As the American economy continues to struggle, one has to continuously look for different ways to earn extra money. One of the more popular methods is through starting your own tutoring business. Starting a tutoring business is like any business. One needs to be well-educated on the current market, and they have to understand what skills students currently need. They also have to recognize which skills they currently have and understand how they fit into the market.
My first year out of college while substitute teaching, I attempted to augment my income by starting a tutoring business. My efforts focused mainly on working with elementary school and junior high school students. With a rate of $20 an hour in Denver, I attracted no clientele. Facing competition from much more well-established groups like Sylvan Learning Center, many parents would rather go with the company with a track record of success for more money than give an individual a shot.
As I already mentioned, the first step is to recognize your skills. Take the time to focus your tutoring specifically around your skill set. If you are an elementary school teacher, then teach elementary school students. If you are a recently-minted lawyer, then help those studying for the LSAT.
Next, set your price. Obviously this will change according to the market. In my hometown, $20 an hour was too much. On the other hand, tutors in New York City are reported to earn as much as $200 an hour and the national average price for tutors is reported to be between $30 to $50 an hour. Just simply know your location and the ongoing rates to be successful.
Third, determine who will supply what is needed for the tutorial services. Most often students already have their own supplies with textbooks. Therefore, it is easier to simply use these for your teaching.
Last, you have to market, just like with any business. Marketing can be achieved in a multitude of ways. Create fliers and give them to the nearby schools and libraries. Create business cards to give to local school teachers. And finally, take advantage of online registration. Many websites, such as TutorNation.com http://www.tutornation.com/index.htm, TutorsTeach.com http://www.tutorsteach.com/, and TeachStreet http://www.teachstreet.com/los-angeles-ca/english-as-a-second-language-esl/64779-21 offer an opportunity for individuals to post their credentials online and recruit clientele.
If you follow these steps, then I am confident you will be successful in starting your own home-based tutoring business. Good luck to you as you start your entrepreneurial career.
References:
How to Start a Tutoring Business-What to Consider Before you Start. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Start-a-Tutoring-Business—What-to-Consider Before-You-Start&id=1871454.
TeachStreet: Learn Something New. http://www.teachstreet.com/.
TutorNation.com. http://www.tutornation.com/index.htm.
TutorsTeach. http://tutorsteach.com/.