Testimonials

Before joining Smith’s I was already working in Japan as and English teacher for an English conversation school, during that time I gained useful experience in how to coach English conversation, trained well in how to prepare lessons, be independent and write my own material. But I reached a point where I was no longer challenged and the work became repetitive. I figured as a salaried English teacher I had gone as far as I really could and came to the decision that I must take the next step.

I seriously thought about opening my own school and asked around and met people who owned or who had friends that owned their own schools. The impression I got was that they were stressed, overworked and never had the time to go out and have a few drinks, with their wife’s and friends. I saw a lot of tension in international marriages was created due to Japanese wives being dragged into doing the scheduling, administration duties and all other chores associated with running your own school.

I’m married too, I had a feeling somehow there was no way I was going to put my wife through that. I was in a predicament. I really wanted to get out of the tedium at work and at the same time open my own school. What to do?

One day I was reading the Kansai Flea Market, enclosed were many advertisements, but one really stood out (Smith’s School of English). This truly was the break I was looking for. Now I could take my wife out of the equation and let the Franchise system do all the work for me. That way I could concentrate on making my lessons the best, along with giving more personal time to my students.

Of course I just didn’t quit my job and start at Smith’s. I needed income to tide me over. So I worked 7 days a week. I had 2 days off from my full time job. On my days off I taught at my new Smith’s Franchise school slowly building up my student numbers. It was really hard at first and I was thinking have I really made the right decision? But in all that time Smith’s was there to help and solve any problems I had. That’s what the systems all about working as a collective T.E.A.M. (Together Everybody Achieves More) Along the way I also found all the other franchise owners within the system an invaluable source of information. Moreover, when I felt low they picked me up and vice versa. Within 1 year I had accumulated enough students to leave my full time job. At that time I was making more money from Smith’s in two days work than I was at my full time job. I quit my job, opened another two days and gradually built up more students. Presently, I work 4 and half day weeks making double what I was making before. Also I can choose the days and times I want to work. I can choose the weeks or months I want to take a vacation, safe in the knowledge that a substitute teacher will be available and highly trained in teaching the in house curriculum. In most years, my wife & I go overseas 4 times a year, knowing that our English school business is in good hands under the Smith’s umbrella. On our return, I can carry on the lessons from where the substitute teacher left off. To me this would be totally impossible to do if I ran my own school. Sure I could hire a person or two cover my holidays but they would need training, not be experienced and I could never trust them as I do Smith’s.

I couldn’t have done it without Smith’s and definitely wouldn’t have lasted if I were on my own.

Smith’s charges a very minimal monthly fee, which is amazing considering all the work they do for you. For example;

  • Real estate paperwork
  • School location and set up
  • Administrative duties
  • Media promotion
  • Advertising
  • Advertisement assistance
  • Emergency teacher assistance
  • Trouble shooting
  • Training of all franchise aspects
  • Working visa sponsorship and renewal
  • Branch website set up (constant updates)
  • Franchise kit and curriculum provided
  • Telephone liaison between student & head office staff
  • Trial lesson closing sales
  • Student scheduling
  • Welfare Checks on non attending students

By Comparison my Franchisee duties include;

  • Handing out flyers
  • Teaching
  • Monthly income report (Quick task to be done once a month)
  • Keep classroom maintained and clean ( That’s commonsense)

What you have to remember, all the duties I have mentioned above are those I would have to do myself if I owned my own school, meaning little precious time to enjoy one’s life. Where as with the Smith’s system, you have ample time to concentrate on getting more students to join your school and spend quality time with your wife and friends.

I joined Smith’s in 2000. At that time Smith’s was a small enterprise, but I could see the potential in the firm’s concept and integrity. In those days Smith’s had a skeletal curriculum and was very effective if used diligently. Students could really improve their English ability immensely, but at the end of the day they need to have fun too. So with all the free time I had I commenced on writing a new curriculum for the school. I thank Smith’s for believing in my abilities as a writer and helping with advice, where and how to improve it, through trial and error and hands on help from experienced teachers. Three years later it was finished and incorporated into the Smith’s system. Existing schools now use it and all new schools that open are using it too. All teachers are trained and well prepared in the use of the curriculum. If a franchisee is sick or on vacation and they need a replacement, there’s not problem! Why? The curriculum that is used at Smith’s is teacher/student friendly well formatted, easy to use and most importantly no prep time is necessary. Due to this the attrition rate is kept at a minimum. (If you wish to check out the curriculum, return to the home page and click on SSE-Products).

Since joining the T.E.A.M. I have seen Smith’s company and the brand name continue to grow. It’s not just the advertising but it’s also our hard work, getting out there and being known. Word & Mouth through our raving fans is starting to have an impact and continual website hits is making our brand name stronger and stronger.

I wake up every morning with a positive attitude and look forward to going to work as an English teacher and Franchise owner. Everybody dreams about having that kind of lifestyle. Don’t be a dreamer, make it a reality. What are you waiting for?

So consider this carefully, think of the pros of owning a Smith’s Franchise and the many cons of running your own business. Smith’s far out weighs the latter.

It’s the best choice I have ever made since joining Smith’s. I highly recommend you make that choice too. “Thank you Smith’s School of English”

Craig Drayton (Smith Otsu School)

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