Every business has its Covid survival story. Ours felt like the movie – The Perfect Storm.
When the S.A.M Philippines Management team first heard the news about the country-wide lockdown, we were not sure what to feel. Although anxious, we felt quite safe because we worked remotely since we opened the first S.A.M franchise in 2018.
Working remotely, we were obscured from the virus, but not from the economic downturn we would slowly experience.
Within a few weeks, the management had to cut salaries to keep the boat afloat. Many team members decided to abandon ship and we can’t blame them. It was tempting to jump off to safety. Despite this, we kept our eyes on our franchisees’ boats, we wanted to keep our loyal center owners afloat.
Parents started to pause their child’s enrollments due to financial struggles. Teachers had to work remotely, and center owners had to move out of their commercial spaces to reduce the overhead costs. Water was slowly seeping into everyone’s boats, and it looked like the viral storm will not subside anytime soon.
The pandemic forced most of the S.A.M teachers to learn apps they’ve never heard of before, only within weeks. They had to be twice as engaging with children who were constantly distracted online. Parents complained about the effort they had to put in after investing in new gadgets just to accommodate remote learning. Everyone had to adjust their sails.
S.A.M Singapore Math Philippines tried to reinforce our ship, and keep the water out of the holes while the storm raged on in the middle of the ocean.
As the master franchisee, we knew that one solution to recuperate losses was to get new franchisees onboard. However, the team and Hsien Naidu, the president of S.A.M Philippines and Enrich Asia Philippines Management, we’re committed to taking care of the current franchisees first.
There was no use in trying to get new franchisees if we will lose those who have been loyal to the brand. We focused our efforts on training the franchisees and teachers on online teaching techniques, experimented with tools and processes, and doubled down on social media marketing for more enrollees.
We held our breaths for 2 long years.
Now the winds stopped howling and the waves are calmer. Through the head office’s persistence in supporting local franchisees, we were able to lower the cost of franchise renewal fees and kept 81% of our SAM centers operating through the global recession.
Now that we are out of the red, we lifted our heads and saw a harbour we can anchor on to check the franchise horizon. Are we ready to set sail again?
SAM Singapore Math – Philippines joins Xavier School’s first ever school-based franchise trade show
Xavier School in San Juan City, Metro Manila hosted the first ever school-based franchise expo The Franchise & Entrep Expo 2022 last July 16-17, 2022 and S.A.M Singapore Math grabbed the chance to join this pioneer event.
It was the first time we joined a franchise expo after more than two years.
Over 3,000 people attended to learn about over 60 franchise brands, meet new suppliers and business partners, and attend curated business talks.
This ground-breaking event was organized by Xavier Batch ’99, the Alumni Association of Xavier School, and the Philippine Franchise Association, with support from the ICA Alumnae Association, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as well as media partner Chinoy TV.
With covid still looming over our heads, the team had our worries but was determined to try. We registered and prepared for the two-day event. We dressed up both and had our sales representative talk on stage to introduce the S.A.M Singapore Math Franchise.
The first day was packed. A lot inquired about the possibility of owning a global education franchise from the comforts of their home. Surprisingly, many still prefer to build brick-and-mortar enrichment centers. Parents and even educators both agree that face-to-face learning is still the preferred learning modality for kids.
We were blessed to be joined by our loyal and supportive franchisees from SAM New Manila, SAM Bonifacio Global City, SAM Las Pinas, and the recently opened SAM Poblacion Makati. Their presence made interested franchisees feel comfortable and assured that S.A.M is a reliable franchise brand.
The second day was as productive as the first one. Claire Miranda, the SAM Philippines Head Trainer showed curious booth visitors on how to solve a word problem using the Singapore Math method. Many were impressed and agreed that it’s the approach that Filipino children need to become better in problem-solving and critical thinking.
It was truly a weekend well spent. SAM Philippines’ franchisee registration sheet was full, beyond what was expected. We have seen with our own eyes that Filipino – Chinese entrepreneurs are looking into building a meaningful business for the children’s future.
The future of education franchise is bright
With the event turnout, we were convinced that the Philippine market is ready to franchise and activate the economy.
The pandemic was a perfect storm but it did not drown businesses with a strong franchise system support and with a product or service that is a constant need for the new generation, like education.
Investing in an education franchise with a supportive master franchisor and a global brand is a wise decision. You will build a meaningful business for the children in your community and at the same time raise the bar for Math excellence in the Philippines.
To know more about the SAM Singapore Math Franchise, check out this link: https://seriouslyaddictivemaths.com.ph/Franchise-SAM-Singapore-Math/ or email us at admin@seriouslyaddictivemaths.com.ph
We’re glad to welcome you aboard.
