This episode is all about Setting Your Stage and how planning and presenting your location and premises can create a deep first impression for your students. You can have powerful positive, and powerful negative effects, depending on how you handle your stage and position your business.

Remember, learn how to start, grow and love your Tutor Business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Location is vital. If you don’t have premises yet, look for access, prominence, landmarks, passing traffic, parking and a separation from your home life. If you have premises make sure the appearance is good, with signage, distinguishing features and is safe for student access with pathways, steps, ramps and handrails.
• First impressions last so create and manage your stage because you will be judged, whatever happens, and be sure to back up what you say with the way you do it, every time.
• Making the environment comfortable is key. So, ensure that your teaching room is light with adjustable seating and the comfort of your student is a top priority.
• Always be helpful and keep a stock of strings, picks, stationery, etc that students might need to buy.

Key internal issues:

1. Safety of students and yourself – injuries are bad for business.
2. Safety of your gear – get it PAT tested and make sure it’s all well maintained.
3. Colour scheme – neutral and bright.
4. Keep it tidy and thoughtfully laid-out.
5. Waiting area with easy access to the toilet.
6. Have a ground floor teaching room with everything set-up and ready to roll.
7. Keep it consistent – change is distracting for students, so keep the layout the same/similar. This is also an anchor for both the student and yourself and establishes credibility.
8. Display framed Certificates/ degrees/diplomas that help suggest intellectual rigour.
9. Display “Bling” with pictures with known figures/faces and also have product examples such as books and CD’s readily available.

BEST MOMENTS

“Environment matters as much to you as to your customers”

“Get a cleaner – it’s tax deductible and is less than your teaching rate, isn’t it? That’s leverage!”

“Create a feeling of ease and confidence”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Neil Cowmeadow - Weird Things Guitarists Do

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

CONTACT METHOD

[email protected]