10 steps to jumpstarting your tutoring business
TRANSCRIPT
10 Steps to Jumpstarting Your Tutoring Business
By Rhonda Jones
The Need for Tutoring
A well sought out profession, the need for tutoring continues to grow with each new school year. Many professionals know
the benefits of one to one instruction. What better way to utilize this teaching strategy then through tutoring.
The Need for Tutoring
Tutoring offers a personalized approach to learning. Lessons can be customized to meet the needs of each student. Thus,
there is a wide open market for those offering tutoring services.
Step 1: Draft a Business Plan
Get off to a good start by drafting a business plan. It does not have to be overly elaborate but focus on areas such as
business structure and management, target market, services offered, daily business operations, marketing strategy, pricing,
and how you will make a profit.
Step 2: Who will you offer tutoring services to?
Who are is your target market? Will you be tutoring elementary school children, test prep, college students,
special needs, homeschoolers, etc? What subjects will you offer tutoring in?
Step 3: How will you deliver tutoring services?
How will you deliver services? Consider where you will tutor students. Will you instruct them at school, the library, their
home, your home, online, etc? Are you looking to have office space at a physical location?
Step 4: Budget Carefully
How much will it cost to run your tutoring business? Consider marketing materials, educational supplies, and other tutoring
expenses. What will be your daily operational expenses?
Step 5: Planning and Research
Research the market for tutoring in your area. Who will benefit most from what you have to offer? How much will you charge for your services? Do you need to hire additional tutors? Do you have enough money to cover your living expenses while
you build your business? What will you offer that is unique and different from your competition?
Step 6: Marketing Strategy
How will you get the word out about your business? Inform local schools, parent associations, libraries, etc. about your
tutoring services. Advertise online, in the newspaper, even set up a website to generate a buzz and show customers what
you have to offer.
Step 7: Insurance
Will you need liability insurance? If you are tutoring inside of your home or if you have a physical office/ commercial space
you will definitely need it.
Step 8: Educate yourself
Invest in seminars, workshops, and classes that will improve your tutoring services. Stay abreast of the latest teaching
strategies and educate yourself on the different ways in which students learn.
Step 9: Be Positive
Always have a positive approach and be courteous to everyone you come in contact with. Your reputation and
character can be what makes or breaks your business. Be a person of honesty and integrity.
Step 10: Research Small Business Resources
National Federation of Independent Businesses
SBA (Small Business Association)
U.S. Dept of Labor
Cool Tutoring ProductsBusiness Cards Link
