Smith's School of English franchise owners speak out.
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Here is a video on our first investment property.
Off to a great start
Recently I published a hub about English school franchises. In response, this Smith's School of English franchise owner sent me this article and asked me to post it, so here it is as it was sent to me.
From Derek.
Hi, my name is Derek Maeckelburg and I own Smith's School of English Tsukaguchi. Here is a small article about my life with Smith's and Mark Smith.
I needed some cash. It was early 2002. I had arrived in Japan in December 2001 and still hadn't gotten a job. The only cash I had was in my wallet, and it wasn't much. I got a free paper called The Kansai Flea Market and saw an ad for handing out flyers for Smith's School of English Franchises in it. "Cash, paid on the day." That sounded great! I called the number and started handing out flyers the very next morning.
I kept handing out flyers for Smith's until one day, I told the person I was working for that I was also looking for teaching work and wondered if Smith's had any for me. It was just one day after that while handing out flyers at a station in Osaka, I got a phone call from Mark Smith, founder of the company. We agreed to meet after my flyer run. I finished my work and then went straight to Smith's Head Office and met Mark Smith. The meeting went well. Soon after that, I started teaching part-time for Smith's, first at one, then several Smith's schools. The part-time work led to managing some Smith's schools. I started by managing a franchise owned by a foreigner living outside Japan, and soon after that (April 2002), started managing another one, the Tsukaguchi school, then owned by Head Office. Today, all Smith's schools are franchises, but at that time, a few were still owned by Smith's head office.
My hard work finally paid off!
I worked hard and built up both schools. Then one day while handing out flyers at a train station near the Tsukaguchi school, I started thinking about owning a Smith's school myself. I wanted to own my own business, be my own boss and have the option of one day putting a teacher in my school so that I could try other things. I mentioned this head office, and very soon after that, the head office offered to give me ownership of the Tsukaguchi school!
I didn't have the money to buy the Tsukaguchi school, so Head Office created a mutually beneficial agreement which allowed me to purchase it from Head Office in installments at an agreed price, using income generated by the school. With the income the school was generating at the time, I had enough money left over after monthly payments to Head Office to live off of. Sure, it meant living off little money for a while, but I thought it was worth it to own my own school and for my future, so I went for it! The school became a Smith's franchise and I became its owner. A few years later, Head Office decided to end the monthly installments (well early of the actual payment plan!) and so I owed no more money on the school. The school was completely mine!
Smith's 2008 Osaka Castle Park party
Following the advice of a Valued Mentor
While running the Tsukaguchi school, I finished managing the other school that I had been managing for a foreigner living abroad, and started managing another Smith's school for Head Office. However, that eventually ended too when someone bought that school so I was left working only at my own school, the Tsukaguchi franchise.
Next followed a period when I was first considering, then going to sell my school and go back to Canada to pursue another interest. However something happened that changed my plans. I became interested in learning business under Mark Smith within a mentorship program he was giving. I started that and liked it. Wanting to do more, I then started helping him build up the Smith's English web site's strength. We did well together and the Smith's web site's ranking went up a lot. Lots of people were visiting our web site and inquiries on Smith's franchises went up. This lead to me working in franchise sales with Mark, which was a great experience and very interesting. I earned some money in sales with Mark. With the work in sales and my school together, I was doing OK. However my school's turnover was very low at the time. Mark kept telling me to build my school back up. Having schools in the system making so little money gave less asset value to the existing schools in the system and this was bad for the system's growth. At one time I told Mark that I thought my school's location was bad and that it had no more potential. I had given up on my school's location. I remember at one point having only 14 students or about 180,000 yen a month at my school! Mark told me to keep going, and so I did. It's a good thing that I did!
Smith's 2007 Halloween Party
A fated meeting
In July 2005 I married my wife, Akemi, who is Japanese, in Japan. She had been a student of mine at my school, where we had met (thank you very much Smith's!). My parents came over from Canada for about a week for the wedding. My wife and I took them to Kyoto for sightseeing and had a great time. We also brought them to my wife's parent's home in Okayama Prefecture to meet her parents. Our wedding ceremony and party were held in Osaka. There were about 60 people in attendance, including friends, coworkers, Mark Smith and family. At the party I played some classical guitar and sang some songs with my guitar for everybody.
Soon after my wedding, Mark sat down with me and gave me three goals. One of them regarded work in sales, the other family, and the other my school. Regarding my school, he wanted me to build it back up. Soon after my meeting with Mark, I stopped working in sales with him and focused only on my school and family life. 2006 and 2007 were important building up years for my school. Today in July 2008, thanks to the help and support of my wife and the Smith's system (including my students), I have over 50 students or about 700.000 yen a month at my school! I thank everybody at Smth's so much! We did it together!
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Real estate is the way to go
A few years ago my wife and I got interested in real estate investing. One day in 2007 we asked Mark Smith, who is a successful real estate investor here in Japan if he could teach us real estate investing. He happily agreed to teach us. My wife and I started meeting Mark in August 2007 and have met with him several times since. We have also gone around looking at used houses for sale. It has been very interesting.
My wife's work as a full-time dental technician over the last 12 years and my work at my school allowed us to save money. Recently, with the help of Mark, we bought our first investment property, a used house, cash. The house is located in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. We plan to have it reformed soon and then will be renting it out. This is the first of several houses we plan to get over the next years with the goal of eventually putting up our first new apartment building!
My experience in the Smith's system has been a very rewarding one. It has allowed me to meet my lovely wife, build and own a successful, thriving English franchise business and enter the thrilling world of real estate investing! Thank you so much Smith's!
Derek Maeckelburg
Smith's Coach of Communicative Confidence, Real Estate Investor
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Comments
many people attribute luck to their success but the truth is lucky people worked hard to put themselves in the right position so things fell into place. Hard work is always rewarded...
Good luck on your real estate investments.
I would have to say that after reading this I felt that Derek made his own luck and then just as you say ade98, things fell into place. Thank you for your comment and wel done to Derek.
This is a very inspirational story. It shows what a person can do if he/she works hard and believes in himself/herself. You received some help at a few points in time but as you worked hard and proved yourself along the way, it was obvious that you were more than worthy of all the help you got. You earned it through your effort. So the bottom line is that your success has been due to your hard work. It is also inspirational that there are people out there who still recognize hard work and want to reward those who make such effort. It is great to see good people succeed and that there are good people out there who will lend a helping hand when it is needed. Thanks for the inspiration and good luck with your future endeavors.
Thanks for posting my article Monitor.
Gelsem17, Thank you for making a comment. I agree with you completely. Too often these days we see people who are really willing to work hard but get nowhere in life, not fair at all really is it. According to Derek that is not what he found when he worked with the people within this franchise system. What he found was that whenever he made and effort the people at Smith's School matched it. He used his own effrot and thr resources of the franchise system responded well. To me this is very refreshing indeed. Your fan. Mon.
Hi there Derek, I was very happy to post your story. It is just so positive and real. You worked hard I can see that and I know you deserve your rewards. I wish you and your family every ongoing success.
Oh and please let any of your friends over there at Smith's School of English know if they have anything to add to please send it in.
I very much appreciate you taking the time to follow up on my Franchise English Schools hub. Mine is only research, yours is the real thing. You have actually lived within the system for many years.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Franchise-English-Schools-
Yours thankfully,
Mon.
Very interesting and inspirational story Derek!
You stayed focused and step by step you are achieving bigger and better things!
I truly enjoyed reading your story and it led me to do some research on this company.
On your website I found several other franchise owners telling their stories and sharing their ongoing experiences at Smiths School of English.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/
It seems you all are having a great time teaching English over there in Japan!
I look forward to hearing more!
Thank you Papasmurf,
I agree this is inspirational to say the least. This Derek fello just stays focused all the way. The soapbox link you provided is well worth a read for sure. It certainly seems to be quite an active group of school owners over there on the Soapbox. Thank you for pointing that out.
Your Fan.
Mon.
I really enjoyed reading your article Derak. Hard work coupled with working smartly will always lead to success. To others you look lucky but it is not luck it stems from being organised, working towards preset goals and being ready to accept any opportunities that come your way. Congratulations. We Smith School of English - teacher/owners are lucky that we came in contact with Mark Smith because it has enabled us to be own boss and to create a lifestyle that we haave control over.
Hi there KoenjiKen,
Thank you for your comment. Smart and hard, well said. I wrote in an earlier hub that franchising is a two way street. Both the franchise system and each individual franchise have to do their bit. When they work well well together both sides of the equation do well.
Your fan.
Mon.
Well done Derek. As a Smith's Franchisee I agree that hard work does pay off, but the unique thing about Smith's is that it really isn't hard work! "Time" is a big part of the investment, and you certainly put in the time. Congratulations.
