Elevating education: Amy Johnson’s award-winning approach with Boost Your Learning

Pictured above: Amy Johnson.

Founded in October 2021 by Amy Johnson, Boost Your Learning is helping improve the lives of Kiwi kids through it’s bespoke approach to private tuition. A winner at The David Awards 2023, Amy shares insight into her own business journey.

Amy Johnson’s journey to creating Boost Your Learning is deeply personal. Her motivation stems from her dual roles as an educator and a mother. “My experience as a teacher, combined with the challenges my two sons faced within the traditional school system, ignited my passion for creating a more effective educational support system,” Amy explains. “I saw firsthand how conventional methods could fail to address individual learning needs, and I wanted to build something different – something that would truly cater to each child’s unique strengths and challenges.”

Boost Your Learning was born out of this vision. The company offers bespoke private tuition in English, Maths, and Science, with a focus on personalised learning experiences. The core philosophy is to build confidence and celebrate each student’s unique abilities, rather than just addressing weaknesses. “We believe that every student has the potential to succeed,” says Amy. “Our role is to unlock that potential through tailored, confidence-building education.”

In 2023 Amy and Boost Your Learning was recognised at The David Awards for Most Outstanding Fledgling Business, a significant milestone for the business. “Winning the award was an incredible boost for our business,” Amy shares. “It was a profound validation from industry experts that we were on the right track. Their feedback was invaluable, giving us fresh perspectives and ideas to further refine our value proposition.”

The decision to enter The David Awards came after Boost Your Learning’s success in the ‘Start Up of the Year, Nelson/Tasman’ category. “We were ambitious about expanding our reach,” Amy explains. “We knew that we had a profitable and scalable business model, and entering the awards was a strategic move to gain nationwide exposure and build our credibility.”

As Boost Your Learning continues to grow, Amy’s strategy remains clear and focused. “Our growth strategy revolves around three main areas: maintaining high quality, investing in technology, and expanding our marketing reach,” she says.

Maintaining high standards is crucial for the company’s referral model, which boasts a 92 percent retention rate each term and 80 percent annually. “Quality is at the heart of everything we do,” Amy emphasises. “It’s the key to our strong referral network and ongoing success.”

Tutor, Brittany alongside student Hamish.

Technological investment is another cornerstone of the company’s strategy. Boost Your Learning has been hard at work enhancing its online learning tools, integrating interactive elements, lesson recordings, and seamless administrative systems. “Online tuition now represents 60 percent of our business, and we’re continuously developing our digital infrastructure to ensure we deliver the best possible learning experiences,” Amy notes.

Moreover, Boost Your Learning is expanding its marketing ecosystem to increase brand awareness and extend its reach across New Zealand. “We see New Zealand as an ideal place to refine our offerings and build our brand,” Amy explains. “Our vision is global, and the work we’re doing here is laying the groundwork for future expansion.”

Navigating the current economic climate has presented its own set of challenges. With rising interest rates impacting families, Boost Your Learning has adapted by introducing smart measures to support its clients. “We’re aware that many of our clients are feeling the financial squeeze,” Amy acknowledges. “To address this, we’ve implemented a rate increase with an option for a price freeze for those committing to a year of tuition, and we’ve introduced a 10 percent sibling discount to make our services more accessible.”

The role of mentorship

Throughout her business journey, Amy has been an advocate for mentorship. “Having a mentor has been instrumental in our growth,” she reflects. Initially working with Business Assist, Amy benefited from mentor Geoff’s guidance in understanding the fundamentals of business. Currently, she works with Derek, whose media expertise aligns with her focus on marketing. “Mentorship has been crucial for navigating the complexities of growing a business,” Amy says. “It provides a sounding board for ideas and strategic advice that’s invaluable.”

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Amy is a member of The Alternative Board NZ, where she engages with other business owners for additional support and coaching. “The network and insights I gain from The Alternative Board have been incredibly beneficial,” she notes. “It’s a platform for exchanging ideas and receiving feedback from experienced, non-competing businesses.”

For other small business owners considering entering The David Awards, Amy has this advice: “The process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The feedback from judges is invaluable, and winning can significantly enhance your business’s credibility and appeal. It’s also a fantastic way to attract talent who want to be part of a recognised and successful venture.”

Amy’s journey with Boost Your Learning is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and strategic growth. Winning at The David Awards has not only validated her efforts but also set the stage for continued success and expansion.

The David Awards

NZBusiness is a proud supporter of The David Awards, NZ’s popular small and home based business awards. If you’re a locally owned small business doing great things, you should consider entering. You have until Friday, August 9 to enter. Check out their website to learn more and take the first steps towards getting your business the recognition it deserves.