Getting Started In The Business Of Helping Others

When people write to me, I try to respond to every letter, and if several people write about a specific topic, I usually try to work it into a column. My reasoning is that probably more people are interested in the subject than take to time to write. With that in mind, it is time to consider how to make money tutoring seniors and/or maintaining computers for them. Several people have asked me this question in person and by e-mail. Can this be done?

The real short answer is that I don’t know. Worse yet, I don’t know anyone who does know how to do it. But I charge nominal fees for my services and others I know charge similarly, so maybe we should define making money. I don’t know anyone who earns enough by tutoring to equal whatever they did when they had a full-time job. However, occasional tutoring or teaching a class through some appropriate institution can be nice way to supplement your income.

The main reason for tutoring is that you enjoy it and it is a public service in addition to bringing in some fees. Most of the people I have talked to who tutor also volunteer at senior centers, churches, etc. A great side benefit is that you can meet some nice people.

In short, I do not believe that tutoring seniors in computer literacy is a good career choice if you want to be upwardly mobile in your income.

But if you want a nice little addition to your basic income while doing meaningful work, how do you start? There are probably many successful ways. Find a local seniors PC users group and get involved. Make some cards and brochures and don’t be bashful about passing them around, but on the other hand, never try to use pressure techniques to close on a potential client. After all, you are trying to build a relationship and it must start with honesty and an obvious product to sell - yourself. I do not advertise. A friend of mine in a nearby town also tried his hand at tutoring. He actually advertised in the local newspaper and did attract some clients. But no matter how you do it, the business will likely grow by word of mouth. This means that it will take time. You have to get those first customers and make them happy. Many seniors will communicate with others in their social group, and if you have done a good job, you will get recommendations. That is the best way to grow. Don’t be discouraged if things go slow, and don’t quit your day job.

How much to charge? On what basis should you charge? What is your policy on follow-up telephone consulting? Are you strict about working hours?

Whatever you decide, set up a log and bookkeeping protocol on day one. If you have a legitimate business, and pay your taxes as you should, then you might also have some allowable deductions, but only if you document them accurately. Also, I find that keeping an up-to-date log of client activity is critical. Each system is different, and having a place to go to jog your memory can keep you out of trouble. Also remember that you might have seen a dozen systems of various vintages since you last saw a particular client. But they only see their own, and so they do not always understand why you can’t just sit down and fix it or show them how to do what they think they want to do.

Be prepared for emergency calls at all times. Several of my clients have small businesses and totally depend on reliable computer access. Naturally they do not have backup systems. That comes with the territory.

These are only my observations. If anyone has something to contribute along this line, let me know. If you think I am out to lunch, that’s okay, too.

Now I am still puzzled as to why I should suddenly receive requests for this kind of information. Is it reflective of the economy or just a random fluctuation?

For more in-depth tips on tutoring seniors, see the complete tutorial here. I also have posted a tutorial on elementary decision theory for those who might question a physician’s diagnosis (important for seniors) or anti-terrorist activities (important for everyone) but haven’t had the framework to analyze the data. That tutorial can be found here.