Jim Scarle
Smith's Hashimoto
Well said ade98_07! An old friend of mine (quite a successful athlete and ice hockey goaltender) had a similar expression. He said "only the good get lucky, and only the lucky get good". I've often thought of him every time someone says "i always have bad luck", as I feel that it was their lack of effort that contributed rather than luck. It sounds like Derek has been working hard an thus deserves any good luck he gets. I'm inspired y his story and amazed at the chances people take. He went to Japan and bought an english school! I wish i had the courage to move to a foreing country and do that, and then to succeed to the point where he can diversify. Amazing. I'm inspired by this story. More please!
Jim, Thank you for dropping by and making comment. I see you are a fellow franchisee and that makes your comment all the more valid. Perhaps you too would like to send in your story? I would be happy to publish it here at hubpages.
Bathtubber, Brave is the word that's for sure. Starting out in new country is one thing, opening a business is another entirely. Well said to you I say. Thank you for taking time to comment.
Derek, this is a well written account of a Smith's franchise owner. I have not been at it as long as you, however as a fellow franchise owner myself, I hope in a few years my story reads as well as yours.
I recently realised that some hard work is required to successfully run a franchise. It took me some time. However, the hard work is so much more rewarding when at the end of the day it is you who is benefiting. Derek, you seemed to have learned this long ago and are now enjoying the lifestyle and financial position you are currently in. Good for you!!!
Tim,
Thank you for your comment. You too seem to be from the ranks of the Smith's franchise system. I note from Derek's article he has been with the system since early 2002 so this gives him 6 years plus. That is truly quite a long stint for an English teacher in Japan. You say you haven't been there as long and hope your story will read as Derek's. From what Derek, KoenjiKen and Jim say if you stay the course you will be fine. I wish you well.
Your fan.
Mon.
Derek - Great story told perfectly! Thanks for the effort!
Mr. Monitor,
Definitely BRAVERY is Derek's forte. I moved to Japan in 2001 and haven't branched out beyond just working as an English teacher, with an eikaiwa first and now with 2 junior high schools as an ALT. For those of you who want to get into teaching english in Japan, i highly recommend it.
Here's how it breaks down: in public you have elementary, junior and senior high; in private you have big chain schools, one-of's (i.e. 1 teacher running his own school by himself, no support- very scary if you ask me) and then the coffee shop crowd. However from this article and other articles I have read recently, I have been learning about the amazing stories of so many foreigners living in Japan. I didn't know about the variety of jobs. I thought there only basically public and private. I also have read about and throughout my time in Japan met many foreigners who are non-native speakers (e.g. not from the big 4: Canada, USA, Australia, UK). I think their stories are some of the most courageous and therefore amazing.
One example i'd like to highlight is a story about a Romanian fellow who came to Japan, first as an English teacher with JET, then with an eikaiwa, later as an office manager and eventually a business man running a small chain of franchise schools. His story inspired me, maybe more than Dereks. Another friend of mine who lives in Tokyo become an English Professor in a prestigious University after originally coming over with only a guitar and harmonica. Yet another colleague of mine is French-Canadian, with a heavy French accent.
Back home in Canada, I never met so many foreigners from so many different places, and especially not becoming as successful as those in Japan seem to be. Again- Big congratulations to Derek and all the other brave ones who take big leaps. I'm a native English speaker from the west coast of Canada, and I haven't yet left my comfort zone.
Gambatte- Bathtubber
Bathtubber, Terrific coments. Thank you very much. I would love to meet some of your friends. The Romanan fellow's story is incredible as is Derek as is yours.
Your Fan,
Mon.
Derek,
I have returned back to this hub several times and re-read it a few times.
I continue to be impressed by your achievements and on one of my return visits I took the time to watch the YouTube videos which are included. The videos with the students look like a lot of fun and I especially enjoyed the video on your first investment property. I love the time that went into making that video and all of the detailed information provided along with the walk-through of the property.
Keep up the great work and keep us posted on your future achievements!
papasmurf, Thank you, I agree it really is a great read.
Everybody,
You are most welcome and thank you so much for your kind comments!
Derek
Nice post Derek,
Good to read that a fellow old-timer is doing well and getting on with new projects too.
I'm impressed that your Smiths income allowed you save up enough money to buy some property with cash!
Keep us informed with how it goes,
Tim
Right on Derek! Good to see how success moves in people. I can see that you embody the adage 'successful people make their own future...they don't wait for it to happen to them'. Keep us posted on your achievements in the future to keep inspiring us all.
Thanks!
Nice post Derek!
Great to see someone has finally been able to put into words the incredibly rewarding experience it is to own and operate a Smith's franchise. I am one of the original franchisees and I wouldn't recommend any other job in Japan. Been doing this for 9 years running and don't plan on stopping any time soon.
Keep up the great work everyone!
Dan
Nice tale
Wow Derek!
What an inspirational article! You are a great example for anyone interested in creating their own success. Thank you for sharing your story. You really show what can happen when you look for opportunities and aren't afraid to take them when they present themselves.
This was definitely an inspiring story of perserverance and hard work. I think it is great that you used the support network within Smith's School of English system and achieved the goals you set for yourself. I can't help thinking that if you continue along your dedicated path then this is only the beginning for you. Good on you Derek.
After watching the video I think that Derek is well on his way and has a great mentor. I am jealous....Congratulations Derek!
jim
You are all welcome and thank you very much for the comments! It's great to see and encourages me to keep going!
Yes Jim, Mark Smith is a great mentor. I was lucky to have met him. I couldn't have done it without him.
I popped back in again today to see how your hub is doing and I was surprised to see that you have several fellow franchisees who have also written in some very encouraging comments.
After seeing this activity on your hub and reading up a little more on your company I see that you guys over there at Smiths School of English certainly do believe in TEAM. Together Everyone Achieves More.
That philosophy is definitely confirmed by your fellow franchisees comments on your hub.
You are blessed to have had the good fortune of becoming a member of such a positive and encouraging team of English teachers in Japan!
I will check back in again later...
Thanks for popping back in papasmurf and your comment. Yes, I am blessed. It is very comforting being part of the Smith's team. Smith's head office and fellow franchisees are always there should I need their help. I never feel alone.
My school recently held a barbecue event with 4 other Smith's schools (Otsu, Okamoto,Fuse and Horie franchises) at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park in Osaka. It was the second event that we held together. We had a great time. Doing joint events is not only great for camaderie between fellow franchisees, but also is great for our students who get to meet other Smith's Coaches of Communicative Confidence and practice their English! We are already discussing what could do for future events together. These events have definately brought us closer together and this in good not only for us, but also for our students and the entire Smith's School of English franchise system. Together, everyone certainly achieves more.
Derek, i think this story shows what hard work and determination can achieve. Congrats.
Thank you very much Nakamozu.
Nakamozu is certainly right. Derek's hard work and determination is certainly paying off!
I am also a Smith's School of English franchisee, and have found owning my own school to be an exciting and fulfilling adventure. You get what you put in. No doubt about that. I will never go back to working for someone else, unless it is to learn something new from them. I like the control I have over my life now, and feel satisfaction that if I work a little harder I can earn more. Conversely, if I want to slow my pace down a bit (as I have these past few months expecting my first child), I have the option to do that too.
I admire Derek's courage to get into real estate investment in a country and language that is not his own.
Good on ya, Derek! I am proud to belong to the same team as you!
Thanks a lot Smith's Azamino. So you're expecting your first child? That's great news! Congratulations!
I love being my own boss and the freedom that entails. Owning and running my own Smith's School of English franchise allows me to live a great life here in Japan. What's really nice about the Smith's system is that it allows you to determine your own income. If you want to make more money, you put in the effort and go get new students. If you feel that you have enough students and are satisfied with your current income level, it really comes down to keeping the students you have for as long as possible and replacing any students that leave over time. It really depends what your own personal financial goals are. What is your Level of Initial Financial Expectation (your L.I.F.E.), or how much money do you initially want to make with your school and in how much time? This determines what you do with your school. Owning your own Smith's franchise gives you the freedom to do this. It's your school, you're the boss and you determine your own income.
So what is the secret to success with a Smith's franchise? Getting and keeping. It's all about getting students and keeping them for as long as you can. Now no matter what how well you coach your students using our proven system, students eventually leave. This is natural attrition. That's why it's important never to stop promoting your school. The good news is that getting students isn't really that hard. The demand for English in Japan is huge! These days with the Smith's web site in Japanese, potential students can find us easily over the Internet. It really is great!
Hi Derek!
Thanks for the kind wishes. We are very excited, and are also happy to be having the baby in Japan. Japan is a place I can feel safe every day, at any time of day or night. It was an easy decision to stay here when we found out we were having a child, and that was definitely because we are school owners and fellow franchisees in the Smith's system.
I truly believe if we were here simply as "English teachers", and not franchisees with Smith's, we would have left long ago. If not then, then certainly when we found out we were having a baby. Not that there is anything wrong with Japan, but family support is extremely important, commuting in Japan is difficult, and communication can be challenging.
We have found that owning our own franchise has provided us with secondary and tertiary families. It is a completely different experience from when we were simply teaching English for someone else.
Our students give us incredible support, perhaps more than we would receive back in our home country, even from family. And the franchise system, with head office taking care of so many details for us, and the other franchisees to stay in contact with and share positive energy...well, there is nothing like that back "home" for us. "Home" is here now.
