POV: Your First Few Weeks of Running a Kumon Singapore Franchise

Embarking on the journey of running an educational franchise can be both exhilarating and challenging. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive perspective on what to expect during your initial weeks as the owner of a Kumon franchise in Singapore.  

We will discuss the challenges you might encounter, strategies to overcome them, and the unique support Kumon provides to all franchisees. So, get ready to dive into the workings of running a successful educational franchise and embark on an inspiring adventure.

Launching Your Kumon Franchise Centre: Preparation Months and From Day 1

During your deliberation and when you sign the franchisee agreement, the highs of excitement and nervousness of starting a new business venture are commonly felt here!

As you await and arrange details of your new centre with the franchisor, in this case, Kumon HQ, it can be a lot to take in. This could be an emotionally charged or overwhelming period for the early weeks and months.

A mixed sense of hopefulness, joy, frustration, and exhilaration! Your franchisor should be present and provide support in various areas, as you start to immerse yourself in the Kumon Culture.

Comprehensive Franchisee Training Programmes

Your journey starts with intensive training programs. From understanding the philosophy of the Kumon Method to practical insights on managing a Kumon centre, these initial weeks are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful franchise.

Insider Tip: What is it Like Teaching at a Kumon Centre as a Franchisee?

Setting Up Your Franchise Space

During these weeks, you’ll also work on setting up your franchise space. The aesthetic and operational aspects of your centre are essential to creating a conducive learning environment for young students. Kumon provides guidelines and support to ensure that your centre reflects the high standards of the global Kumon brand.

Utilising Marketing and Outreach

As your new centre takes shape, the focus shifts to marketing and outreach. Leveraging both online and offline channels, you’ll introduce your Kumon centre to the community. Tap into the marketing resources provided by Kumon to create awareness.

Onboarding Your First Kumon Students

The excitement builds as you welcome your first batch of students. This period involves careful onboarding, understanding the unique learning needs of each student, and introducing them to the Kumon way of learning. Close collaboration with each student’s parents and guardians will also help you build rapport with them. At this point, your franchisee journey has truly begun!

Insider Tip: Benefits of Being an Enrichment Centre in Singapore

Potential Challenges While Running an Education Franchise

As with all journeys and business ventures, there will be some trials, challenges and potential pitfalls to look out for.

Some of these include:

• Staff recruitment
• Staff training
• Centre management (such as scheduling parents’ meetings and class preparations, assigning appropriate learning material for each child)
• Self-development (knowledge & familiarisation with the Kumon Method)
• Understanding the needs and expectations of families/parents and aligning them with how Kumon can benefit their children
• Cash flow

Most of these challenges can be overcome with Kumon HQ support as well as individual franchisee motivation and effort. These challenges can also be seen as milestones as one’s franchisee centre grows; capacity increases to meet the demand and needs of students.

Insider Tip: How to Become a Successful Franchisee in Singapore

Here are a few other challenges and some guiding solutions:

Student Engagement

• Solution: Implement interactive learning strategies. Incorporate games, group activities, and real-life applications of academic concepts. Personalise learning plans to align with student’s interests. Encourage students to set personalised goals that align with their individual strengths and aspirations. Offer constructive feedback to help them understand their progress and celebrate small achievements along the way to keep them motivated.
  
  

Operational Efficiency/Capacity

• Solution: Streamline administrative tasks using the Kumon Operating System. Leverage digital tools and platforms for record-keeping, progress tracking, and communication with parents.

Competition in the Educational Market: Other Enrichment Centres

• Solution: Showcase the unique benefits of the Kumon Method through testimonials and success stories. Have experiential first-hand sessions and classes for parents and students considering enrolling at Kumon.

Adapting and Keeping Up with Technological Advances

• Solution: Embrace technology in education. Integrate digital learning materials, offer online support sessions, and keep abreast of educational technology trends to enhance the learning experience.

• Offer KUMON CONNECT ‘A New Way of Learning Digitally’ – an online platform that enables independent learning at home and maintains the connection between Kumon Instructors and students. Through e-learning and real-time updates, students can learn on their digital worksheets at home, at the Kumon Centre, or even on the go with the help of timely hints. Kumon Instructors can easily access and evaluate the learning process and communicate directly with parents and students.

Monitoring Student Progress

• Solution: Continuous assessment is key to the Kumon Method. Regularly monitor student progress, analyse data, and adjust learning plans accordingly. The Kumon Operating System also aids in this process, providing insights for informed decision-making.

Guiding Solutions and Advice for Running a Kumon Franchise in Singapore

Though the above challenges may seem daunting or new to you, they can be overcome with the support of your franchisor (Kumon HQ)!

For staff and centre management, one can implement competitive compensation and lay out professional development plans for staff.

Work with Kumon HQ to develop a detailed financial plan that considers initial setup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections.

Insider Tip: How to Become a Kumon Franchisee

For student management and teaching, make it a point to attend the provided Kumon Franchisor training sessions to sharpen one’s skillsets of communication with parents continuously, and to tailor the just-right (appropriate/well-suited) learning materials for students of all levels.

Insider Tip: Change the World, One Child at a Time with Kumon

Engage with parents, students, and fellow Kumon Instructors to gather feedback. Act on constructive criticism and celebrate successes. Building a solid feedback loop fosters a sense of community and continuous improvement, contributing to your franchise’s success!

Looking Forward: Your Franchisee Journey

Your first few months of running a Kumon Franchise in Singapore will be a dynamic experience filled with learning, challenges, and victories. As you immerse yourself in the Kumon culture, uphold the standards of the Kumon Method, and navigate challenges with strategic solutions, you’ll be on the path to creating an impactful and successful educational franchise.

Remember, running a Kumon Franchise is not just about managing an educational centre; it’s about contributing to the growth and development of every student who walks through your new centre’s doors.

Embrace the journey, stay connected with the global Kumon community, and witness the transformative power of education with us.

Learn More About Owning Your Own Education Franchise – Attend our Kumon Franchise Information Session Today!

Interested in starting a franchise or need more information? Register for a non-obligatory Kumon Franchisee Information Session here. Who better to hear from than successful Franchisees and our Kumon franchise experts? Ask questions and find out what it takes to run your own business successfully.

Become a Franchisee today!