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MAD Academy... |
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Franchise Zone - Are You Mad Enough?
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Franchisee Stories - Amanda Smith
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I was a part time accountant and full time mother.
Q: Why did you decide to change you career?
I was looking for something that was much more fun and would fit around my family.
I had started to work part-time when my son as born. He always
loved music and movement and when I took him to a local music group I
found it really helped them both to bond. But after 3 years of being a
full time mum I needed a new and fun challenge. But, having worked for myself for the previous few years, I still wanted to be my own boss.
Q: How did you find out about MAD Academy?
I searched on the internet for ideas and came up with a few franchises – MAD Academy being the one that stood out.
Q: Why did you decide to take up a MAD Academy franchise?
It seemed a great way of having it all – your own business and time with the family. Also
it was so different from my other career as an accountant!
Q: What skills/knowledge had you developed in the past that have helped you set up your business?
My accountancy training has obviously been very useful in starting up the business. My training as a dancer and musical background were obviously important – but they were a long time ago. The most important skills I have learned I would say I learnt by being a mum! Being able to communicate with young children and have fun with them is vital.
Q: How did you find the training and initial support provided by MAD Academy?
The training exceeded all my expectations – the manuals were so detailed and well written, they were great to take away. The class training was great,
it really helped get over that initial self consciousness. I have had more support than I thought over the first few weeks. I had thought we would be left to get on with it but
the directors really take an interest in our business.
Q: How did you feel about starting your own business?
Starting my own business just felt exciting – I really like to have a challenge, something to get my teeth into!
Q: How have the past few months been?
MAD – I cannot believe quite how much time and energy it has taken to get the classes off the ground and I still have so much more to do! Although I have my “what the hell have I done moments” they are outweighed by the “wow, the kids are having so much fun and its all because of me”
moments!
Q: What has been the hardest thing about starting a MAD Academy business?
Juggling the MAD start up with my family life and accountancy work –
I will be getting a cleaner and gardener soon having accepted that I cannot do it all!!!
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your
business?
When the kids come for that first class and they have so much fun that mum signs them up for the term!!
Q: Has anything taken you by surprise?
I didn’t think the birthday party’s would take off around here.
But I already have several booked in and 2 people have rearranged the parties to fit in with me!!
Having started your business, do you think your expectations and hopes for your future will be fulfilled?
Yes – but with a lot more work than I originally thought!
Would you recommend buying a franchise to others?
Buying a franchise was a great idea. If you want your own business and don’t have all the time and money in the world it is great to buy into something that you know works. The help and support has been great – the materials are all top notch quality – especially things like the leaflets and posters,
they puts others to shame! But although I would recommend it I would stress that it is a lot of work – you get back what you put in. Amanda now runs classes in Taunton, Wellington and
Creech St. Michaels. To find out more about Amanda's classes, click
here>>>
Franchises are available throughout the UK Email us for
a full franchisee prospectus – this could be the start of a great new
career! Please include the following information in your email: Name Phone number Email address Locations you would be interested in working How you heard about MAD Academy If you are interested in joining the MAD Academy team, but
don't think running your own business is for you, click
here and discover how to become a class leader!!
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To read more from our franchisees, click here>>> |
Running your own business with MAD Academy offers you freedom, flexibility, fun and financial rewards! Find out more about our fantastic franchises >>>more
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MAD Academy is based in Berkshire, UK. All content on
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As a child, Amanda trained as a dancer and sang in
choirs and pantomimes. Her passion for music and dance took a backseat
whilst she studied and qualified as an accountant but was re-found when
her son Edward was born. She found the MAD website and was really
excited by the way that MAD uses music and movement to stimulate
children. She contacted head office to find out more and hasn’t looked
back. 