With our own Smith's school, we have freedom to design our schedules and work environment. We live a stone's throw away from the school, by choice, which is not only super-convenient, it is going to allow my husband to be a big part of our baby's life, even during working hours. I can't think of anything we could be doing for a living in Canada that would allow us that kind of freedom. It is priceless.
Working for yourself is hard work. But it is hard work that pays great dividends in so many ways. For some, the payoff is simply the ability to control their working environment. For other, such as yourself Derek, the payoff is realizing your dreams of investing in real estate. For us, our Smith's franchise has allowed us to achieve our lifestyle goals and, and point ourselves in a positive direction for our futures (that we choose for ourselves).
We get all this while doing something we love (teaching English)!
Couldn't be any better!
Growing up we were all taught that if we study hard and we get a good job that we can have a good life. Unfortunately that was then and this is now. There are no longer the guarantees that we thought we'd have in life. So hearing stories about people like Derek that took charge of their lives is inspirational.
It does take courage to step away from the norm and build something from the ground up. I've had the opportunity to have experienced doing just that and it's tough work. In a franchise system like Smith's there is the added benefit of being able to learn from others in the system that have already succeeded which takes out some of the risk and allows you to avoid some of the pitfalls that appear along the way. Knowledge is power and that's the true benefit of a franchise or networking system. Alone, one man can only accomplish so much. Put a group of like-minded people around them and together they can move mountains.
I would also like to add that people today seem to think that their job will make them rich and be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor but actually it's rare that your job can put you in a position where you're actually free to live your life as you see fit. Rather you're trapped because you need the income from your job to survive. One freak accident and you could end up losing everything that you worked so hard for. A job helps you live - pay the bills, take trips with the family and buy the things you need. It's what we do in our free time that makes all the difference. Einstein actually worked at a patent's office to pay his bills and in his free time managed to discover the theory of relativity. Taking time to build businesses, franchises or investments will put you on the path to achieving financial freedom. It'll allow you to CHOOSE each day whether you want to work or not, most people who achieve this do continue to work but not because they have to but because they WANT to.
People are always searching for a way to get rich quick when in actual fact the secret to success is simple - hard work, perseverance, courage and dedication. In the next few years I hope that some of the things I've been working on for the past years will start to pay off. They all took time and energy but just like the "tortoise and the hare" it's not a sprint but rather a marathon. A little time each day put aside to master a new talent or studying something new will pay dividend in time. I hope you're putting your time to work - before it's too late.
Absolutely great work Derek. You told it like it is. Keep it up!
After reading over all the comments I feel that we (Smith's Franchises) are getting stronger, especially when it comes to T.E.A.M. The level of support amongst ourselves is evident here. And to Smith's Azamino, congratulations during this special time in your lives. The support you receive from your students demonstrates the fact that you are great teachers, trusted business people, as well as friends, something that is not easy to find in the world of Eikaiwa. Please let us all know when your little one arrives.
jim, Smith's Hashimoto
Derek, that's great! i am totally impressed with your effrots and accomplishments. I know how hard it is to get started in property investment (I know just a little bit) and that'(s a great thing you've done!
I have the same dreams myself, and hope to get moving the same way you have. You are a great inspiration for me! Keep up the good work,
-Les from Smith's Ikoma
Derek,
I've popped in again today out of curiousity just to see if there are any new comments on your very inspirational story and I was pleasantly surprised to see the overwhelming number of new comments!
It seems your story has really gotten a lot of people's attention all over the world and I think your story is very worthy of the attention.
I am very intrigued by the number of your fellow Smiths School of English franchisees who have been commenting on your story; it seems that you really have a great support team there.
Reading their comments further intrigued me to spend some time on your company's website and I must say I really enjoy reading through the many interesting articles you all have been writing on The Soapbox as well as the true life testimonials of several of your fellow franchisees.
For others like me who are following this hub, I highly suggest checking out these links at this company's site.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/
http://www.sse-franchise.com/testimonials/
Keep us posted on how things continue for you!
I own a franchise in Kurume. There have been many, many times over the past few years where I felt like giving up. My school just wasn't going anywhere and i didn't know what to do. I stuck at it....just sheer determination, I guess. I'm glad I did because my school has just started to turn around. (I'm sure it was from the search engine initiative)
Anyway, I just want to say that your article has rejuvenated me and inspired me more than any self-help/ inspirational book could.
Thank you for that!
Smith’s Azamino: You are welcome. I also live very close to my work (about 2 minutes by bicycle), which is great. That means being able to come home between some lessons and not spending any money on transportation.
Ade98_07: Well said. I and my wife want to being making more than enough passive income from our investments one day so that we can do what we want. If we work, we work not because we must, but because we choose to.
Martin: Thanks a lot!
jim: Yes, Smith’s is getting stronger. The more we work together and support each other, the stronger we will get, the more we will achieve and the more we will prosper.
papasmurf: Yes, I am getting many comments! It’s great and I really appreciate the support!
Dunstan Brooks: You are most welcome! Well done on not giving up and turning your school around!
Les, Smith's Ikoma: Thanks a lot! I hope that you make your dreams a reality!
Derek,
Reading through the comments posted by your fellow franchisees there at Smiths School of English along with the testimonials on your company's website recently is really inspirational. It seems that you and so many like you have really found something special there teaching English in Japan.
I also find it very inspirational that this business you are running allows you ample freedom to focus on your personal life as well; actually I read one testimonial on your website about a young Canadian lady who is very excited about having a baby soon in Japan, and how happy she is that this business will allow her and her husband to be very involved in their child's life while maintaining a satisfying lifestyle.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200808/11/why
Another story I recently read was about another young couple who are running a school while managing life with two children they have had while in Japan. The mother spoke of how this business provides them with a good income while maximizing family time.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200807/27/cal
I often enjoy researching and reading about small business success stories on the Internet these days, but it is rare to find sites out there that allow the outsider such an "insiders view" into the personal lives of the people running the business.
Best wishes for continued success to you and your fellow franchisees!
To Ade98_07 I just want to say "how true" concerning the path to success being more like a marathon than a sprint. At least in most cases this is true. We have seen someone become a star and rich seemingly overnight, but this is actually the rare case. Nothing beats hard work and determination over time. Derek's story is really great. But there are a lot of people who can immulate his success.
The power of the franchise is trully amazing. To associate with a well known name with web presence has great benefits, and standard procedures and a well trained staff such as Smith's School of English has makes things a lot easier than going it alone.
If I were anyone out there thinking seriously about starting a school or any kind of business, I would start by looking into the franchises that are available. Yeah, I see those guys teaching at the cafes in Japan. 3000 Yen/hour but not having a lesson every hour and sometimes having to move around. It seems to be quite wasteful. And the environment for teaching English is not very good at all. It is much better to be in a clean and bright classroom with a whiteboard, table, chairs, teaching materials and a pleasant environment. And let's not forget about the other students of the same level all having the same desire to learn and master English. That adds even more motivation for all. Now that is the best of all possible worlds for a student and, I think, for a teacher too. It certainly beats working for one of the corporate schools for a limited salary or wage.
Derek, keep up the good work and you will find even more success. You are not alone and the franchise and fellow franchises are working with you to build a great school where students get a real value and really learn. Oh, that brings up the point that I personally recently experienced. I got a student who took a trial at another school of our franchise. What a great surprise! Thank you to the Karasuma Smith's School! I hope I can return the favor in the future. Onward and upward! Have fun!
A fantastic achievement Derek?I can tell the diligent people like you create their own fate. Of course it needs a momentous decision and detemination that's what you showed.
It's quite inspiring that at a moment you believed to give up your school due to its inappropriate location. But you kept up working according to your mentor's advice and you got your desired fulfilled. As they say, "slow and steady wins the race". Congratulations!
Keep us informed of your future success.
Thank you
papasmurf: Thank you very much. It is great seeing fellow Smith’s franchisees having babies and their franchise business allowing them to earn a good living while spending precious time with their children. It am glad to hear that you enjoy the things we write on our personal lives here in Japan.
gelsem17: Thank you and it is great to be on the same team as you. I agree that many people can emulate my success. I hope that they do and wish them all the success in the world! Congratulations on getting a new student!
Yousaf, Senriyama: Thank you very much. Yes, slow and steady does win the race!
OK, you have all probably guessed it. I am a Smith's franchisee. I own the Okamoto-Kobe franchise and am having a lot of fun building it up. I have built it from 15 students in July 2006 to over 80 now. It has been a lot of fun and every day I meet very interesting people among my students and have some fun conversations. I am very impressed with the wide range of students I have had: doctors, lawyers, company presidents, businessmen and women, somolies, singing teachers, university, high school, middle school and elementary school students, retirees and housewives. Everyone has a great desire to learn and improve their English. Just as Derek has explained so well, I have had to work very hard to get to this point and there are many more steps to go in the future. But I am sure that the great staff and management of Smith's School Franchise will be there to help and work with me every step of the way.
