You wouldn’t think of taking a child to the playground without packing a nappy bag or lunch box containing the basic essentials, would you? Imagine waiting until the child you’re caring for was hungry or needed their nappy changing, and then running around the playground frantically trying to find someone with a spare bottle of milk or an extra nappy to share. The same principle goes for establishing a nanny network for career opportunities. Instead of waiting until you need a job, prepare ahead of time.
One of the best investments you can make in yourself as a professional nanny is to build your network now, so it’s ready and waiting to be put to good use when you need it.
By developing new relationships and strengthening existing ones, you can build your network, which in turn increases your confidence, raises your profile, and provides you with personal and professional support when you need it.
Unlike having a job in an office with many co-workers around, working as a nanny can be isolating, and it may take more effort to build up a strong network of professional peers. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools you can use to build your nanny network. Here’s how to get started.
Leverage online resources
In today’s world, a few strokes of a keyboard can lead to a virtual gold mine of employment and relationship opportunities. From LinkedIn, Facebook, and Quora to local online parenting and caregiver forums, there are dozens of platforms today that are designed to support communities and connections. Browse the discussions, chip in, and see where the conversations take you.
1. Job sites
You should absolutely set up or update your professional profile on job sites, including caregiver-specific and nanny search sites. This allows prospective clients to see your skills, experience, and qualifications, and allows them to reach out to you directly if they like what they see. However, creating your profile is just the first step. It’s even more important to engage and make connections with other members of the site.
Pro tip: Create a LinkedIn profile and once it’s complete, make connection requests with people you know to build up your network. From there, follow a few professional LinkedIn agencies. But before diving in, make sure to observe how group members communicate and the type of content they post. Once you have an understanding of how the group operates, begin to ask questions, engage with the community, or post answers to member queries.
2. Parenting groups
A quick Google search for “(your city) parenting groups” can lead you to sites full of parents and caregivers. Parents often rely on these neighbourhood groups to post small ads seeking caregivers.
Pro tip: Some of these groups are for parents only, so consider asking past employers to post in parenting groups on your behalf, advertising your availability.
3. Social media
Social platforms can be leveraged to build and engage your network, as well as to find job opportunities when the need arises.
Facebook, in particular, is a great place to network. Whenever you are available to take on a new nanny job, post on the platform to let family and friends know and ask them to share the post with friends. This could lead to meaningful connections for future work. Also be sure to search for nanny-related Facebook groups like Melbourne (AUS) Nanny & Babysitting Jobs and Australian Nanny Association to network and learn about upcoming training sessions, webinars, and events, both online and in person.
Pro tip: Be sure your Facebook profile states that you are a nanny, as many nanny groups only grant access if it’s evident that the request is coming from a professional nanny.
4. Professional nanny groups
Online communities like the Australian Nanny Association, a support network for Australia’s large nanny/home-based care community, the families who engage their services, and the agencies who facilitate the employment of nannies and home-based carers, are safe places for nannies to connect with the industry and receive support. Resources are available, along with events and development and training opportunities.
Nevertheless, work can be rather isolating for many nannies at an individual level. That makes it imperative for you to be part of a community where you are represented and realise that you are part of something bigger. After all, nannies do their best work when they feel valued and when they are working for the greater good.
Pro tip: Get involved in the online community by asking where people are originally from, as well as what areas they work in. It’s a great way to get a conversation started and find other nannies in your area.
Meet other nannies face to face
While it may be easy to connect online, there’s nothing that can replace meeting in real life. It’s easier to gauge our connection and comfort level with a person via face-to-face interaction. One free and easy way to do this is to venture out to parks and playgrounds to meet nannies and talk to them in person.
Here are some ways you can meet up with parents and other nannies in real life to build your network.
1. Public meeting spaces
Treat public places as prime networking opportunities. Be sure to introduce yourself to parents and other nannies and get involved in any activities or play dates. Try the following places:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Playgroup
- School pick-up and drop-off points
- Libraries
- Book shops
- Children’s classes
- Coffee shops
- Shopping centres
- Children’s museums
- Nanny training classes or certification programs
Pro tip: Just met a nanny at the park and want to connect for a future play date? Add them as a contact on a messaging app like WhatsApp. You can even form a group chat with your nanny contacts to arrange play dates and support each other through work challenges.
2. Meetups
Get involved in local caregiver meetups—or start one of your own. You can find or plan meetups via word of mouth or group texts with other nannies. Or check out Meetup, which allows you to find or create in-person meetups on a variety of topics, including nanny-only meetups. Regular in-person meetups can help maintain ongoing relationships and be a consistent source of fun!
3. Play dates
Scheduling play dates with other nannies and the children in their care can help build strong relationships and keep the kids entertained—it’s a win-win situation! Parents are sure to appreciate that you’re finding playmates for their kids, and it’ll also help you to expand your own professional network.
Pro tip: In addition to meeting people on your own, it’s worth asking your employer to connect you with local friends with children the same age so you can arrange play dates.
Network through nanny agencies
Registering for work through a nanny agency is another option for caregivers to connect with other caregivers, as agencies can be instrumental in helping to build a community. Many nanny agencies offer support groups, training and certification classes, and social meetups—all of which are great opportunities to meet other nannies. Some agencies have registration fees and contracts, so it’s important to do your research before joining one.
Pro tip: Once you’re placed with a family, ask your agency if it can connect you with any other nannies it has placed in the area—leading you back to making those face-to-face connections that will help you thrive as a nanny.