNESS

On a personal note.....
If the title doesn't give it away then perhaps this brief description of the St. Louis and St. Charles Nannies will:
These people, these Ladies, these Nannies of all different backgrounds, are simply amazing.

As the owner of a Nanny Agency, it could all easily become a chore to crank out emails, to call on individuals, to post a blog, to make sure advertising is in place, to even just think about what has to be done for the day, BUT it's not a chore, it's a privilege.

The Nannies that are in this Agency are a daily inspiration. With their niceties, their compassion, their drive, their professionalism, hard work and dedication, it all makes it worth while.

I don't know if they realize how valued and important they are, that they are worth every bit of thought and energy I, (we) put into this Agency.
When new clients don't call or when emails seem to still themselves, I, as they do, wait patiently for the flurry of activity to pick up again, and in those still times, they are emailing or calling with encouragement, with ideas, with a story, all to show their dedication for this Agency.

NannyMall is very, very blessed to have these awesome Nannies, my appreciation for them will never cease. That is why I have written this, so that others too may see and appreciate their kindness and dedication.

Because here, YOU are valued!

NannyMall opens Nanny support meetings to all Nannies!

NannyMall is announcing it's next Nanny Support Meeting! It will take place on November 14th at Kaldis Coffeehouse in Chesterfield Valley from 10am to Noon.

The reason why we are announcing it so soon is because we are opening it up to Nannies from other Agencies and to independent Nannies and want to give them plenty of time to find out about it!

Human contact seems to have taken a back seat in this day and age of technology so the importance of having a meeting where Nannies can get together and share their stories is, in my opinion, very much needed!

No one knows but another Nanny what it takes on a daily basis to be a Professional Nanny, so what better place to meet with Nannies that understand than at a tailored support group?
Here you will possibly connect with old friends, meet new friends and for sure leave with a sense of "belonging."

So if you are a NannyMall Nanny and happen to know Independent Nannies or Nannies from other Agencies, please invite them! The more the merrier!

We will post an addition to this as more details are solidified.

Hope to see you there!
NannyMall.com, here is where YOU are valued!

First Quarterly Nanny Support Meeting a success!! NannyMall.com where it all begins!

NannyMall, LLC is very excited to announce that it's first quarterly meeting on Sept. 19th, was a huge success!

We thought that only a few would participate but we had roughly half of our registered Nannies in our meeting. That's awesome! Thank you Girls for being there, your time was very much appreciated!

We were very blessed in having our Guest Speaker, Glenda Propst of RegardingNannies.com, share her 25 years of Nanny profession with us! Not only has she made a lifetime commitment to being a "Super Nanny," she has also dedicated many, many years in promoting and supporting Nannies in their various roles. She is a true inspiration to us all! Thank you, Glenda!

Our Agency is very dedicated to our Nannies. We feel very strongly about making sure our Nannies get a chance to meet with other Nannies to swap stories, give advice, connect with one another and have an understanding that there are others who may have the same questions, feel the same way about a situation, etc.... Support groups can make a huge difference in the lives of not just the Nannies but their Families as well!

NannyMall, LLC is already planning the next meeting! It will be sometime in early December before the holiday shopping rush begins. And I'm taking this moment to welcome Lauren to our Planning Committee! She will bring fun, fresh ideas to the table!

So if you are a Nanny and weren't able to meet with us this time, we invite you to join us the at next meeting ! Details will be posted here at a later date (or emailed).
**If you are registered with another agency and are interested in the meetings, we are seriously considering opening it up to all registered Nannies, not just our NannyMall Nannies. Please contact the office with your interest.**

Thank you to all who made it a success! I feel as if we are on to something big and I personally cannot wait to see where it takes us all! :-)

And a big shout-out to Kaldi's coffeehouse in Chesterfield for making the meeting room such a nice meeting spot!

NannyMall Nannies, you ROCK!

NannyMall discusses your choices in childcare

Growth, development, safety and stability for your children are top priority. You are a working parent so what options do you have in childcare?

Family daycare is probably the most cost effective and hopefully licensed. Your child(ren) are most likely supervised by one worker per 4 or more children (not including their own).

Daycare centers are another reasonable choice however you may find the worker turnover is high which could be detrimental to your child if he or she gets attached. If you have 2 or more children in daycare, it may get a little pricey.

Then you have the choice of hiring a professional Nanny.

If you choose to hire a Nanny, you can be assured she (or he) will provide your children with warmth, care, education and consistency. Your Nanny will be there daily for your children with joy in her spirit and a smile to share.

Parents are comforted with the knowledge of their children at home in their most comfortable and familiar environment. With a Nanny there isn't an extra charge (like you would receive from a daycare) if you are going to be home 30 minutes late and there's also little or no concern about other children at daycare who may have been brought in sick and contagious.

You can rest assured your children will be happy and content playing in their own yards, their own rooms, going on special play dates and perhaps even participating in parent approved field trips! These factors allow parents to achieve peace of mind.

Nannies, expensive? No, not really when you consider all the advantages!
Industry standard averages are $10.00 - $14.00 per hour. The Nanny’s rate is based on experience, education and other household responsibilities families expect. The rate may be higher depending on whether you have the Nanny cook and clean for the entire family. The cleaning of the kitchen, the children's rooms, their play areas and laundry are included in the normal pay.

Many Nannies will work for the lower stated pay if you are willing to pay as an incentive, money towards her health/dental insurance.

