Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/meeting-cluster-needs-in-the-21st-century/5009305/
In the parent room of Northside Child Care Center, Sara is getting a haircut under the watchful eyes of her mother. It is 5:30 pm and children throughout the city are being picked up by tired parents. Most have already made several other stops, or still have errands to do before arriving at home to prepare dinner for the family. The experience is different for families whose children attend this center. These parents have few, if any, other stops to make after they collect their children. They are getting excellent child care plus a good deal more because of a creative marketing plan that focuses on a value added customer service approach. This thinking is referred to in the business community as the identification and management of "cluster needs."While her child's haircut is underway, this mother is also able to fill out a new voter registration form, double check her boxed up grocery order, and pick up her cleaning. With this concept of one-stop shopping, parents have time for the more important aspects of parenting. Because they are less frazzled and tired when they get home, they can spend time nurturing their children ...