Work From Home Ideas – Computer Tutor

In this day and age where everyone and their brother has a computer you would think that everyone knows how to use one.  We all know that that isn’t the truth, painfully so if you have ever had to help your Aunt set up her email account on a weekend that you were planning to do other things.  Well, now I want you to think of this as an opportunity.  This is one of the best work from home ideas that there is, if you already have skills in this department.

Become a computer tutor.  Think about it, there are thousands of people everyday that are buying there first computer or a new piece of software and have no idea where to start.  You being the computer savvy person that you are can easily go to their house and set it up or even get them started if you have experience with any of the more popular software programs.

Think about the first time that you used Microsoft Office, it was daunting.  Now you can take your expertise and turn it into a part-time job.  I know from my experience just looking at the face of people the first time they encounter a major software program and they have no idea where to start or what to click on or even why.  You could be that all import bridge to knowledge that we all are looking for.

Even showing someone how to surf the internet is a skill today.  I’ve seen and experience people who have no idea what I am talking about even with me standing next to them, but just by pointing on the screen and explaining why and how you are doing something they become relieved and excited, they are now apart of the world wide web.

One of the advantages of being a computer tutor is that you can charge for travel, since you most likely will have to go to their home or business.  The typical charge currently is between $25 and $100 an hour for one-on-one tutoring.  I know I called this a work form home idea but you get what I mean, you still start from home.

Your best clients would be small businesses and also the more wealthy families that don’t mind paying for something of value.  That is what you are teaching, a value that will help them do their job or the school work, which helps them out in life overall.

Tutoring can make a perfect part-time complement to a regular consulting gig or a day job. It can also spin off into pundit duty on radio or TV, which can provide free advertising for your computer tutoring home based business. Computer tutors must stay on top of the newest products and become familiar with features and shortcuts. The popularity of hand-held devices such as the iPhone presents a vast new clientele.

Pros of a Computer Tutor Home Based Business

• The overhead is low — you’ll often be using another’s equipment and software, but you should own your own copy so you can learn the ins and outs on your own.
• A computer tutoring home based business can be grown seamlessly into a full-time job while you work a regular job. It can also help tide you over if you get laid off.
• Potential for this home based business is as large as your willingness to get the word out and keep up to date on computer technology.
• You can set up phone consultations when possible, or use web-based tools, eliminating travel.
• Simple instruction on such computer basics as backing up data can be a boon for anxious clients.

Cons of a Computer Tutor Home Based Business

• Making house calls requires a serious time commitment, and gas prices must be factored into your cost of doing business with this home based business idea.
• Clients can try your patience, especially when they are uncooperative or slow to learn.
• The job requires a vast knowledge of computers and software.

What You Need to Get Started in a Computer Tutor Home Based Business

• The knowledge — and the know-how to impart it
• A love of teaching. There’s no hiding a lack of it
• A few advertising outlets, including a simple website detailing your expertise and rates is a good idea, and flyers with perhaps an introductory discount. Pass them out near electronics stores, tech fairs and businesses.
• That first satisfied customer. Word of mouth will still be your best promotional tool with this work from home idea.
• Patience. You need to be able to keep your cool and not fly off the handle if a student forgets what you taught them or is unable to grasp a certain concept.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 1:31 pm and is filed under work from home ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.