How did you go about starting your own business or side hustle?

4 Comments

1. KatSeptember 27,2022 at 7:31PM UTC

   You can go old school and talk to your friends, neighbors, relatives & associates with school age children that you're available for tutoring. Put up signs at schools and universities (if your skill level is up to that), plus any coffee shops/businesses near them offering services. There are also online sites that are looking for tutors that will allow you to set your own hours. See if there are any online schools that need tutors in the subject areas you specialize in. If you haven't updated your LinkedIn profile (or don't have one) that is another place to advertise your services and expertise. LinkedIn Learning has lots of certifications in different subjects that you could add to your profile to show your skill level.

2. Kathleen PowellSeptember 27,2022 at 7:50PM UTC

   Private tutoring is a perfect position to post on apps like "Next Door" because it is safe and you are 'vetted' by your neighbors in a sense.
   Parents looking for dog sitting, babysitting, and tutors typically look here for local help depending on the city. I am in San Francisco and it has become the new craigslist for such things. You can also comb the "want" section on Nextdoor for anyone looking for what you are offering (old schoolers would still post on Craigslist, too).
   It can't hurt for you to start a free website page for yourself. Add to it as you discover more ideas. You don't need to make it public until you are ready, then enlist a little help for SEO to get the word out. Post a copy of that page at the local schools and talk to the front office. You never know what will come of this kind of networking. Don't forget after school rec centers and libraries. :)

3. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 9:49PM UTC

   I agree with the Nextdoor app idea! It’s a great place for people to connect with others in their area and the search feature could help potential clients to find your information. Put a post on it that says what you do and that you’re looking for clients. If you have any friends who are also on Nextdoor who could comment on your post with a recommendation or testimonial, that would be great.

4. Kathryn MontbriandSeptember 29,2022 at 12:50PM UTC

   Hi there - couple ideas to get you started.

   1) write a few articles about the subject matter and post them on linkedin or whatever social platform you are most active on (facebook, pinterest, etc) - this will start to demonstrate your expertise to your network and they will think of you when they think private tutor

   2) Pick a handful of people you know who are in your target market and ask them for a quick 15 minute conversation. Ask them a few question about the pain point they have with their students and how they think about solving them. What you hear will inform your offer (i.e. virtual or in-person, group or individual).

   3) send your offer out directly to people in your network - ask them to either hire you or make a referral to someone who needs your services. From there, always ask for word of mouth referrals once you get started.

   Good luck!