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Tips for children's activity providers who want to learn how to approach schools and nurseries without cold calling so they can grow their business, earn a more stable income and have a bigger impact on children's lives. ClassForKids is proud to sponsor the Approaching Schools Podcast. We’re the leading booking software for kids activity clubs! We understand the challenges that children's activity providers face when it comes to managing their admin and finances. That's why our user-friendly ...
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Get a double helping of advice for children's activity providers, with Guided Growth and Mini Marketing episodes, from the dynamic duo of James and Abi from LoveAdmin. In the Guided Growth episodes, strategic business expert James Brooker will sit down with activity provider guests to workshop a range of growth and efficiency topics to increase their success. In the Mini Marketing episodes, experienced marketing leader Abi Jacks will provide listeners with bite-sized marketing tactics and ad ...
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Right now you’re probably thinking about your next campaign because it’s your last real chance to get some marketing out to schools or nurseries before the end of the year. If you just want to know exactly how to structure your next campaign for success, get some follow up templates to boost your response rate, access my campaign mapping masterclas…
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It's the October Mini Marketing special, and today, Abi guides activity providers through the essential steps of creating a communications calendar. Perfect for those managing local sports clubs, dance schools, or gymnastics clubs who feel overwhelmed by their marketing needs. Discover how to effectively plan your content, ensuring it aligns with k…
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We're back in the studio with Lee Read! Join James Brooker of LoveAdmin in a strategic session with Lee, founder of Swim School UK, on this episode of the Steps2Success Podcast. Discover the transformative power of structured administration as Lee shares his journey of scaling his business from a concept to a 600-member swim school. This episode di…
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In this episode of the Mini Marketing Podcast, Abi Jacks unveils a powerful strategy to optimise your marketing efforts across multiple objectives without spreading yourself too thin. Dubbed the "Three Trick Pony," this approach is a game-changer for anyone juggling various marketing goals in the competitive world of children's activity organisatio…
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To learn more about how you can implement my C.L.A.S.S Concept to build long term partnerships with schools and nurseries, join my “Back To School” 2 Part Masterclass series on 17th & 18th September. Sign up for Facebook messenger notifications to find out when and where I’ll be going live at https://m.me/ceryskeneally?ref=w29182548 Join the discus…
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In this episode, James is in the studio with Doug Watts, the visionary behind Show Choir. Starting with a single choir in Bristol, Doug and his team have harmonised their way to nine choirs and counting. Join us as Doug shares his journey, the challenges of 'scaling' a community-centric business, and his strategic chorus for future growth 🎶 Whether…
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Welcome back to another episode of the Mini Marketing Podcast with Abi Jacks! In this power-packed session, we explore the lifeblood of effective marketing: Content Creation. Abi breaks down the essentials of crafting engaging, purpose-driven content that resonates deeply with your audience. Whether you're wrestling with what to say, how to say it,…
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Join my 3 day online experience for former/part-time teachers to help you get back into schools or nurseries on your own terms so you can continue to do what you love without the bureaucracy or burnout! Register for free at https://ceryskeneally.kartra.com/page/on-your-terms Read the transcript for this episode here!…
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Get ready to kick off the school year with a bang! In this episode of the Guided Growth Podcast, James is in conversation with Cerys Keneally. James and Cerys discuss the bustling back-to-school season, a crucial time for children’s activity providers looking to expand their reach into schools and nurseries. Discover strategic insights on how to ma…
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Today, our marketing leader Abi Jacks discusses the critical elements of branding for children’s activity organisations. Discover the five key areas of effective branding—Build it, Repeat it, Align it, Niche it, and Deliver it. Abi explains how to construct a robust brand foundation, ensuring consistency and distinctiveness in a crowded market. Whe…
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If you have had good value from listening to any of the episodes from this podcast, I would be honoured if you could vote for me in the National Children’s Activities Awards. Please go to the following website, scroll all the way down to Special Award and Game Changing Supplier, then select “Cerys Keneally - Approaching Schools Academy” at https://…
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It's another Guide Growth Session with our strategic business manager, James Brooker and today, James is in conversation with Emma Sheriff from Europa Gym Centre discussing strategies for making the most of the summer holidays within a children's activity organisation. Discover key insights on overcoming seasonal challenges, optimising staff schedu…
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It's the June edition of the Mini Marketing series with Abi Jacks. Today, Abi dives deep into one of the most crucial aspects of marketing—knowing your target audience. Understanding who you are speaking to is foundational, whether you’re engaging parents, participants, or partners within your children’s activity organisation. Abi discusses the imp…
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In this episode of the Approaching Schools podcast, we dive into the exciting opportunities that come with partnering with nurseries and preschools. We explore how these collaborations can lead to a more reliable income and open up plenty of daytime work possibilities. It's essential to get a solid handle on the aims and principles of nursery manag…
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Join us for another awesome Guided Growth episode of the Step2Success podcast as we explore effective strategies for expanding your children's activity organisation. In this episode, James sits down with Gabi Maddocks, founder of The Playing Space and a seasoned expert in the drama education field. With over two decades of experience, Gabi shares h…
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Join Abi Jacks, Director of Marketing and Growth at LoveAdmin, for a focused Mini Marketing episode. Today, Abi outlines the three crucial pillars of marketing: getting known, attracting new customers, and keeping current customers engaged and happy. This episode provides clear, actionable strategies to help children’s activity organisations streng…
