Home Based Business Tutor

Tutoring, as a home based business, is always in demand. With overcrowded classrooms and cutbacks in funding for education, parents seek alternative means to helping their children succeed.

You can specialize in tutoring:

• students in grade school, high school or college
• specific subjects, such as English, Math, Science, Social studies, and so forth
• College entry exams: SAT, PSAT and ACT
• Students with learning disabilities, and so on

You can tutor students in their home, at your home or online. Most parents prefer their children be tutored in their own homes.

You need a college degree in your field of expertise if you have no teaching experience. To tutor students under one of the federal programs, you will need a teaching credential or a special credential related to learning disorders.

You can work at this home based business full-time or part-time.

What does it take for this business?

• Expertise in a particular subject area
• Highly motivated to encourage students to reach their potential
• Know how to teach good study skills
• Passionate about teaching
• Previous experience teaching or tutoring
• Minimum Bachelor's degree
• For federal programs: teaching credential or special credential related to learning disorders

What do I need to operate this business?

You do not have to set up a separate office for this home based business.

The start-up cost for this home based business is low if you have a computer and printer. You need to find out the curriculum in your local schools. Purchase the textbooks that are used.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

• Computer
• Printer
• Business phone line
• Contact Management or Database software
• Word processing software
• Textbooks
• Business stationery and cards
• Brochures

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

• One-on-one personalized instruction
• Contact with teacher to discuss student's work
• Work with students on current assigned homework and scheduled exams
• Teach time management/study skills
• Create tailered instruction based on student's needs
• Assess student's progress
• Make written progress reports to parents
• Motivate students to succeed

What are my potential earnings?

$15,000 to $20,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

Fees range from $25 to $60 per hour, depending on the subject and your community. Consider transportation costs.

How do I bill for my services?

Your clients (parents) pay for each session when completed. If you have created a specific, personalized plan, you may consider a written letter of engagement with terms detailed.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Purchase a classifed ad in your local/community newspapers.
• Contact your local schools, leave a brochure.
• Place flyers on community bulletin boards.
• Write articles for local/community newspapers.
• Teach adult education classes in your subject area to obtain private students.
• Contact other tutors for referrals.

Online

• Create an informative Web site, listing your services.
• Publish testimonials from your clients.
• Publish study tips and time management tips on your Web site.
• List your home based business Web site in online directories.
• Issue an online press release.
• Link your Web site to related Web sites.
• Develop a newsletter to send to your clients.
• Use viral maketing technique "Tell a Friend" on your Web site.

This home based business opportunity is for you if you like working with children or adults. You can review resources for this home based business here.