The Building Blocks of Success

This article appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 edition of Your Business:

A child’s ability to read, learn and do maths effectively lays the foundation for their academic success, which has a far-reaching impact on their future. Edublox reading and learning clinics specialise in educational interventions comprising of brain training, reading, spelling, comprehension and maths, aimed mainly at primary school learners, although extending to high school and beyond.

A second generation family business, Edublox has had its roots planted solidly in South Africa since the eighties, and since implementing a franchise model in 2010 Edublox has grown to include 21 offices, with approximately 1700 learners registered for weekly extra-mural classes with continual expansion plans on the radar.

A solid foundation

The successful Edublox brand has been built on the solid foundation of a number of core values — with the desire to develop learners to achieve results through providing safe, challenging and fun learning experiences at the heart of the business. They have acquired a credible reputation in the market through using tried and tested educational practices based on established theories and by working professionally with proper business and fit-for-purpose computerised systems.

Quality and compassionate customer service is also a key value, with the importance of amiable and value-adding relationships emphasised. Edublox people are exceptionally proud of the wonderful achievements of their learners, but remain humble and view the opportunity to fill in the gaps as an honour and privilege.

Looking for “A+ applicants”

They are therefore committed to selecting like-minded franchisees, with preference to applicants who love and communicate well with children, and who ideally have some working/teaching experience, mainly with primary school learners. From the business side of things, prospective franchisees should be disciplined self-starters with a high level of personal integrity, possess good organisational skills and scheduling ability, and be willing to actively work in and manage the business.

With customer satisfaction surveys yielding remarkable results (96% of parents are willing to recommend Edublox), a positive report card from the franchise satisfaction survey (conducted by independent consultancy Franchize Directions) and gold awards being scooped up at events like the Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ROCCI) Business of the Year Awards, suitable applicants can clearly benefit from joining a franchise operation that’s done its homework and is achieving its goals with flying colours…

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A teacher by profession, MONIQUE VAN HEERDEN made the decision to purchase her first Edublox franchise in 2011 and hasn’t looked back, opening a second outlet in 2013.

What factors have contributed to your success?

Edublox is an extremely well-known reading and learning programme with 30 years’ experience in the cognitive training arena and 19 branches countrywide including two centres in Namibia. Being part of a programme that is tried and tested makes a huge difference and definitely contributes to business success. Marketing a programme which I have full confidence in is as easy as helping children to read, learn and achieve – which is my passion as an educational practitioner.

One key secret of success?

Surround yourself with knowledgeable people and don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t know something. I want to believe that being honest and upfront in my recommendations and feedback to parents and clients gives them the confidence to trust me with their children and their academic development. I believe that ‘excellent service’ is what will distinguish you from your competitors, and this is what I strive to deliver on a daily basis.

One challenge?

I do not have a head for figures and do not like the financial part of the business even though I know it is of critical importance; that is why I have made use of other resources such as an accountant to help out. Fortunately, the Edublox franchise also offers great support in this area.

Advice for prospective franchisees?

Any business needs a few months to a few years to be financially sound so don’t be despondent if you don’t replace your traditional salary equivalent from the get-go. Make sure that the franchise you are interested in will still be relevant five or ten years from now. Focus on the positive, on what is going right and not what is going wrong.