Since tutoring for over 5 years now, I’ve made my share of mistakes and have now found out how to turn these negatives into positives!
I have met many other tutors (some who were very successful and others who were struggling) and realize there are 10 important habits that successful tutors all share. Here they are:
1) Enjoy what you do and be positive: Like many things in life, attitude is key! In order to be a successful tutor it is necessary to have a positive attitude. Parents, teachers and your students will be attracted to your positive energy and continue to refer clients and come back to you! It sounds basic but a sunny, can do attitude will always beat out a tired, bored tutor!
2) Be prepared:
Often times students will show up unprepared and forget their homework, book, etc. Successful tutors always have a plan ‘B’! Be sure to have a lesson plan for each session and plan ahead.
3) Always have a business card with you: Each time you step out of your house is a chance to find a new client. Have professional business cards made for as little as 7.00 and always keep them with you. Post them at the library, grocery store, coffee house and give out to friends and family.
This company is very affordable, fast and have a lot of styles to choose from:
www.YourTutoringBusiness.com/businesscards.html
4) Create relationships with teachers and administrators in your area: Send out a letter with your business cards to develop a relationship with educators in your area. When a student or parent inquires about a tutor, your name and card will be fresh in their minds! Once they see improvement in their students, they will be sure to refer you!
5) Be professional: Students and parents can be very challenging at times. From canceling appointments to no-shows and not always being on time, tutoring can be stressful at times. Remember to maintain your professionalism at all times despite the situation. It is better to win the war than the battle and sometimes this means letting things go in order to maintain a working relationship.
6) Stay in touch: Periodically it is a good idea to touch base with parents, students and teachers. Ask how the student is doing, what you may need to work on next time, etc. This helps you as the tutor but also will continue to reinforce the importance of your role with the student!
7) Say Thanks!: Email and text messaging are so common now that the power of the written word is often missed. It is a great idea to send a handwritten thank you note whenever a teacher, parent or student recommends you. It is also a great idea to send birthday, graduation and holiday cards to families you work with and will make a great impression.
Be a good listener: As a tutor and educator, listening is key. Ask open ended questions and take the time to listen to your clients and students. You will not only find out the source of their difficulty, but you will also form a working relationship and friendship with your student and parent. Students will enjoy the freedom of speaking to you as a friend and mentor and will look forward to each session.
9) Have your own tutoring website:
As a professional tutor, it is important to have a website that markets your business in a professional way. Having your own website is a great way to market yourself, showcase your testimonials from current and past clients, detail your pricing and hourly rates as well as give your background info and references.
Having your own website will separate you from the 20.00 per hour tutors!
Click here to register your domain name now:
www.YourTutoringBusiness.com/website.html
10) Don’t underestimate the value of your services.
The impact you have on a student’s success, confidence and self growth is immeasurable. The clients that you want to work with will not hesitate to pay you what you are worth!
Start using these 10 habits to be a successful and highly paid tutor!
To get the complete A-Z plan to make a full time tutoring income… go here:
http://www.YourTutoringBusiness.com
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