5 easy steps to follow to start a successful tutoring business

India currently lacks as many as 1.4 million trained teachers to meet the needs of learners. According to University Grants Commission, this lack is hampering the educational growth of an estimated 250-300 million students in India. According to industry sources, the size of private tutoring industry in India is estimated to $15 billion. Of this, approximately, 15 percent should get converted into online by 2020. There is therefore a serious need for tutors and well run tutorials.

If you are looking at entering the tutorial business, here are some things to keep in mind to setup a successful one: 

1.Know your geographical area: You need to know the dynamics of your geographical area. You would need to see what is the age group of children or youngsters staying around, are there colleges or competing tutorials providing similar services, how many schools or colleges are available in the vicinity, what is the proximity and viability of your target audience to reach you, etc. 

2.Check you resources: You need to decide whether you plan to set up a facility or will you be working your business from home. You could also choose to visit the houses of your target client instead. Another way to go about is to rent out space in a coffee shop or public place that is up for monthly or session wise renting and run your classes. In addition, you may rent or purchase commercial space for your tutoring business. You could also rent out space in a community centre as this reduces overhead costs.

3.Sell what you are best at: Every business model should bring in profits. So, choose a subject that you are good at and is high on demand in the market. This should help you generate enough revenue for your business. For instance, a subject like math or English will have high demand in most markets whereas tutoring in a subject like French may not have many takers.

4.Set a price for your services: Unless you already are confident of generation quick business from the geographical area, choose to give away a demo-class (demonstration or free class). This helps to generate credibility and repeat business. Set a price for number of classes per week to a maximum of number of hours per day. Ask the client to pay in advance. If you want to be more professional, you could even generate an invoice for your services provided to the client. This helps you to raise bills at the time of computation of taxation as an entrepreneur.

5.Health of the business: Remember, only providing services isn’t enough. Repeat business is generated by the quality of upkeep and professionalism at each step of the way. If you are running an establishment, ensure your staff is adequately trained to take and answer queries, your billing process is seamless, you have a hygienic premises which provides clean drinking water and washrooms, you have ample lighting and air-conditioning or cooling facilities, stationary and equipment is well maintained, etc. All this creates an impression on the client and goes a long way in promoting business.

6.Be there as it grows: As your business grows, you might decide to hire more tutors and experienced teachers. However, never lose contact with the client. Let the customer know that you are approachable. It is never a good idea to lose contact with the customer. You can train people to look after daily running, but the comfort factor your presence provides should never be compromised.