Starting a tutoring business

Starting a tutoring business may be a way of utilising the skills and information you have accumulated during your working life.

If you have extensive knowledge in a particular area, love helping others and are good at explaining things in a way the younger generation can understand and relate to, then this could be the ideal way to answer the question "how to earn extra income".

This is a service that you can provide either in your own home, or by travelling to your student's homes. Or maybe both, depending on what is required.

If you are teaching woodwork, for example, and all your tools are set up in your workshop or garage then it would be simpler to have them come to you. If you are planning to teach younger children it may be better for you to go to them, where their parents can be present.

Start up costs and charges

Your start up costs should be low - paper, pens, text books, a diary to jot down your appointments etc. You may need some extra software for your computer and you may incur travelling costs but that is about it.

You should be able to charge from $15 to $40 an hour for your home tutoring service, maybe more if you are based in a big city, or near a college or university.

You can decide how many hours a day or week you wish to work and fit them around the time when your students are available.

Legal requirements for starting a tutoring business

Find out what, if any, legal issues need to be dealt with before starting a tutoring business. For example, you will need to get a license from either your local or state government, in order to run a business. You should also find out whether you will need to purchase insurance for your business.

Marketing your home tutoring service

Begin by building a profile to present to possible clients, which gives details of your qualifications and credentials. If you have done any tutoring in the past be sure to mention it. Include details of the subjects that you are willing to teach and to what level.

You may want to stick to one subject or you may prefer to only teach one age group. Make sure that information is in your profile.

In addition you might like to create a flier or postcard sized advertisement, giving details of your services. Include your contact details and prices.

When your promotional material is ready, it is time to let people know that you are available. Visit local schools or colleges and let them know what you are offering. Ask to put up your fliers on their notice-boards. You might also ask if you can be mentioned in any magazines or newsletters that go out to parents.

Once you have your first few students you will probably find that word of mouth will act as your most effective method of marketing.

If you need some extra clients you could try distributing your fliers around your local neighborhood. Pop them through doors, display them in shop windows or on public noticeboards.

Get up to date

I always remember the time when I tried to help my son with his math homework. He was having difficulty with long division, so I showed him how I had always done it. He looked even more confused but had a go. Imagine my feelings the next day when he brought his book home with a comment for me from his teacher. Apparently they didn't do it that way any more!

To avoid this happening to you, you will need to ensure you are up to date with the current syllabus.

You may need to purchase some modern textbooks to ensure that what you teach is in line with the current requirements of the curriculum. Before you purchase these, you might like to borrow some from the library to give you a chance to discover which would be the best choice.

Also don't forget to check online for any resources and tips.

Gauging the results

If your students are happy to turn up each week, enjoy their time with you and their exam results improve, then you can say that starting a tutoring business was a good decision all round.

If the relationship between you and a student is not all it could be, then don't be afraid to suggest they go elsewhere. After all, this is your retirement and you have earned the right to spend it with people you enjoy having around.