Success with Eye Level: “I Am The Key” Approach
Eye Level’s core philosophy revolves around empowering children with the belief that “I am the key.” This belief is at the heart of the Eye Level learning model, where educators strive to see challenges from the child’s perspective—known as Eye Level. By understanding students’ needs and setting personalized goals, educators can guide children through their learning journey, one successful step at a time.
One of the inspiring success stories of this approach is the Eye Level center operated by franchisee Umi Sabriah Bt. Haron in Section 9, Bangi, Selangor.
Franchisee Journey: From Disappointment to Success
Umi’s path to becoming an Eye Level franchisee was not straightforward. Initially, she had pursued the idea of owning a Montessori school, but after encountering challenges in the business setup, she discovered the Eye Level franchise. Attending an Eye Level orientation session sparked her interest, and she quickly realized that this was a better fit for her passion for teaching. Reflecting on this transition, Umi believes that the previous setback was a blessing in disguise, paving the way for a more fulfilling and successful venture.
Why Choose the Eye Level Franchise?
Umi’s deep passion for education, especially early childhood learning, led her to pursue a Diploma in Montessori Education after completing her Masters in IT. Despite encouragement from friends and family to start a Montessori school, she realized the challenges of starting from scratch and decided that franchising with Eye Level would be the right move. She was drawn to the well-established system and the robust support provided by Daekyo Malaysia, the franchisor.
Launching the Center
Umi’s journey began on her 37th birthday, July 25, 2016, a day she now considers the start of a new chapter in her life. From day one, she was determined to make her Eye Level center one of the top learning hubs in Bandar Baru Bangi and its surrounding areas.
Navigating Challenges
As a new franchisee, Umi faced several challenges, especially in the early stages. Financial constraints during the setup, unforeseen expenses, and the complexities of hiring the right staff were initial hurdles. Over time, managing a balanced life between her business and personal commitments proved challenging. Yet, Umi found strength and motivation through the support of her family, especially her husband, who believed in her vision and encouraged her every step of the way.
Coping with Challenges
Umi turned to family, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs to gain insights and advice on overcoming the challenges she faced. She read extensively, asked questions, and sought advice from other franchisees and Eye Level staff, which helped her gain the confidence and encouragement needed to push forward.
Effective Marketing Strategies
To effectively promote her Eye Level center, Umi embraced online and social media marketing. She also used traditional methods, such as distributing flyers in restaurants, bookstores, residential areas, and community parks. Banners and buntings helped increase awareness. Additionally, Eye Level’s Referral Program encouraged existing parents to spread the word about the center. Organizing events like an award ceremony to appreciate students also played a significant role in strengthening the center’s reputation.
Support from the Franchisor
Umi credits much of her success to the continuous support from Eye Level’s headquarters. Regular meetings with franchisees foster positive relationships, and through social media, Umi and other franchisees are able to share experiences and encourage each other. This community support has been invaluable in navigating the ups and downs of running her business.
The Unique Selling Points of Eye Level Programs
Eye Level’s individualized approach to learning stands out as a key factor in its success. The system’s focus on self-directed learning allows children to progress at their own pace, fostering independence and confidence. One of the standout features of Eye Level’s curriculum is the Critical Thinking Math program, which is comprehensive and structured to develop strong logical and problem-solving skills. Similarly, the Eye Level English program uses a step-by-step method to improve students’ reading and writing skills, ensuring steady progress in language mastery.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
Umi strongly believes that to succeed in the education field, passion for teaching and early childhood education is essential. She encourages future franchisees to continuously learn, remain humble, and keep an open mind. She emphasizes the importance of understanding education trends and how Eye Level can address current gaps in the Malaysian educational system.
Her final piece of advice is to take the leap if you have a passion for education. Stepping out of your comfort zone and chasing your dreams can lead to success, just as it did for her.
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years
Umi’s vision for the next five years is to expand her center to become one of the top Eye Level learning hubs in Malaysia, with a goal of 300 subject counts or more. She also plans to develop her teaching assistants into leaders within the center, fostering a culture of self-directed, motivated, and confident students.
Take the first step toward making a difference in education and join Eye Level’s network of successful franchisees!
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