Profiles

It's profile time! Let's take a deeper look into your profile so that you can begin marketing yourself most effectively. A profile is a snapshot of who you are. It needs to clearly identify who you are in a nutshell for a potential client. There are some basic things you need to do if you want your profile to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

1. A profile should not include an unprofessional picture. In viewing other member forums I have been astonished at the lack of professionalism that is displayed. No parent wants to hire a tutor that looks scary, drugged, disreputable, or unprofessional. At Tutor Mash Up!, we highly recommend that your Avatar be a simple head shot. Our recommendation is also that you use a passport style photo. Why? Simply because it's a professional picture, it allows for your face to be shown clearly, and it will allow your professionalism to shine.

2. The profile should clearly define your areas of expertise. If you list that you are available to tutor everything from math to reading, can also provide mentoring in soccer, and you teach French as a second language your potential clients will be confused. In their confusion they will skip over you and go onto the next meaningful profile. Be clear and concise in your descriptions. Don't over exaggerate your credibility or expertise.

3. List some references or customer reviews along with your profile! Tutors have mainly been obtained by word of mouth.  For example: Sally's daughter has been working with Ms. Lathman after school for several months now. She has been very pleased with the progress she has seen. So when Becky from down the street asks for a tutor Sally refers Ms. Lathman on the spot. Now Ms. Lathman has acquired a new student without even trying! This is how the majority of tutorships occur. However, there are a few problems with this model.  One, maybe Ms. Lathman no longer wishes to acquire new students. Another, is that she is being asked to tutor in fields that she feels are not well suited for her. Thirdly, she is asked for a referral to another tutor and has no one in mind.

Tutor Mash Up!, is the source to help you gain exposure. Allow your profile on our website to help you gain access to new client's. This is a new way to gain positive exposure! Let us begin cataloging a list of references for you. Begin asking your client's to leave a comment or two about their satisfaction with your service. Don't allow yourself to be overlooked simply because your references are not shown.

4. Be flexible in your fees.  Have an appropriate range in mind that you are willing to accept. Think of listing your range right alongside your profile. Another thing to consider would be stating if you are willing to negotiate your fee. In today's tough economy parents want to provide the needed services for their children but simply can't afford it. If you are flexible and are not unfairly priced you will do well!  This is something that your clients will really appreciate.

If followed these profile tips should lend themselves to your success! Tutor Mash Up!, is rooting for you!


Links to helpful articles:

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/tips-writing-business-profile-2847.html

http://www.findgoodtutors.com/articles/advice/profile-tips.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/homeschooling-articles/tips-to-build-a-tutor-profile-you-can-be-proud-of-5919739.html