It’s all about Families for This Woman in Business

Meet Candi Wingate; President of Nannies4hire.com, Care4hire.com, Babysitters4hire.com and Nannies of Nebraska

• Tell us about your business.
  

  Nannies4hire.com is one of the largest, most successful online nanny database services, matching families and nannies across the United States and Canada. As part of this database, families can conveniently search for childcare that meets their particular needs. We offer full-time, part-time, temporary, summer, babysitting, live-in and live-out nannies, searchable by zip code. Our database is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  In addition, our website offers helpful tools and advice for finding – and working with – a caregiver. We provide sample interview questions, reference forms and contracts, as well as relevant advice, tips, and a blog, helping families and nannies establish successful working relationships. We cover subjects like what families can expect from their nannies, how to determine pay scale and benefits, how nannies can help with major transitions like potty training and how to find a nanny for children with special needs

  Care4hire.com is an online database for families to search for babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous services. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours or a few days, you will find wonderful options at Care4hire.com. Registered members receive immediate access to caregivers through email and phone.

  Our target audience for both Nannies4Hire and Care4Hire is families. The majority of the time, we work with mothers who need help for their home – taking care of their children, housekeeping services, pet sitting, elder care and more.

• Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

  I started my career as a nanny, working for a family with five children. I quickly learned what families need, and applied those real-life lessons to my business. I’ve been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, and wrote “100 Tips for Nannies & Families.” Plus, I’m a wife and mother of two young boys, so I know first-hand what it’s like to balance work and a family. I believe that women can have it all, but they need help to do so! My company provides that necessary help and support.

  Since I was young, I’ve always been a motivated, outgoing self-starter. My parents were self-employed, which motivated and inspired me to do the same. I had a great idea for a business, and I’ve experienced tremendous growth by meeting the needs of other families like my own – who need a little extra help at home.

• What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

  My parents really inspired me. They were self-employed and I grew up watching their hard work, dedication, creativity and tenacity. They were there for me, supporting me when I started my business, encouraging me to pursue my dream.

• What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

  was a great honor for us to be named to the Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies this year. We were also very proud to work with TLC and their hit show Jon & Kate + 8. We were an integral part of finding nannies for the Gosselin family’s sextuplets and twins. And we’ve formed successful ongoing relationships with the Dr. Phil Show. In fact, Dr. Phil has repeatedly recommended us to guests on his show.

• What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

  Then things in business don’t go the way they should, don’t give up and stay positive.

• What have been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

  We pride ourselves on providing extraordinary customer service. Much of our business has been built on referrals and repeat clients, which proves that positive word-of-mouth can be extremely beneficial to any business. Our goal is to find every family the right caregiver for their specific needs. We also give each of our caregivers an enjoyable experience.

• What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

  Everything takes longer than you expect. Be patient, work hard and it will come together in the end.

• Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?

  I’ve found The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group to be a valuable resource. It’s an online networking group that offers tips, advice and networking opportunities for mom entrepreneurs. I also rely on social networking tools, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, to quickly and easily deliver messages to my target audiences. These online networking tools are such an effective way to connect with people and grow my business!

• What do you do for fun/relaxation?

  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two energetic boys and husband. We enjoy going to the lake and enjoying each other’s company.

• What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

  Our goal is to make every family and nanny experience positive and rewarding.