I was recently invited to mentor some budding entrepreneurs for the day at the FFWD pre-accelerator programme for early stage start-ups in London. It’s a great programme that helps prepare a select few teams for the important step of applying for funding for their business idea.
Having been flattered to be asked to attend as a designated marketing expert, I was not about to say “no”. (Stroking my ego will, apparently, get you quite far). My role for the day was to help the fledging teams consider how they will go about finding their customers.
Some of the teams were further along their journey to developing a fully packaged product or service, but all were excited to share their ideas and were interested in what I thought about the issues that they were wrestling with. Enthusiasm and inquisitiveness are two traits that go a long way, and it is those characteristics, evidenced by the start-up teams, that I hope will inspire you.
Inspiration for the early years professional
As an early years professional, you are most likely in the sector because you are passionate about children and childcare. As you progress up the career ladder (or even if you started in a leadership office), you’ll find that the increasing administrative work removes you from the excitement of the nursery floor – the place that inspired you in the first place.
When you become so familiar with your necessary but uninspiring day-to-day work that it becomes routine, it is easy to become complacent. Although you may be doing a perfectly acceptable job, you’re no longer blazing a trail.
So, my advice to you today, courtesy of my experience with the teams on the FFWD programme, is to take some time to:
- reconnect with what made you enthusiastic about childcare
- then go and find out what other people are doing to drive their setting forward.
Sharing inspiration can lead to a great idea
Speak to your colleagues and peers who you know share a passion for early years. Find out how they are working to improve quality, to develop staff, to engage parents and/or maybe even just improve their bottom line. Engage with positive, passionate people and you’ll come away with a new lease of life that should lead to some great ideas.
With a great idea that will make a difference to your business, those routine tasks that previously sapped your energy become necessary stepping stones to a greater goal. You never know, you might even stumble across a great idea that will help you get rid of some of those routine tasks for you.
In case you’re interested, my enthusiasm comes from helping people to realise their own great ideas. If you have one of your own and don’t know where to start, please do get in touch.
Richard Duddy
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