This week I had two students start who transferred from other Smith’s School (Otsu and Kotoen). This really brought home the meaning and the power of the franchise to me and it is something anyone thinking about starting an English school in Japan should consider carefully.
If I were out there on my own, I might have had a chance to pick up these students too but I think because they were treated well at another Smith’s school, they again sought out another Smith’s School of English after moving. This is really a great thing for us as franchisees and also for students. These students may have realized that Smith’s is somehow different from other large corporate schools in Japan. As school owners we naturally care very much about our students’ satisfaction with the lessons. It is directly tied to the success of our schools as we are not just putting in our time. We are working for ourselves. For the students this makes a difference too as we will naturally care much more about their progress.
In the past I have had students take trials at other schools and then join my school. This also shows the power of the franchise.
What we must always be aware of is that we are not alone. We are a team and we help each other. Every good thing one Smith’s owner-teacher does for his/her student will benefit us all somewhere down the line. So if you have a choice, join a franchise. you will be better off if you do.
You might wonder why I changed the color of some words and phrases. I do this for the many students who read my posts on the SSE Soapbox for English practice. English is full of idioms and useful expressions that a student needs to be exposed to. So I hope this kind of activity by me will benefit students of Smith’s School of English and other English students too.
Keep up the good work!
Al –
Thank you for this post. It’s a great insight into one of the many strengths of our brand. Mr. Kubo has many interests including ham radios, audio equipment and sound systems. He’d appreciate any help to communicate more effectively in English over the air waves! Good luck!
Martin W Zander, Smith’s Partner, Kotoen School