Beyond The Classroom: How to Become a Successful Tutor (Without the Hustle)
Mentoring and support for building a thriving tutoring business
As a member of the thriving community of tutors who support each other, I’ve noticed that the steps I took to build my business are a bit different to most, as is my approach to tutoring.
Within one year of leaving the classroom I’ve built a thriving tutoring business that I’m absolutely passionate about. I’ll keep this post short, because I prefer to spend most of my business time making sure that I offer learners and parents a rewarding experience that exceeds their expectations. However, I’ve realised that some new or potential tutors may be interested in learning about my approach. So, I’ll briefly give you two lists that reflect my business model: things I do, and things I don’t do.
My Business Essentials (What I Do)
I only offer one-to-one, weekly private tutoring.
I create customised lessons for each learner based on their needs, requests and my own assessment of their ability.
Lessons are interactive - the learner and I work together in documents (no chalk and talk).
I create customised homework for learners so that can practice essential skills.
I provide detailed feedback for learners on their homework.
I share all resources (including session planning, content and homework feedback) with parents and learners.
I try to make it fun and incorporate learners’ interests when I can.
I communicate closely with parents and welcome questions and feedback.
I spent more time preparing for sessions (including homework and feedback) than I do delivering the sessions.
What I Don’t Do (Why My Business Model is Different from Most Tutors)
Weekly group sessions. I left classroom teaching because I like working with leaners one-to-one. I want to stay true to my interests.
Social media. I do not use social media for my business. I have a couple of accounts in case people are looking for me, but I don’t post to them. That’s right. No making infographics, videos, scheduling posts etc. For me, it’s a waste of time that would detract from what my approach to tutoring is all about. I don’t make or post any content.
Mailing lists. I only work with a small number of families.
Paid advertising. I’ve put up a few flyers and business cards in local coffee shops but that’s about it.
Paying for website design. I built my website myself. I work on SEO to make sure that my website is visible to families who are looking for tutoring.
Pay for directory membership.
Pay for tutoring business courses. I don’t like that most of these course providers charge a lot of money just to tell you to hustle harder and make more social media content. If you enjoy doing TikTok trends, that’s great for you. Also, if you’re sharing great content for free then you are doing a great service for education and literacy. Thank you! But it’s not the only way to build a tutoring business.
Summary
I have more time to spent on planning fantastic, personalised tutoring sessions for learners because I’m not busy hustling on social media.
By now you might be asking, “how do you get new clients if you’re not making lots of social media posts?” Here are some of the top ways families find me:
Through my website.
Referrals.
Flyers, business cards and local connections.
If you are interested in building a tutoring business that allows you to focus on your learners instead of your content output, please contact me about mentoring. And you probably already guessed that I don’t promote this on social media either. Nor do I have a mailing list, or try to funnel you in to some type of long commitment programme. It’s just the support you need when you need. My mentoring rates are the same as my tutoring rates.
A Personal Note
I’ve been teaching since 2011 and have always found it to be an immensely rewarding vocation. However, the joy that comes from working with a young-person one-to-one and seeing their skills and confidence develop, is a wonderful experience. Furthermore, building your own successful business, that allows you to focus on your passions, fits around your life, and arguably offers greater stability than many jobs in today’s market is very gratifying and makes it a pleasure to show up each day and give your best for your business and for your learners.
However, I know that we’re educators first, business people second; my approach to business is to keep it that way.
If this approach appeals to you, please contact me to find out more about mentoring.
Thank you!