They always appreciate gas cards, a small bonus, an extra paid day off, etc... Note: pay is always negotiated between family and Nanny before Nanny start date.

We as a Nanny Placement Agency, would like the opportunity to share more information with you about choosing the perfect Nanny!
Please call, email, visit or website or meet with us for more info!
Thank you!
http://www.NannyMall.com
314 769.MALL (6255)
Info@NannyMall.com

NannyMall Nannies, the best of the best!

To take a different approach to the Blog today I am going to sing praises about the Nannies that are currently with the Agency. ---Normally what is posted are happenings around town----NOT today!
Today I would like to tell whomever reads this: NannyMall Nannies are Rock Stars!

• They stay in constant contact with the agency and communicate very well with us.
  
• They arrive on time for their interviews and positions.
• They're all very excited about working with children.
• They know what direction they are headed in life.
• They are clear with their wants and needs within a placement.
  
• They call in and update regularly with the agency.
  
• They ask, "what's next, what can I do to help?"
• They are so very funny and good natured!
  
• They are experienced and love children!
  
• They are all happy to help a family in any capacity!
  
• They are very, very helpful to the agency and I couldn't ask for a better core group of Nannies!

Thanks Nannies, this Blog's for you!!

Need a party idea? See this! NannyMall.com offers up a cool website!

With so many other things to think about, you probably would like to have party plans delivered right to you.....well here's a great website that can help! Whether it's a princess theme or a super hero, this party company can and will provide!
http://www.smilesfamilyent.com/

Their current special:

August Special!

Save 30% off during weekend on 1 1/2 or 2 hr packages if you call in three days or less before the party, and we have open spots. Also, save 30% off weekday parties of 1 1/2 hrs or longer during the month of August, while space is still available. No deposit required three days or less before the event!!!

Book a facepainter from August 5th - August 31st and pay $65.00 per hour!!!

Office Hours Mon-Fri,

11AM-6PM

Phone us @

Office:

314-783-4010

or Email us @

Email:

smiles4thekids@gmail.com

For the Parents! NannyMall.com has weekend destinations for you!

The week has begun and the weekend is days away but that shouldn't stop you from planning a special time with your significant other! Check out what's going this Friday and Saturday, August 7th and 8th, 2009.

St. Louis Artists’ Guild and ArtDimensions of St. Louis

Collaborate on their Second Annual

ArtDTour of St. Louis
http://www.artdimensions.org/index.php?section=22

Next date: Friday August 7, 2009

St. Louis Artists’ Guild and ArtDimensions of St. Louis are collaborating to bring you one more “ArtDTour of St. Louis” this year. This is an exciting night of art appreciation, featuring bus and shuttle tours that start at the Saint Louis Art Museum and go to art museums and galleries in the St. Louis metro area.

For the August 7^th ArtDTour, there will be 2 routes to choose from; both starting at the Saint Louis Art Museum:

• ROUTE A: Saint Louis Art Museum, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Craft Alliance Gallery on Delmar, Gateway Gallery, Regional Arts Commission Galleries and the St. Louis Artists’ Guild Galleries.
• ROUTE B: Saint Louis Art Museum, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, The Sheldon Art Galleries, Craft Alliance in Grand Center and ArtDimensions’ 3^rd Floor Gallery

There will be departures from the Saint Louis Art Museum at 6:30pm and at 7:00pm. Arrive at 5:30 so you can view the exhibit at the Saint Louis Art Museum and enjoy food and wine samples before boarding the shuttle. ** Please see website for pricing information.

August 8th, 2009
Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Sale Date:
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.00 adults 13 and up; 12 and under Free
For more information call: (314) 577-9400 or (800) 642-8842
Website: www.mobot.org

Any family that would like to take advantage of these fun happenings and need childcare, please give us a call, we will be more than happy to send the best of the best Nanny to your home!
NannyMall.com

GO BANANA'S! Family Fun Time!!

Tuesday, August 11 - 3pm, 6:30pm

Ticket Prices: $20, $25, $30, $40

Come and wiggle in the aisles as The Wiggles Go Bananas Live! Tour brings The Wiggles highly interactive, fun and educational message to St. Louis, MO.

http://www.thechaifetzarena.com/event_125

Still have time to purchase tickets!

If you have a little one at home that is too young to attend, NannyMall will send childcare for the times you need for a reasonable cost!

St. Louis Zoo info!

NannyMall.com believes in Family Fun Time! Following is a really fun way to spend the morning with your children!

St. Louis Zoo
Admission to the Zoo is always free, but each day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.,
now through Sept 7th, within the Children's Zoo, the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove
and other special exhibits are also free.

Visit the Stingray page here. click

Have a great day at the Zoo!

Free Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour! July 31-Aug 2nd, 2009 St. Louis Union Station

FREE!! Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour this weekend!

FREE THIS WEEKEND ONLY! -- ST. LOUIS UNION STATION
July 31st - August 2nd, 2009

Click here for information:
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/email/?SLMO

Get behind the scenes look at the magic, the spectacle and cutting edge technology of the all new motion picture "Disney's A Christmas Carol." Starring Jim Carrey! A once in a life time attraction INCLUDING SNOW all for FREE!

Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the world premiere of, "Disney's A Christmas Carol" in London!
Sweepstakes ends Sept. 13, 2009.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Hot_Deals_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1189639672821&ssid=224

Hope to see you there!

NannyMall.com