Can You Network your Way into Becoming a Travel Nanny?

Can you network your way into being a travel nanny?

Networking works two ways:  

• Contact a travel nanny to see if  she can help you.  People do try!  I get emails all the time wanting advice, could I forward any business I am unable to do etc. The problem is that unless she's your best friend, she is not going to want to give away jobs and her reputation on an unproven travel nanny.  She can give you free advice, tell you the pros and cons, offer suggestions, etc but she will probably not give you jobs. Once we give you a client, she is yours, it doesn't come back to you.  Most of us have a small circle of friends that if we can't do the job, we will reluctantly share with them.  But we know these people, we know the quality of their work.  I meet nannies at INA and after talking to them, I believe they can really do this.  But there just aren't that many travel jobs to share, we pretty much cherish them!

• Networking with clients:  This is the best way to get jobs when starting out.  It  helps if you have a list of high end families that you know that travel.  By letting them know you have expanded your business with travel, you have a good chance at getting your name and business out there.
• Very few agencies offer travel options.  They would need to charge a fee and unless that client is just the type that likes to handle over her childcare needs to an agency, they are too easy to find on the web.    It also helps if you live in a big city where there is more opportunity to find clients that travel.  Plus, they wouldn't have to fly you to meet them, saving them one expense.  Or if there is referral to someone in another state, it helps if your city offers decent airfare prices.  If the nanny has two sides to her business, temporary nanny and travel nanny she has a better chance of making it.  Many times you meet your clients as you do temporary nanny services.  That's how I got started and it kept money coming in while I slowly built the travel.  
• You need to have a good website!  Not just in design but in finding someone who can host it for you and keep it in the Google ratings.  

What makes a good website?

That's the million dollar question!  I wanted a website that when you read it, it felt like we were sitting in your living room with a cup of tea!  Everyone told me the print was wrong, it was too wordy and far too much information!  "No one will take the time to read it all!"

I felt like my market was parents and when it came to their children there would never be "enough information".  It has gone through a few designs over the years but basically it is still too wordy!  However, if you Google travel nanny, traveling nanny, etc, I usually come up on the first page so I must be doing something right!

I have helped friends get started and some of their websites are short and to the point and they do just fine.  But they do tell me they don't get that many clients from their websites.

My website is the only one that seems to get about 5 hits a month from "wanna be travel nannies" so it must be easy to find!

What are the professions of employers that lend themselves to traveling?

Most of my clients seem to work in the market, physicians, attorneys or have their own businesses. My first newborn job was with a family where the father works in the Market and the wife is a wine Somalia.  So the first referrals from them were from people in the Market.  So those referrals seem to be all in the same business group.  Website clients (those who found me through my website) range from lower end of upper class income or high end of middle income families.   

Prices:

Your type of clients depend on what you are charging.  If you want to do only high end jobs, then you need to network in that direction.  It is a great way to start if you can and you already know high end families. 

I happen to be a modest priced travel nanny because I love to travel and it makes using me attractive to potential clients.  I want to travel and I like the type of clients I get with a reasonable rate.  They are more hands on parents and I know just taking me is costing them a fortune.  How you network does depend on your client goal.

There are times I am talking to a parent that I can see is going to be high maintenance and my rate goes up!  If you are not charging enough, you will be upset most of the job.  If you are charging a rate that makes it worthwhile to put up with high demands, you can do it with a smile on your face!

Are there any special skills that are needed for caregivers that seek to be a travel nanny (language, teaching, etc)?

Needless to say if you speak a few languages you are off to a good start.  Personally, I have no skills in that area. However, if I was your age, I'd start signing up for at least one language.  Not only will it enlighten your life, you will have a valuable asset should you decide to market your child care skills into an entrepreneur field later.