Frequently Asked Questions :: Starting an Agency
Steps for a Successful Start
An INA Publication for the start-up of a Nanny Referral Service
Starting a new agency is an exciting and challenging endeavor, and the
International Nanny 
Association
(INA) wishes you great success! Many INA members have experienced building
a successful business from the ground up and are happy to share some
of their knowledge and experience with you. The INA publication, Steps
for a Successful Start, outlines the time, money, organization and
dedication required when starting a new agency. The information featured within
in this publication helps to provide a sound beginning. You may also consider employing
an experienced industry consultant to further aid in your success.
Steps for a Successful Start is available through the INA membership services office. Please CLICK HERE for your copy.
It's very important when starting a new business that you gather all available information and stay current in your field by maintaining memberships in industry specific associations. The International Nanny Association is an extremely valuable resource, and it is your connection to the in-home child care industry.
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT VIOLATING SOMEBODY'S COPYRIGHTS?
- THINK AGAIN!!! -
We have become aware of several recent incidents in the nanny agency community involving copyright infringement. Several agencies, some new, some in business for quite a while, have been charged with the use of materials developed and published by other agencies. Two of the more recent incidents were settled in accordance with copyright law when the offending agencies withdrew the expropriated documents and website format.
Copyrights are intended to protect all creative expressions that are not slogans, names, titles and short phrases. (These items are covered by trademark law.) A copyright comes into existence as soon as a creative work or idea takes a tangible form, such as the establishment of a website or the printing of a document.
Other examples of creative works that take on copyright status as soon as they are made public include the language and graphics on website pages, forms, questionnaires, guidelines, tips, infoforms, advertising, catalogues, price lists, and speeches. Many other forms of creative expression are similarly protected,
Since an agency’s documents are an expression of its philosophy and method of operation, and since an agency owner knows how his or her business operates better than anyone else, it makes good sense for an agency to create its own distinctive documents. Doing so will provide that agency with its own set of copyrights. If possible, the agency should enlist the help of an attorney or other expert consultant. That strategy will help avoid disputes and exposure to legal fees and damages for infringement, which could be a lot more expensive.
The copyright owners referred to above were very protective of their copyrights and aggressive in their responses. Our advice to those thinking about infringing upon another's copyright is DON'T DO IT!!!
Please visit the following pages on our site to find the tools and services you need!
- Tools developed by industry veterans - you don't have to reinvent the wheel
- Access to industry services that will enhance your placement process
- Annual conference - learn from and network with industry experts
- Join INA and take advantage of all of our incredible resources
- Directory of Nanny Training Programs, Nanny Placement Agencies and Industry Services
- INA Member Nanny Training Programs, Nanny Placement Agencies and Industry Services