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In this week's episode I want to talk to you about the importance of setting realistic deadlines in marketing to schools and nurseries. Protecting your deadline integrity when following up and tailoring your campaigns to different problems. Deadlines are important for schools and nurseries to respond to booking requests, as they create a sense of u…
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Welcome to the first ever LoveAdmin podcast episode ✨ For episode 1, we join our very own James Brooker as he delves into the essentials of optimising billing strategies for children's activity organisations. Our fantastic client, Lee Read, joins us in the studio as he shares his journey of transitioning Swim School UK from a traditional term-based…
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In this week's episode I want to talk to you about how you can accelerate your sales as a children's activity provider. We will consider: how to accelerate your sales in different ways the number of touchpoint you need with potential clients where you can find your prospective clients on social media different ways to connect that you may not norma…
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Did you know that the reality is that many parents do not even know that your service exists. There are so many people in your community who are not seeing your social media. So today I want to share with you ways to create a marketing funnel through your local community. We will consider: how we can bring more awareness to your business in your co…
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I have been thinking a lot whilst preparing for my TED talk about the impact children's activities providers are making on the children they work with, their families and the wider community. So in today's episode I want to encourage you to do the same and start to understand the impact you are making. I also want to encourage you to think about wh…
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In this week's episode, as we begin another school term at the start of the year we are talking about how we collaborate with schools. I am pleased to welcome one of my Academy members, Jackie from Stageability, to share her own experience of this as a provider. We will discuss: what collaborating with schools at the start of the term actually mean…
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In this episode I want to consider how classic communication methods can work wonders for your marketing strategy even in the busy world of social media marketing. In this episode I discuss: how can you make email marketing work for you why hand written letters work in this digital age ensuring your communication is relevant standout subject lines …
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How do you create strong partnerships with schools and nurseries? This is what activity providers are wanting to understand so that they can develop their business further. To learn more about this hear me talk about: why enrichment activities are so important how do schools and nurseries choose providers what do successful providers do what does t…
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030 Unlocking Young Minds - The Cognitive Super Powers of Extra Curricular Activities in Schools
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In this episode I am talking all about the power extra curricular activities have in a school setting. Let me take you into the world of a child who so longed for these activities taking place outside of school to take place in school. Can you recognise who I'm talking about? Hear me share how to foster partnerships with schools, including conducti…
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In this episode I want to talk about something that I am incredibly passionate about for kids activity providers. How can you build a more stable income by working with schools and nurseries. I discuss: some examples of Childrens activity providers and how they have grown their income streams through schools and nurseries the funding routes availab…
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027 The Smooth Operator - Reviewing Your Systems and Process Ahead of the Next Academic Year
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Today's episode is all about how you can become a smooth operator before the next academic year. I am going to share with you some of the best ways you can review your systems and processes. By doing these things you are going to get a jumpstart on the academic year and make your business even more easy to work with. As a special thank you for list…
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026 What's Working Really Well Right Now for Providers Who Partner with Schools and Nurseries
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What can you be doing at this time of year to set yourself up for success when the new school year begins. How can you start to renew your contracts? What can you be doing to build your contacts list? Well this is what we are going to consider in today's episode. It's our final live launch of 2023! Join the Approaching Schools Academy for CPD accre…
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In this week's episode I am talking all about the 'ABC's' of marketing for activity providers looking to secure work in schools. I am going to give you three simple tips that will be helpful if you’re just starting out in business. We are going to think about how you can be strategic and intentional in your marketing and what methods you can use to…
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024 School Smarts - Expert Advice for Activity Providers That You Would Never Know You Needed
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In this week's episode, 'School smarts - expert advice that you would never know you needed' I am talking about how you understand the needs and expectations of schools and nurseries. We discuss: The importance of showing differentiation within your activity being provided How can you get parents involved Ways that you can use testimonials effectiv…
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023 Making the grade - tips and tactics for selling to schools and speaking in their language
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In this week's episode I want to share with you my tips and tactics for selling to schools and speaking their language. We're going to explore where the selling stage begins, and I can tell you that many people get this wrong. We discuss: How you consider the value exchange What are schools looking for for their money What are your next steps after…
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In this week's episode I am talking all about how you can have the educators edge in your business. How do you stand out as unique when there are others providing similar services? So let's discuss some of the you can stand out. We will think about: providing and awards and accreditation how you can upsell your services what gives you the edge how …
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021 Creative Campaigns: How to Build a Full Marketing Campaign to Send to Schools and Nurseries
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In today's episode I am talking about how you can build a full marketing campaign to send to schools and nurseries. This is the perfect time of year in the Summer term to be building your marketing campaign. We will think about: how you can prep for the campaign what are your goals, aims and objectives the number of touchpoints and follow ups you n…
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020 School's in Session - How to ensure the quality of your service is recognised by the schools you are working with