So more power to Derek and more power to everyone within the Smith's School of English Franchise system. Keep up the good work and keep on providing a good value for a fair price for our students. I have no doubt that this is the best path for anyone who really wants to start an English School and to teach English in Japan. But you get out only what you put in, so back to work and back to the fun!
That is great Derek!! As a fellow Smith's owner, your experience inspires me to work harder and to achieve similar results! Congratulations!!
I completely agree with gelsem17 regarding the issue of cafe lessons. I often see students taking lessons at Starbucks and wonder how beneficial it is for both sides.
For the teachers it's usually a side job meaning that it suppliments their income. Unfortunately they forget to value in their travel time. 3000 yen an hour is appealing but if it takes the teacher 30 minutes to get there that means round trip it’s an hour and if there’s only one class it turns out that only 1500 an hour was earned. One problem that café teachers run into is that some students cancel and don’t pay. A friend of mine actually got canceled on just 5 minutes before class and received no payment although he had set aside time for that student.
While I have been taught Japanese in a café I must say that I didn't feel the same motivation as being in the classroom. Sitting in a classroom with a whiteboard and being in a nice quiet environment is conducive to learning. The student and teacher can hear each other clearly and there aren't the distractions of the outside world. At a classroom the teacher's always there waiting for you but at a cafe it's not always the same thing. I've had teachers show up 30 minutes late or suddenly call to say they can't make it and each time it happened my motivation dropped another level.
Students often think that they're getting a deal because the lessons in a café are cheaper than those in a classroom (so it should be because there is less overhead). However the key word is "cheaper". In life you get what you pay for. It's one of the reasons that people tend to stay away from cheap items if it’s something they really want. I personally want an LCD TV to enjoy movies on but I know that if I skimp on it then soon enough I'll regret it. At times I have decided to go for a lower quality item but after comparing it to my friends’ superior products I have felt the desire to get the actual item I had hoped for. Low and behold, a few months later I would buy the item I so desired. The lesson here: if you want it, get it. Save your pennies and go for quality, you’ll always regret an inferior product. No need to buy the most expensive, but cheap products are cheap for a reason. Same thing goes for English lessons too.
In a classroom the teacher always has access to numerous materials (textbooks, computer, files & paper) at cafes sometimes the teacher has forgotten something or left it on the train. However that doesn’t mean that all schools are created equal. In the case of Derek’s school, as he’s not only the teacher but the owner as well, he’s going to go that extra bit further to ensure that students get a quality lesson. And yet he’s not alone as he has the support of the franchise to help guide him through the potholes of building the business which is the true benefit of joining a franchise system. Regardless of whether it’s Smith’s, Domino’s Pizza or McDonald’s you are buying into a proven method of doing business. Follow the system, reap the rewards.
Good luck Derek, gelsem17 and Smith Azamino. Sounds like you’re in good hands over at Smith’s. I just hope that students out there how lucky they are to have found such dedicated teachers.
gelsem17: Thanks. Wow! I applaud you on your work building up your Smith's Okamoto-Kobe franchise! From fifteen students in July 2006 to over eighty students today is amazing!! Thank you for showing what the results a dedicated individual coupled with our proven Smith's system can achieve. Keep up the great work! You inspire me to build up my Smith's Tsukaguchi franchise more! I've got more work to do! More power to all of us!
Geo47: Thank you very much. I am happy to hear that I inspire you. Fellow Smith's franchisees inspire me! Look at what gelsem17 has done with his school, the Okamoto-Kobe franchise! Amazing stuff!
ade98_07: Well said. I agree. Running around the city teaching lessons all over the place doesn't make sense to me. It looks tiring, time-consuming, expensive and most of all, like the students are in complete control of the teacher, which they are. When there is no system in place with rules, that's what you get.
The Smith's system puts us, the Coaches of Communicative Confidence, in complete control. We don't have to run around all around the place, wasting time and energy. Students come to us and what they find is fresh, focused, professional, highly-motivated individuals in a comfortable classroom environment, ready to give them high-quality lessons using a proven curriculum. What students get is a great lesson. It's the best for both the coaches and the students. It's a win-win situation and that's the way it should be.
It is fantastic to see how this article of Derek's has inspired so many people.
The simple things in life are free and being your own boss gives you freedom to make your own decisions, freedom as to how many hours you wish to work and freedom to determine how hard you are willing to work but when it is supported by a well-oiled experienced franchise operation then you have a great support network. That's Smith's School of English in a nutshell.
My Koenji school, where I chat with my friends (students) everyday, is my hobby, my relaxation and my own business, and yes you guessed it, I love it and wouldn't give it up for quids.
To gelsem17, You are very impressive. What you have done says many things but the one thing that comes to mind is that effort = success...You set a good example for me and the rest of the Smith Franchisees...jim, Smith's Hashimoto
Jim, Thanks for the kind comment. But really and truly anyone owning a Smith's franchise, following the standard procedures, utilizing the great support of the staff and making an honest and hard effort can do what I have done. It is a constant learning experience and I know I still have much more to do. Derek's story is truly an inspiration but we cannot let it stop there. The honest effort we put in to help our students realize their goals and dreams and the more we help each other, the more reputable the Smith's school becomes and the more students will seek us out to get a good lesson for a fair price, because there is simply no better teacher than one who owns his own school. He has a vested interest in their success. Other teachers out there who finally realize the limitations of teaching in cafes or for the large corporate schools will eventually get around to trying to start a school and surely they will realize the benefits that come with being a part of a franchise, especially one like Smith's. I am happy to be a part of it and I can see that Derek, you and most franchisees are too. So the best thing is to get busy coaching confidence for our students, promoting our schools and helping each other. Real estate investment too, if that is one of your goals, can also be achieved as Derek is showing us. Great team, great franchise, great franchisees, great fun and great coaching for our students is what the Smith's School of English is about!
koenjiken: I'm happy to see how my article has inspired a lot of people. We all need inspiration, including myself.
Yes, being your own boss does give you so much freedom. I love the freedom owning my own Smith's franchise gives me.
jim: I agree that gelsem17 sets a great example for all of us.
gelsem17: Well said and thank you for the compliment. You're a great franchisee too! We really do have a great group of franchisees. We are a great team.
The Smith's system is in place and has been proven to bring success to franchisees that follow what they are taught in their training. That's the beauty of owning a franchise. You know what you need to do to succeed. All you have to do is do what you are taught by Smith's Head Office in your training. Add in your own effort and positive energy, and you are well on your way. If there is something you don't know, you can contact Head Office to get the answer you seek. Smith's School of English is a great franchise system and I am proud of being a part of it.
Derek, keep us up-to-date about the real estate investment and how your school grows over time. Also for some more great inspiration check out "The day my life changed" by ade98_07. He has a tremendous story to tell and it will make you realize how valuable every day we live is. In case of us Smith's franchisees it applies just as it should to all people. Every day we have a chance to do something, even a very small thing, which will help other people. The power of positive thinking and positive action is truly amazing but especially when it is done in the face of a natural disaster of mega-proportions. I actually have used his story to coach some of my high level students. It is an extremely moving story and just reading it leaves you in deep thought. Wow! Pop over and check out his post sometime. Ciao!
Ok. I'm inspired.
Now I want to know the logistics of this real estate investing. What type of house should I buy? An old one for cheap? Something to fix up? Something in a cheap neighborhood? Where do I make money on this- rental or resale? I have noticed a trend in Japan for houses to be sold and then either a) torn down and rebuilt or b) torn down and made into a parking lot. So what's the great secret? Buy, renovate, rent, sell? Buy, renovate, rent, mortgage, buy another, etc?
Derek- as I said, I am inspired, so how do I turn over my money on this type of investment?
Love all these posts I'm reading here!
It's all very inspiring!
Gives us all more power to succeed at what we're doing.
A BIG THANKS to everyone who has commented here, and especially to all the other franchisees at Smith's!
gelsem17 I want to send you a big "Thank You" for bringing another very moving article to my attention, that titled "The day my life changed" by ade98_07.
I did pop over as you suggested and gave it a read and I suggest others do the same!
It is truly a moving story and very very well written. The details that author put into the article really allow the reader to feel what he and his wife experienced that fateful day in Thailand when the tsunami struck.
http://hubpages.com/hub/the-day-my-life-changed
Thank you!
gelsem17, jim and papasmurf - thanks for taking the time to read my story. As each year passes it feels that little bit more unreal even to me. While I can close my eyes are see each moment in slow motion now it seems more like a movie. Hard to believe that it only happened 4 short years ago. I guess the expression "time heals all wounds" is right.
Derek - please keep us posted on the renovation process -(video, photos, etc) as they will be of great interest to people that are interested in getting into real estate in Japan.
Smith teachers - keep doing what you're doing. It's great to see a passionate group of people working together with the students' needs put first.
I alway try to write something inspirational but today I'll leave you with a quote from one of the best self-help authors that has ever lived.
