Nannies, do you think of yourselves as your own small business? You should. After all, your work as a child caregiver probably supports you financially. That’s business! So you should look to good businesses practices to improve that business!

I have been listening to a CD called Small is the New Big- and other riffs, rants, and remarkable business ideas by Seth Godin.  After hours of listening, one word has stuck with me, but I have a feeling the author will feel he succeeded with his message if only this one word survives, and that is “remarkable.” Seth Godin’s premise is that small businesses that are “remarkable” in some way have the best chance of succeeding.

So nannies, how are you “remarkable” in your job as a child caregiver? What kinds of things do you do that set you apart from others? Seth Godin emphasizes in his book that no company has it all, just as no human has it all, and that’s okay. It’s unrealistic to think we have to be the best at everything. We just have to be the best at a few things that really matter.

Here’s a thought: Most working moms struggle to balance the needs of their children with the demands of their careers. What can you do to ease that struggle? Have a great attitude? Show “remarkable” patience with their children? Find unique ways to encourage their child’s strengths? Make sure you communicate daily details with the parents?

Examine and recognize your own strengths. Go beyond what’s required to become “remarkable” in ways that will make you proud and successful as a nanny and as a person. You’ll never be without customers if you do!