If you're passionate about helping students reach their academic goals, you may want to consider starting a tutoring business. Here are nine steps to get you started. First, ask yourself the right questions before the lesson. What is the student's goal? What do they need help with? What is their learning style? Second, dress to impress but not to intimidate.
You want to make a good first impression and arrive on time. Introduce yourself and find out what your student's expectations are. Third, decide on your business structure. If you're just starting out, you may want to operate as a sole proprietor.
However, if your tutoring business grows, you may want to consider forming an LLC. Fourth, spread the word about your business. Reach out to family and friends, post on social media, and join local networking groups. Fifth, consider the costs of running your business.
You don't need an office space if you plan to travel to meet clients in their homes, libraries, schools, or cafes. You can also save money by offering online tutoring sessions. Sixth, decide on your niche. If you want to specialize in LSAT tutoring, take several practice tests and research the market rate for this type of service.
Seventh, build a professional network and resume. Tutoring allows educators to connect with students one-on-one in ways that teachers in classrooms can't always do. Eighth, dress appropriately for each session. Your attire should demonstrate your standards and match the aspirations of your students.
Ninth, set clear expectations for each session. Help facilitate a path that allows students to seek knowledge for themselves and provide them with the resources they need. Finally, have a laptop and printer handy for looking up information and printing materials for use with clients. Starting a tutoring business offers flexible working hours and low start-up costs. You can get students for your new business if you spread the word the right way and accept or decline their requests. Know that you have a support system with school staff, fellow tutors, and the Leonard Gelfand Center at Carnegie Mellon.