"All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination, Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth." - Napoleon Hill
gelsem17: OK, I will keep you up-to-date on the real estate investment and how my school grows over time. I’ve read ade98_07’s moving story and left a comment on the page. Thank you for telling me about it. Bathtubber: Hi there Bathtubber and thanks for your comment. I agree with your observations and wouldn't have really thought this was possible. I had up to here and continue to have help in the form of Mark Smith. He has led me through this and helped all the way. Investing is different for everybody and so it's not something I feel confident to advise on except to suggest you start by looking for a good mentor you can trust. Smith’s Azamino: You are most welcome and thank you very much for dropping in again to comment! papasmurf: I followed your link to ade98_07’s moving article. Thanks a lot. ade98_07: Sure, I’ll keep you up-to-date on the renovation process. I’ve read your moving story and left you a comment on the page.
I like ade98_07's thoughts earlier on the true path to finding financial freedom, which are exactly as he mentioned: hard word, perseverance, courage and dedication.
In addition, I am again convinced that you and many other of your fellow franchisees there at Smiths School of English are achieving this kind of success because of your unwavering belief in TEAM. Once again, it was very well put by ade98_07 when he said:
"Put a group of like-minded people around them and together they can move mountains." Very well said!
I strongly believe that in business these days TEAM effort is definitely the way to go. The days of the single sole operator are slowly going away. A well organized and like-minded team of individuals will always triumph.
Best wishes!
I'm glad to know that my comments were appreciated. Each day I try and spend an hour improving myself by either studying financial books, magic books (a hobby of mine) or self-help books and then take what I've learnt and apply it to my life.
It's never enough to simply think about things but rather to take action which is why Derek's story is so inspirational. He's actually DONE something. So many people TALK about doing something but then never do it. They simply find excuses why not to do it. They talk themselves out of taking any risks which may have worked in the past but the world has changed and each of us needs to take a more active role in controlling our financial future.
Refering back to the concept of being part of a team I recently read that "it's never about what you know but rather it's what you don't know that costs you money." Being part of a franchise gives you access to knowledge that other people in the system have learnt. One franchise may have lost money trying a certain promotion so that knowledge will allow the others in the system to benefit by NOT doing it. In business mistakes cost you money (or time but time is money) and while it's impossible to remove mistakes from life a franchise system can help save money by sharing what works and, more importantly, what doesn't.
ade98_07 I really like your comment above. You are so correct when you state that so many people simply talk about doing something someday...but time passes, they do nothing and still nothing changes.
I think one of the saddest things in life is for someone to think back and say "What if...?"
I admire that you take some time each day to study in order to improve yourself. May I ask what authors interest you most?
I don't know if finding a mentor is the easiest thing to do. Maybe ade98_07 could recommend a good book for me in lieu of a mentor.
So from your article I assume what you are doing is buying a cheap, rundown but stable house, repairing it, renting it for a while and then flipping it for profit or mortgaging it to buy a bigger and better place, and continue in this way until you can get a big enough loan to build an apartment building, rent rent rent and then sell for big profit or live off the rent?
Or am I way off? I have never done real estate investing, so i don't know how it works. But i have done some stocks and i was a carpenter's assistant during university so i know a thing or two about renovations. So i'm definitely interested in learning what i can from this article and the people commenting here. Thoughts on where to start?
Just now I went back and read Derek's story and was again impressed with the part where he met his wife through his school. What a great story! Just think, without his involvement in this franchise, he might not have met his wife. And I was impressed with the advice he received from Mark Smith after his wedding.
When I started thinking about starting a school, Mark was very honest with me about the costs to promote a school in an urban setting. At that time I was thinking about opening a school in Osaka in the Tanimachi area because it seemed to be an up-and-coming business district with a lot of office workers there who could benefit from having a school nearby. Mark told me that the costs to promote even just by flyering would be much higher than in a more residential area such as Takarazuka or Ikeda in the northern part of Osaka. After that I thought to start one in Ikeda but later I found that the Okamoto (Kobe) location was for sale and decided to look into buying that one. That decision turned out to be a wise one. The Okamoto school is nicely located 5 minutes from two stations and has a lot of foot traffic in the morning and evening even passing my school, so I can even flyer on the street in front of my school. Okamoto is very trendy and it seems there are a lot of people with a desire to study English. On top of that the Smith's School has good web presence. The monthly tuition system also really fits the needs of many potential students and the Smith's T.E.A.M. is very supportive.
In any case, I have achieved a 343% ROI in 25 months and an average monthly income in excess of 550,000 Yen this year ($5100) with a high month exceeding 900,000 Yen ($8300). So I will have to say that this franchise works for a person who will make the effort. Derek is doing well as are many other Smith's franchisees. So what is the most important question to ask yourself if you are thinking to start a business?
There will always be those who cannot do what is required to succeed and they will cite any reason other than their own lack of effort as the cause of their own failure. That is human nature. So it benefits everyone who is thinking about starting a business or joining a franchise to do research into the franchise but more importantly they need to take an honest look at themselves before they make the jump. If they honestly believe that they will make the needed effort, then I can attest that joining the Smith's School of English franchise and opening or buying an existing school can bring success. It is always up to your own effort in the end. Derek, thank you for the inspiration!
Derek, I made an earlier post, and came back to to see if others had commented.... They sure have. There is a lot of good/positive information here to read as a result of your blog. Again thanks!!
I am glad to see that the thred has also turned somewhat towards property investing in Japan. Bathtubber has been asking some really good questions. This is a topic that I am particularly interested in. I am currently in the process of selling an investment back in Australia that will enable me to get into the Japanese market. Although I don't quite know how exactly I'm going to do that... yet. It is obvious that Derek has a great mentor in Mark Smith. I would like to hear from anyone who has any ideas/experience in this field.
Oh yeah Derek, one more thing. Thanks for the video of your new investment property. That provided a great insight into what you will achieve. Im really looking forward to the next one.
To gelsem17: Your location is no doubt tops, as are your signs, etc. There is some talk about making mistakes in business and the costs of those mistakes. I haven't made any big blunders but my struggle here in Hashimoto is location. It is a struggle because I am in a residential building that will not allow any signs, so the foot traffic that goes by doesn't know that I am here. I do have a flag posted on my balconey and people going home at night can see it, and that has certainly paid off. While I am situated only 5 minutes from the station, I would say my biggest mistake was assuming that I would be able to post a sign or two in front of the buildiing. This was disappointing at first but it is just an obstacle that keeps me working on local promotion. Many of my students found me through flyer distribution, and recently the website is bringing more in, and of course word-of-mouth. So to anyone considering opening a Smith's Franchise in Japan, my little bit of advice is to ensure that you are able to post a sign or two. It will make things a bit easier for you. With that said I have no regrets. Smith's Hashimoto is three years strong and continues steady growth.
jim
A few weeks ago I read Derek's article. As a Smith's school owner myself, I was very inspired by his story of success. I've just got back to work after my summer vaction and I decided to drop back in and see what others have had to say. And they've had a lot to say. Thanks to all for the positive information. After reading all your comments, I feel energized and ready to get back to work! Gambarimasu!!!
To Derek...thank you for sharing your life. I will keep posted to hear more news about both your school and your investments.
To gelsem17 and papasmurf..thanks for providing the information and link that led me to ade98_07's story.
To ade98_07....well, to quote bathtubber..."Wow"!
Well there is certainly a lot of excitement within the Smith's School of English franchise group with many of us be moved, by this posting of Derek's, to write about our own experiences and feelings at being manager's of our own success with the support and experience of the staff in the administration office. It is important to acknowledge how vital it is to have T E A M Smith with its internet sites and the stimulating working relationships that we build up with other owner/teachers. Thanks Derek for getting this hub page up and thereby awakening our very powerful network of English schools. May I also suggest that any one reading this hubpage who want to know more about TEAM Smith then they check out the following:http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/
You are welcome guys!
I HAVE WOKEN A SLEEPING GIANT!!
Look at all these comments! So much positive energy, so much knowledge, so many happy people on the same team! With over 40 franchises in our system, that means POWER. ALONE, we can do little, but TOGETHER, we CAN move mountains! Together Everybody Acieves More! T.E.A.M.!!
I am just one franchisee that has told his complete story in detail. I am sure there are many more stories to be told!
As any reader can see, there are franchisees in this system that are DOING BETTER than I am, such as gelsem17 (Okamoto franchise), who has shared some impressive figures with us! Well done gelsem17!
Thank you all for your comments and support!!
For any of you that are interested in reading some of the books I've found useful here are a few that I recommend. (in no particular order)
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad", "Why we want you to be rich", "Before you quit your job", "Cashflow Quadrant", "7 Habits of Highly Effective People", "Grinding it out", "The Art of War for Women", "Think and Grow Rich", "Collapse", "Awaken the Giant Within", "80/20 principle", "Quality is free", "Your Management Sucks", "Built to Last", "The strangest secret", "The Entrepreneur", "The one-minute manager", "The Intelligent Investor", "Increase your Financial IQ", "Body and Soul".
