OP, for whatever it's worth:

Longtime nanny here. A few years ago, I moved to a new city. I didn't have any trouble finding a job through the major websites (care, etc) and the local agencies. However, I live right downtown in an affluent area, and almost all the full time jobs I was finding on care and through the agencies were out in the suburbs. I wanted to find a family to work with in the downtown area, and I had the same idea as you.

I had lovely professional cards made (it was like $10 including shipping for 250 from vistaprint), which highlighted key points from my resume (bachelors in early childhood development, CPR and first aid certified for infants and children, 15 years professional nanny experience, located downtown, etc). I carried them around with me just in case, and I also spent a few mornings going door to door in my immediate neighborhood, introducing myself and saying I was looking for a full time nanny position but also available for date night babysitting at a reasonable rate. I handed some out to mothers I met randomly in coffee shops, etc.

In the span of two months, I'd handed out more than 100 cards. And do you know how many of those 100+ people called or texted or emailed me? ZERO. Sure, most of the people I spoke to didn't seem super interested anyway ("oh, we don't need childcare now but I'll keep your number just in case..."), but many of them DID tell me they were actively seeking a nanny or sitter, and they still never contacted me. And, there were some who were very unhappy that I'd approached them, many seemed annoyed but some even flat out said things like "we'd never hire someone who approached us like this!" etc.

Honestly, it didn't matter because I found plenty of work in the suburbs and did eventually find a great nanny job in my neighborhood (through a local Facebook group), but, in my personal experience, handing out cards was a HUGE waste of time. Good luck.

I think this depends a lot on context. I was at target once and a man approached me about a daycare. He wasn't really listening when I said I didn't need childcare and just wanted me to take his card. It was awkward and uncomfortable.

Another nanny here who is confused by this. I can'5 imagine needing to hand out cards this way, because I turn down more jobs than I apply for. If you are on top of things and professional enough that you have business cards, are you not being approached by families at the park? Do you not have a wide network of parents who know and admire your work?

If I were out of a job tomorrow, I would call back one of the three families who have offered me a job in the last month, and I would ask the director of the preschool where I occasionally volunteer to post on their listserve, and I would ask all of my former employers and babysitting families to post to any church or parent lists. That would be at least 6 different groups to whom I had a personal introduction from a trusted member. Much better than handing out business cards randomly.

okay that seemed rude but not the only first rude comment I have read here.

YES. That is my opinion and the OP asked what we thought. I personally know other people that feel the same as me. I don't care what she does or how she gets jobs. I took time to answer her question.

All I can say is that seeing rude comments floating around, I would never want a professional working relationship with rude people. Also there are many people in this area from many countries so how this is handled can be perceived very different from each person. Not only culturally but also where someone
stands on the income ladder or education and even age. Human Trafficking is big in this area, in case, you don't know…I don't respond to strangers giving me a card saying they want to take care of my kids and personally think anyone who does is a fool.

Anonymous wrote:i think it is intrusive and I would throw it away. It involves my children and i would wonder why I was targeted. Too many weirdos out there that I am careful. I also have a NO Solicitation at my front door.

Best thing is give cards to your obgyn, children's dentist and other children's doctors. I am more likely to trust a card I pick up at their office since I know it had to be approved by the office...

That's just you.

oh yeah..the person who I hired to clean my home was someone who left a brochure at the dentist office (turned out the dentist was her neighbor).

To me, someone randomly approaching seems desperate…I even hate those people at the mall with the carts trying to pull you in for a free sample or look at their product...

i think it is intrusive and I would throw it away. It involves my children and i would wonder why I was targeted. Too many weirdos out there that I am careful. I also have a NO Solicitation at my front door.

Best thing is give cards to your obgyn, children's dentist and other children's doctors. I am more likely to trust a card I pick up at their office since I know it had to be approved by the office...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

"Laser focus on the kale"! Love that line!

Anyway, I would walk up to you and say, "You have an adorable little girl/boy. I am a career nanny and offer a variety of childcare services. Here is my card; my resume is on my webpage if you are interested. Have a great day!"

I too find it hard to believe that PP was harassed about childcare, but perhaps. I had someone give me his business card in the tile isle at Home Depot. Didn't use the guy, but certainly wasn't rude, nor did it ruin my day.

I guess I solved it... can't hurt.

If you are a career nanny, you shouldn't have to walk up to strangers and get a job through word of mouth if you are that good. If you have to stalk people at the supermarket vs. online profiles then something is really wrong.

Why is that? Not everyone wants a nanny, can afford a nanny, and especially a more costly nanny. I have worked for two main families in the state I currently live. People are supposed to knock on my door now that I'm unemployed? The family I worked for previously is supposed to make one of their friends hire me? I have found all of the families I have worked for independently of one another and I don't think that is strange at all. Just like I don't know any nannies or sitters to send their way, they don't know any families hiring. They gave my card to a few people that may be looking, but my average rates are stated on my webpage and are on the higher end. I don't think this means I'm a lousy nanny.

Then, maybe if you are having that much trouble getting a job, you should consider lowering your rates.

Where did you read that I was having trouble finding a Job? Because I charge enough to live on I actually have money saved and don't have to take any crappy job that comes along. Also, because I am an adult and pay my taxes I am able to collect unemployment, further extending my ability to take my time to find a great position. I will network and apply for positions, but will only take one if it is a good fit with a decent salary. If in 5 months I haven't found a great position I'll consider your advice, but for now I think you need a nap.