Word of Mom Is More Powerful Than Word of Mouth

Moms know moms. Moms talk.

You may feel like you know your students really well, right? But how about Mom and Dad? Let me tell you one reason that you want to make the effort to be friendly with them: Referrals!

Referrals are THE best way to get good students with the least amount of effort. Let me rephrase that, if you put in the effort to be a really good teacher, those referrals will come more easily than from any other source. They don’t have to vet you as much and you don’t have to vet them as much.

With that said, let me share TWO simple steps to get referrals:

1. Ask them.

Yep, it really is that simple. Ask your parents if they have friends that need a teacher or tutor.

Mom and Dad already like you or you wouldn't be teaching their child, right? So put on your big-kid pants and send them a nice email with your request.

2. Thank people for referring you.

Honest to goodness, I have been shocked at home effective this is. Here’s the kicker: create a thank you that offers something special for their child/your student, not for the parent. If you are a parent, you know that when someone shows that they care about your kiddo enough to do something special, that person gets so many brownie points and you will be willing to help them out again.