Those of you that are familiar with some of these titles will have noticed that quite a few of them are Robert Kiyosaki's books. He's extremely talented in writing about complex concepts in rather simple terms which make his books a great place to start for anyone who wants to get into real estate or investing. If you have a specific category in mind - sales, personal growth, investing, etc. Just ask and I'll take a look and let you know my personal favorites.I would like to give a big thanks out to those that took the time to read my tsunami story. Please feel free to pass the link along to your friends. That's why I wrote it - to share my experience with the world.
ade98_07 Thanks for posting those titles! I see we share a similar interest in authors.
Might I also recommend "The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason.
Its a small paperback book, roughly 145 pages, but contains some timeless money rules.
Check it out if you get a chance; it contains some real gems.
Thanx for the book suggestions Ade98 and papasmurf. I'll look into those and keep you posted if or when i get the courage to try this type of investment. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the comment bathtubber. Sounds like you have a plan. Books are a great place to start. In my case I read books as well. You can get heaps of great information and theory from books. I have learned the place to start is very personal. Yours may be very different to mine but in my case the place to start was to save cash.
papasmurf - thanks for the recommendation. I'd seen it recommended in a few of my books but I'd never gotten around to buying it but it's on my wishlist at amazon and I'll probably place an order for it soon enough. Once I've read it I'll take the time to let you know what I thought of it.
Derek -you're right in saying that we're all in different situations which is why we need to read books and then apply the knowledge to where we are at now. A few years ago I never would have been able to do some of the things I'm attempting now.
For those of you that don't like reading - I'm with you. Still, I push myself to read at least an hour a day and that way at the end of the month I'll have invested 30 hours in myself. And with that I'm investing in my own future. We might not all have money to do real estate investing but that doesn't mean we can't get started so that when we do have the money we know what we're doing.
ade98_07 Glad to hear you're considering picking up that book. I think you will enjoy it. Its small and very well organized and the simple yet very true money rules are organized in such a way that they are easy to memorize and begin applying in our own lives.
I'm looking forward to hearing back from you on what you think of it!
Derek- Yes, i will be doing a lot of reading, although having a mentor obviously gives you a lot of encouragement and confidence. Maybe I will use this post (and thus YOU) as my mentor.... and for inspiration.
Bathtubber - it's great to hear that you're going to use this post for inspiration. I also think that if you choose any of the books we've recommended that you'll find yourself even more inspired.
For some reason so many people are persimistic and believe that they "can't do" something. The truth of the matter is once one says those words they become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" one of the best things Kiyosaki says is his "rich dad" would forbid his son from using words such as "can't" and "impossible" and instead say "how can I..." Once we open our minds to the possibility that something can be done we begin to USE our minds.
I'm studying stocks and investment opportunities at present and while I haven't done much in the way of actually investing I am preparing for the time when I'll have the cash to do just that.
To Koenjiken, Thanks for soapbox link. There are a lot of good posts there too. Also, to Derek, Thanks for the kind comments about my success. It would not have been possible without you and others before you who have been in this system a long time and have worked to develop the Smith's franchise system and curriculum into what it is now. In 13 years it has evolved tremendously and we are working together to improve it all the time. I am sure that Mark Smith, the founder, had a lot of times back in the early days when he doubted that it would ever work, but he stuck it out and here we are today; over 40 schools with thousands of students and all schools are foreign-owned and operated: A breath of fresh air compared to the big corporate schools that seem to be throwing gobs of money at print and TV ads. Where do they get all that money? It has to be money that the students may be overpaying and that the teachers, who provide the only true value within those schools, don't get paid. I am glad that Mark had the fortitude and determination to stick with this franchise system all the way through. Otherwise there would be many more poor English teachers. Bravo, Mark!
Now it is time to get back out there and promote. I feel a change in the air these days. Autumn is just around the corner and many potential students are just discovering that they want to improve their English. The Smith's School of English with its monthly tuition system and hard-working teachers are without a doubt their best choice to coach them toward their achievement of communicative confidence.
Bathtubber: Yes, having a mentor guiding me makes all the difference. As I mentioned before investing is different for everybody and so it's not something I feel confident to advise on. Like ade98_07, I think it's great that you'll use this post for inspiration. I agree with him that you'll find even more inspiration in the books that were mentioned. I have gotten lots of inspiration there.
gelsem17: You are welcome. We have a great system and your effort makes it even better. Yes, autumn seems to be around the corner and I feel great. I really like autumn. The Maple leaf color change is pretty and it's very confortable. I am looking forward to the bowling/karaoke event your school(Okamoto) and mine(Tsukaguchi) will be holding together in Kobe on Septmeber 28th!
Derek,
I just re-watched the video at the top of this hub and that answered a lot of my questions about renovations, rental and then resale. So it sounds like you will renovate and then rent for at least one year, and eventually sell for profit and move up to something bigger? Is that an adequate summary? If so, it's simple and sweet. Good luck!
Bathtubber,
Yes, you've got it. Thank you very much!
Hi Derek,
I think one reason why I really enjoy reading these comments as well as checking out the stories written by your fellow franchisees on your website is because you all seem very open and willing to share your life stories and how things are going for you over there in Japan.
There are not many companies out there that provide such a transparent window into the innerworkings of their company. You guys really seem to be having a lot of fun over there!
Just recently I read a story on your company's Soapbox in which a soon to be mother / franchise-owner is running a betting pool to see which one of her students comes closest to guessing the correct delivery date of her baby!
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200808/23/who
Very cool story and I am lookng to many more!
I just read the story about the pregnant teacher too. Very creative ideas for encouraging students to learn AND be involved with the school. Extra-curricular learning is an important part of the education system. Anytime you can encourage students to work outside the box, you are doing your job WELL. Nice thinking and I wish the expecting couple good luck in their baby pool (and of course with the baby).
Hi guys,
I read the the post on Deana and Mikes's baby. What a fun game for students! What a great photo of Mike and Deana too. Look at the size of her baby! It's going to be a big one!
What a great feeling it gives me seeing fellow franchisees in the Smith's system having kids here in Japan. It shows you just how wonderful our system really is. It's not just about teaching English for us. It's about living a balanced life here in Japan, a balance between work, hobbies and family. We are lucky to be part of a system that allows gives us the freedom to do what we want here.
Having lived abroad for most of my life I can say that having a good support group is crucial. They are our family away from home. It is often tough for people living away from their family to adjust to a new lifestyle and make new friends. From the comments here it sounds like Smith's is family. Having read a few articles on the soapbox it's interesting to see how much people are sharing and supporting one another. I look forward to hearing how Derek as well as other Smith teachers do with their various investments in the near future.
Hi ade98_07,
Thank you for dropping in gain. Yes, having a support system is very important, especially when living abroad. I sure am happy of being part of one.
Hi papasmurf,
I'm glad that you enjoy the comments written here. Sharing my life here in Japan with readers is a pleasure for me. If what I write helps them get a better idea of what it's like living here in Japan and being a Smith's franchisee, great! Life is good here in the Smith's system and I think it's important we let people know that in case they are thinking of coming to Japan, or even better, joining our team!
Hi Derek,
Just popping back in again to check out any new comments, and it seems you have a few!
After re-reading your article, I have some questions for you which I don't believe you addressed in your posting but I am curious about.
You mentioned going to Japan in 2001 I believe.
What exactly what your motivation in leaving Canada and deciding to go to Japan? Did you intend to live there? What exactly was it about Japan which convinced you that you wanted to make it your home? Why Japan?
After reading some comments which I understand to be by some of your fellow franchisees there, I would like to ask the same questions to them.
For those of you who have posted here as fellow Smiths School of English franchisees, can you please post some comments about why you chose Japan. Why not another country? Furthermore, why this company? From my limited knowledge of teaching English in Japan, I understand that there are a multitude of entrepreneurs setting up their own single English school in Japan, as well as other countries around the world.
I'm curious to know the answers to these questions if you have time.
