Comparison is a thief
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on January 11, 2022. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
As if testing, quarantining, and staffing adjustments weren’t enough, many of you are preparing for open Fall enrollment. Which means it’s time to put on your marketing hat. Wow! Another thing for the list.
Thinking about marketing led me to reflecting on a quote by Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
I agree with Teddy. I also think comparison robs our profession of respect and reputation.
Early in the nature-based school movement there was a lot of comparison. It started with “first nature preschool in the state!” and then became “first nature preschool on the northeast corner of First and Main Streets.” (I’m being dramatic, but there’s a smidge of truth to it…)
It's now harder to be “first” at something in the nature-based movement. This is GREAT for two reasons:
It means there are more nature-based programs!
It changes the marketing focus away from being “the first” to focusing on our values (i.e., who we are versus how we compare)
Yes, there’s value in being first as a means for press coverage, but if you’re not the first, don’t sweat it. Instead focus on answering these questions in your marketing…
What’s our story?
Why do we offer the program(s) we offer?
What value do we provide our community?
How do we see and value children? Families? Teachers?
What do we believe about teaching and learning?
Our work is what Simon Sinek calls an “infinite game.” We’re not here to put other childcare centers or K-12 schools out of business. We’re here to serve as many children, for as many years as possible, within the values we hold for teaching and learning.
If you’re reading this, you have values around children and nature—values unique to you and your program. When you express those you'll attract families who share those values.
Share the joy of your program not by comparing, but rather celebrating who you are and how your program enriches the lives of your students and their families!
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
About Rachel
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.