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In this week's episode I want to talk about how we can ensure the quality of your service is recognised by the school or nursery you are working within. We will discuss: why the Summer term is a great time to be thinking about how your schools and nurseries rate the quality of your service contract renewals what is the value that you are currently …
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In this week's episode I would love to talk to you about how working with PTA's can support your business growth. It's a well known fact that PTA's are always looking for ways to fund raise and opportunities for events. Have you ever considered that by working in partnership with a school PTA you could increase your visibility in both the school an…
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018 Educational engagement - How to connect with schools as a activity provider and encourage repeat custom or multi level services
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In this week's episode I want to explore with you the importance of packaging services together, offering annual contracts, and providing incentives to schools to encourage them to book for longer periods. I will also highlight the benefits of showcasing the value of services and outcomes to schools.…
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017 The School Yard Sales Person - How to Market Your Activities to Schools Without Feeling Salesy
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In this week's episode I want to talk about how you can market to schools and nurseries without being salesy. I will talk about: why a marketing process is key the problems people come up against when approaching schools and nurseries why it can feel icky to handle objections why sales are the next logical step for you when you implement my process…
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In this week's episode I want to talk to you about how you can achieve your full potential in your children's activity business this year. As a children's activity provider are you clear about what your goals and targets are for your business? They will be different for each individual but if you are not clear on your own goals then they will be im…
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In this week's episode I would love to share with my story so far with Approaching Schools. I will discuss: why I have a business that solves a unique problem for a niche business sector the importance of extra curricular clubs to me personally as I was growing up how I built creative confidence creating a business I love whilst travelling the worl…
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014 How to Set Targets That Help You Bring in More Revenue by Working With Schools and Nurseries
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In this week's episode I want us to consider the targets you might want to set to help you bring in more revenue by working with schools and nurseries. Do you worry about setting revenue goals? Or are you motivated more by the number of schools you work with or number of pupils? Whatever your aspirations, let's consider how to establish clearer tar…
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In today's episode we are thinking about the number one problem childrens activities providers have before they join the academy. We are talking about getting past the people who are incredibly good at their jobs, the gatekeepers, more often known as receptionists. We will discuss: we touch on the ingredients of a good email to schools and nurserie…
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Pricing and packaging your services can feel like a big issue. When you look at what providers are charging and what schools and nurseries are paying there can seem to a huge range. So where do you start and what do you need to consider when pricing and packaging your services? In today's episode we will think about: how important it is to have a b…
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In this week's episode we are exploring funding for your children's activities in schools and nurseries. We are going to be considering a wide range of aspects of the funding so that you can make the most of contacting schools and nurseries. I talk about: how budgets are awarded in schools and nurseries how you can consider making your activity cro…
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010 How to Create a High Converting Email or Letter Template to Approach Schools or Nurseries With
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In this week's episode I want to share with you my top tips for creating high converting emails and letters. I will discuss: what content I suggest for high converting letters and emails how you can compel people to respond to you why personalisation is important and how you can do it effectively what happens when your letter or email is generic ho…
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In this week's episode you will learn how to use the STOP system to communicate more effectively with schools or nurseries. We will think about: what actions you can replace to create more success should you pitch in a sales email some of the sure fire ways your emails will get deleted or put in the bin how you can find out what a nursery or school…
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008 How to Grow Your Children's Activity Business by Getting More Daytime Work in Schools or Nurseries
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In this week's episode I want to share with you another way to grow your business. Have you considered getting more daytime work in schools and nurseries? For some of you there might be a worry that you need a teaching qualification or that you're not sure how to fit your activity with the curriculum or Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framew…
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In this week's episode I want to explore with you extra curricular clubs and how you can get more of them into schools. I discuss: what extra curricular clubs are and how they are broader than just after school clubs how to find more hours in the week that you could offer your club how to handle any objections to running clubs in the setting ways t…
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In today's episode I want to talk to you about how to follow up with key decision makers in nurseries and schools. I know it can feel demoralising when you send an email or a letter and get no response but are you stopping there? Is there something more you could be doing? I am going to talk about: are your emails working for you? how you feel abou…
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In this week's episode I want to talk about how you communicate with educators more effectively. The key to this is to make sure that you're speaking their language. How do you do that? I will share: how you can swap language in your communications to match terminology that you would see in lesson plans or. government educational documents examples…
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In this week's episode we are talking about how you can get a school or nursery to buy into your services. One of the big things we're going to think about is how on earth you communicate value: We will think about: how we can remind potential clients of the value in our activities how do we align with the curriculum or early year framework how to …
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