Regards,
papasmurf
Hi there papasmurf,I would be happy to answer your questions.1. What exactly was your motivation in leaving Canada and deciding to go to Japan?It was mostly for financial reasons but I also wanted to travel. Yes, I did come to Japan in 2001, but I’d taught English in Japan for over 2 years before that, so let’s start at the beginning. To do that, we need to rewind the clock to 1997. I first came to Japan in 1997 after university. I was 23 years old. During university, I had heard about teaching English in Japan. I wanted to pay off my student loan and also wanted to travel. I did a bit of research and found out that I could get a Working Holiday Visa, which would allow me to work in Japan for 6 months and which could be extended for an additional 6 months. I decided to give it a go. I got on a plane and came over to Japan without setting up a job beforehand. I soon found a job using the Working Holiday Center in Osaka. I got a job teaching English at a school in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan. I paid off my student loan. I worked in Ube for about 7 months then worked in Tokyo for a while. After about 1 1/2 of teaching in Japan, I decided to go traveling in Europe. After a few months of that, I was broke and came back to Japan, where I worked for another year teaching English. I saved up some money again. Next I went back to Canada to study acting for film and television in Victoria, British Columbia for about 7 1/2 months. During the course, I didn’t work, so by the end of the course, I was broke, again! I wanted to work in what I had just studied, but with no money, it made things difficult. I stayed with my parents and worked a bit to save some money, then ended up coming back to Japan as I had experience teaching here and knew that I could find a well-paying job and could save up some cash quickly. Doing that in Canada would have taken much longer, and let’s face it, up until then I had no experience in anything worthwhile doing except teaching English in Japan. I figured I would work in Japan again, save money then look for work in acting for film and television. So back to Japan I came, with very little money in December 2001, and you know what has happened since then!2. Did you intend to live there?No. I did not foresee joining the Smith’s system, owning my own school and getting married here. That changed things.3. What exactly was it about Japan which convinced you that you wanted to make it your home? Over here, I can earn a good living while paying fewer taxes. I can run my own school and never worry about not finding students, as the demand for English here is huge and I am part of a great support system. My Japanese wife can find work relatively easily. I can use what I am doing now (my school, the real estate investing) as a stepping stone to other things, such as real estate investing and notably following my dream of acting in film. This is important to me. I plan to work in film however I do not want to have to worry about money. I and my wife are presently focusing on building a strong financial core. We are playing it safe, and playing it smart. The goal is to eventually attain complete financial freedom so that we can be free to do what we want and never have to rely on anybody else for money.Besides the above, Japan is a first-world, free country with a relatively low crime rate. It has a rich culture with an interesting mix of the old and new and a people who are generally hardworking, polite and respectful of others. This all makes Japan a great place to both live and work. 4. Why Japan?same answer as 3.
Thank you for your great questions papasmurf.
papasmurf,
I agree with an earlier comment you made about people saying they'll do something but never ever doing it, and one of the saddest things in life being someone thinking back and saying, "What if...?" I can't let that happen to me.
It is important to follow your dreams, and make them a reality. My dream is to act in film, in major productions. If I don't make that happen, I will never be completely happy and feel like I have let myself down, and failed in life. If that happens it won't matter how much money I have. Attaining financial freedom is important to me but it can never replace the need to make my dream come true. The feeling of success in life will only occur when I make my dream a reality.
Thank you for your great comments papasmurf.
I am looking forward to the Japanese Maple leaf color change here in Japan. It is beautiful and it's great holding an event with students to enjoy it! I wrote about this at http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200808/25/aut Enjoy!
ade98_07,
I must apologize. Having read some of the above comments again I realize that the comment on people talking about doing something but never doing it was actually yours! Sorry about that! Papasmurf was just agreeing with it. I agree with your comment too! Your comment was so true. Papasmurf's "What if...?" question was great too. Thanks guys!
It's easy talking about doing stuff, but doing it is something else. I guess Nike said it best with their "Just Do It" slogan. I and my wife started our real estate investing by doing just that. We saved the cash, then invested it in our first investment property. We just did it.
Derek - No need to apologize...glad that you found it of value. A lot of people want to be rich and envision a life in which they don't need to work for a paycheck yet most people never accomplish it. Why? In the words of a very successful businessman "visualization without action is delusion." I just love the way he puts it. I have my own quote to add to it "action without planning equals disaster." Derek you not only "did it" but you took the time to learn, and make a plan of action with Mark's help. So few ask others for help thinking they can do it themselves saving themselves money or time but the truth is that most people end up wasting both due to their lack of experience.
papasmurf - read "The Richest Man in Babylon" it's got some timeless lessons although the writing will put a lot of people off. For a book that's a quick read and under 1000 yen it's definitely worth your money. I'll be writing up my notes on it soon enough. Thanks again for the suggestion. Had heard of it but nobody ever recommended it to me.
ade98_07,
Thanks. I agree. Asking someone who has done what you want to do for help can save you both time and money in the end.
Mentors can save you both money and time because they can tell you not only what to do but also what NOT to do.
ade98_07,
I'm glad to hear you had a chance to read "The Richest Man in Babylon" and enjoyed the timeless lessons in the book. I look forward to reading some of the comments you plan on posting regarding the book.
I have read the book about a dozen times or so and each time I re-read it, I find another gem of knowledge in the book. Its important to go back and re-read it slowly and take time to ponder how the advice relates to your own life and how you can implement the advice to your own situation.
papasmurf
papasmurf - a dozen times, impressive. It does have quite a few gems hidden among the pages. To save yourself some time and to help have the info sink in may I suggest you use POST-ITs to save the pages that you find of most value and then write up the page numbers and the gems in a WORD document. That way you'll have your own Cliff Notes on it. Repetition is the key but I think that with a little refinement you'll get even more out of it. I love using NEON post-its myself on each and every book I read that has to do with self-improvement, business or money. I even use them as book marks cuz they're so convenient. I actually read the idea in one of the books I read and now use them religiously. If you give them a go let me know what you think.
AdrianOK, it's time for me to work extra hard on getting new students and now's a great time to get out there and promote. I've written something on this at http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200809/01/its
Derek,
I`ve clicked over to what you guys call the Soapbox there at your company and read your posting as well as some other recent ones posted your fellow franchisees.
I especially liked one by "Al" singing the praises of being your own boss and I found it interesting how he posted detailed financial information on his results with the company.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200809/01/be-
Please keep us posted on how you do this Autumn with your new found advertising energy. From what I understand, summers can get pretty hot and humid over there in Japan, so I am sure you all welcome the arrival of Autumn and perhaps it even affects the bottom line at your business.
Am I correct? Just curious how seasons play a role...
papasmurf
papasmurf,
Yes, that posting by Al is interesting and true. Al is doing a great job over there at Smith's Okamoto.
OK, I'll get you posted on how I do this autumn. Trial lesson booking have suddenly started popping up on my schedule in the last few days. Two on September 3rd and 1 for September 4th. One of the trial lesson students on the 3rd has already joined. She told me that she found Smith's on the Internet. Ah, I love hearing that! I am sure lucky to have my school on the Smith's Japanese web site! It's bringing me trial students!
I very much welcome the autumn. Seasons do affect the bottom line at my school, however it is also affected by the Japanese holidays. For example in August, many kids are on summer holiday so they have to be taken care of and most adults have days off to celebrate Obon with family and often go back to their hometowns. They are busy and I don't believe they are searching for English schools much during this time. During summer (especially August) going out ANYWHERE is a challenge with temperatures soaring up to about 34 degrees Celsius during the day. You just want to hide inside with air-conditioning! Going out and handing out flyers in out of the question for me during this time. August was my worst month this year, but now, with the start of September, things are suddenly rolling again. 3 trial lessons in two days! Great!
I for one do welcome the autumn!
Derek
Whatever it is you want to achieve, I believe that it's important to set goals, both short-time and long-term ones. It gives you direction and brings on action as you know must be done.
Well it was a great week with three trial lessons. I have another trial lesson on next week's schedule. Great!
Here's something I wrote on a joint barbecue event my school held with some other Smith's schools last July. Enjoy! http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200809/05/smi
A trial lesson student today said she found Smith's on the Internet. Great! That's another trial lesson student who found us on the Internet! I love hearing that! At our Japanese web site http://www.smithweb.co.jp/ she could read about me and my school at http://www.smithweb.co.jp/school/tsukaguchi.shtml.
My trial lesson student on the 9th said she found Smith's on the Internet and had seen my school's site on our Japanese web site. Fantastic!
Derek,
A while back I posed a question asking you how you came to the decision to go to Japan and I forgot to thank you for taking the time to answer my question, in quite a bit of detail. I found your story very interesting and I would be interested to know how some of your other colleagues made the decision.
I have read several of the testimonials and I see varied backgrounds among your fellow franchisees with many hailing from countries all over the globe including the U.S., Canada, Australia and the less common including Romania and Pakistan among others. Very diverse and interesting group of people.
On a side note, and perhaps already known to you, I read an interesting and fun posting by "Al" again about a recent lunch party he attended with his wife hosted at the home of one of his "clients". Seems like you guys are a bit spoiled over there!!
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200809/07/sun
Also, I have been following your comments and it looks like your promotion efforts are paying off for you according to your recent comments about a "trial lesson". By the way, forgive my ignorance, but can you or one of your colleagues explain to me what exactly is a "trial lesson"? Do interested people actually come in and attend an ongoing lesson and if so, do you attempt to draw them into the lesson or do you actually devote one lesson solely to this person?
Also, I take it your Japanese must be pretty good, correct? How do you handle situations when your potential new students can't communicate at all?
I have a best friend who used to teach English to immigrants here in the states and I remember him telling me it was very challenging when the new student did not know any English at all. In his particular situation, he had studied Spanish in high school and university, so he was able to work easily with Spanish-speaking students.
Just wondering how you and your fellow franchisees deal with this challenge, both in the "trial lesson" and then the ensuing time in your courses, especially a brand new franchisee.
best wishes,
papasmurf
Hi papasmurf,
You are most welcome.
I have read Al's posting and yes, we ARE spoiled over here. I was invited 2 times to the house of two students (who live together) for dinner. It was great. Our students are generous and kind. At my school, students often give me souvenir gifts from places they visit in Japan or abroad (OMIYAGE), often sweets. It is part of Japanese culture and is so kind. Just yesterday I enjoyed some nice cake a student had given me!
A "trial lesson" is a free sample lesson devoted solely to one person who is considering joining Smith's.
Whether my Japanese is "pretty good" or not is not for me to judge, but I can say that I am quite good at making students understand with the Japanese that I do know. Often words are enough to make them understand.
All Japanese who have had schooling know SOME English. They had to study it in school and have a base in English grammer and can read English. However they usually lack verbal communication skills and that's where we at Smith's come in. No student who comes for a trial is a true "beginner". A "beginner" knows NOTHING. My trial students know SOME English, therefore they are not "beginners". We call them "false beginners". They are not starting at zero.
I have NEVER met a trial lesson student who couldn't communicate AT ALL in English. All students at least remember some English vocabulary and can communicate, even if it's only in words alone, and get their message across to me. That's communication to me. I have, however, had some students that were at a somewhat lower level than the average "false beginner". With these students, I use more Japanese than I would with other students simply because it is needed. My Japanese really does make a difference with these students and I am sure that they appreciate it.
I use some Japanese in the trial lessons and normal lessons when I feel it is needed, often to save time. If I see that a student doesn't know the meaning of a word and I know it in Japanese, I say it in Japanese to save time. If I don't know it in Japanese, I take a moment to look it up in the dictionary, show the student and that does it. The lesson continues smoothly and no time is wasted.
In their initial training, brand new franchisees are taught some Japanese to use in their lessons using the Smith's curriculum. Often only words are enough. Knowing a handful of useful words in Japanese to guide the student through the lesson is usually all you need. The curriculum does the rest. However it is a good idea to study some additional Japanese to be able to communicate more easily with low level students and to explain stuff. I believe it makes low level students feel less worried if you can speak some Japanese and maybe can help you get students.
Thanks for dropping in again papasmurf and your great questions.
Cheers.
Derek
Derek
Papasmurf,
Thanks for your comments and questions. Yes, maybe we are a little spoiled but it is a direct result of the down-to-earth and at-home nature of our schools. We do not present the image of the "corporation" who spends billions of yen on advertising and is busy working to get the next group of new hires into their classrooms to teach their students. Your question about the need to speak Japanese is good. Well in fact speaking Japanese well comes in handy even with higher level students. Of course I always define the new vocabulary in simpler English terms and try not to use a dictionary. Sometimes I think I can define better and in a simpler way than you find in the dictionary. But sometimes it is much faster and gets the lesson back on track faster when I just give the Japanese equivalent. Believe it or not I have learned a lot of Japanese through teaching English. Of course having worked as an engineer and manager for three Japanese companies over 26 years in Japan and the states, I have developed a pretty good vocabulary in Japanese and had a lot of chances to speak, read and write it. But it is important to make the students use English and refrain from using Japanese. However, I do often tell my students whenever possible to think what the equivalent phrase in English is for everything they say during the day. If they can do this, they can really increase what they are able to say in English when the time comes to speak. It can really help them.
My students are a lot of fun to coach and we really have a good time in every lesson. But to really do our job well we must continue to challenge our students to make gradual but real improvements. Over time they can feel the difference and when they realize it, they are usually very surprised. It is a great feeling to see the student's reaction when they first realize that they are speaking English with the real purpose of communicating. Great fun!
This week was a great week. Now it's time for a break. Sunday (the 14th) is a holiday as usual but Monday (the 15th) is a national holiday, which means two days off. Great! I'm off to my wife's parent's house soon in Okayama Prefecture. I'll be picking grapes in Okayama Prefecture on the 14th with my wife, her mother and her cousin. I'm looking forward to that!
Congratulations Smith's Azamino! http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200809/17/new
I still wear shorts and a T-shirt but it's gradually getting cooler. Autumn is on the way!
Mark Smith and Head Office,
Thank you very much for creating the Smith's franchise system and giving us franchisees the chance to own our own English school franchise in Japan.
Derek Maeckelburg
I found this interesting article in the Japan Times today about foreigners investing in property in Japan. Have a read: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20080928x
I didnt understand all of it but for those of you doing this kind of thing (i still havent quite gotten there), it will probably make sense and hopefully help.
Hello Derek,
How is the renovation coming along? I hope it is going well.
AB
Congratulations Derek I see that your hubpage is 12 months old and still remains very popular - a rating of 85 after 12 months is fantastic and demonstrates that its content is extremely valuable and logical as it has an enormous amount of valuable information about franchising and T.E.A.M. Smith's School of English. Best wishes for your continued success.
?????????
Derek,
I continue to read your company's articles from time to time over on your "soapbox" and I recently read a couple of postings addressing how this current economic situation is affecting your business over there. For the time being, based on your fellow franchisee's comments, it seems that business is going quite well, in some cases I read that you've actually seen an increase in business. Is this true? I would be curious to hear from some of the other franchisees there as well as to what their perception is of this situation.
I am always curious in observing how an "economic crisis" for one industry compares with economic benefits for another and I believe there's something to said about people investing more into education during times of economic uncertainty. In the US we see this as an opportunity for innovation and I believe that smaller, more mobile and innovative companies will benefit from these times.
How do you and your fellow franchisees feel about this situation in regards to your own businesses?
Looking forward to your replies.
Hi Derek,
I, too am curious about how your renovations are going. When do you expect you will be finished and ready to rent it out! I'd also love to see a video of the completed renovations. Looking forward to hearing more.
Hello all! Thank you all for your comments and sorry for my late replies.
Bathtubber: Thanks for the link to the article in The Japan Times talking about foreigners investing in Japan. It was interesting.
AB and chyme: Thank you for your interest in the house renovations. The renovations are finished! The house looks beautiful, almost like new inside! My wife and I are very happy and thank Mark Smith's very much for his help in making this happen. We are currently choosing a rental agent. Once that's done we'll look for a renter/renters.
koenjiken: Thank you very much. I am glad that this hubpage has remained strong for so long and hope that it remains that way.
papasmurf: January was one of my best months ever, so I had an increase in business for that month. I did have a thrilling 4 trial lessons in one week, which was unual. I don't know if it was due to the economic situation. What I DO know is that the economic situation doesn't seem to be affecting my school in a negative way. What I DO know is that inquiries at Smith's Head Office were up in January. That's what I know to be true. From what I've read written by fellow Smith's franchisees on our Soapbox, business seems to be good with other franchises in the system too. Whatever is happening, whether it's due to the economic downturn or not, I hope it continues because it's very good! I believe Smith's will benefit from this economic downturn. People may look more for schools offering monthly tuition like Smith's does, rather than schools where they would have to prepay large sums of money.
Hi Derek,
I recently see that among your fellow franchisees there are also quite a few "outdoor" types. I recently an interesting article on the soapbox with an embedded video featuring some very nice sailing down in Australia. I believe that was posted by your company founder.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200903/17/tea
I also saw a well-edited video by Smiths School of English Otsu and Smiths School of English in Kamishinjo (I hope the spelling is correct) that was taken on a recent hiking outing.
http://www.sse-franchise.com/soapbox/200903/09/smi
And then I see that you guys/gals are already prepping up for your cherry blossom viewing party over at Osaka Castle Park for 2009!
This year is flying by; its hard to believe its almost spring.
In the U.S. its still pretty cold but the annual flocks of visitors will be making their way over to D.C. for the famous cherry blossom viewing parties soon also.
I also see that an event page has already been made for this event and I am looking forward to checking out any pictures or videos you will put up after the event.
I found it over on the Smiths School of English in Fuse web site.
http://www.smithweb.co.jp/school/fuse.shtml
By the way, any updates on the real estate venture?
Looking forward to hearing back from you!
Derek, you look so skinny on the pictures. Do you have enough to eat??
I know you worked hard and made some money, but Mr Smith made even more with half the stress you had...
Well, for all of you SSE people: Mr Smith is not a saint who helps poor people. He wants flyer-guys because every flyer-guy is a potential franchise owner! That's right, selling franchises is the great business here, and from the moment you are handing out flyers the propaganda starts. You are persuading yourself how great it would be to own a franchise, isn't that right? (This technique works just fine, and it also worked with you, Derek.)
For all of you, I recommend this book: Age of Propaganda: the everyday use and abuse of persuasion by Anthony R. Pratkanis, Elliot Aronson
OMG! People, wake up! SSE franchises are overvalued! You don't need Mark to run your English school, and you certainly don't need to pay him one million yen plus the monthly fee!
It is also basic psychology that people often refuse to admit that they are doing sg completely stupid, and instead, they try to justify a wrongful decision.
You know, once I talked to one of my friends who sold his franchise and got out of this whole thing. Wow! He was so happy, free and releived like I have never seen him before.
G-Ma Johnson says:
16 months ago
Very interesting...and well done...a hard worker you are and Good example to all..Thank You for sharing...God Be with you...G-Ma Hugs :o)