Feeling tempted to say “I’m not selling anything, come to this free thing”? In this solo episode, I unpack why that line erodes trust, first in you, and then across the wider tuition industry. I’ve seen this bait-and-switch approach in other sectors for years, and it’s now creeping into tutoring. I explain why it backfires (even if you don’t pitch on the webinar) and how it trains parents to be sceptical of all of us.

Instead, I share a simple, ethical structure you can use today: be transparent about next steps, deliver a complete win in the free session, then invite—never pressure—the right people to continue. We’ll cover the “Promise → Proof → Path” framework, a permission-based CTA, and a quick checklist to audit your copy, design a useful free asset, set expectations, and nurture without tricks. If you care about trust, community, and long-term reputation, this one’s for you.

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In this reflective episode, I unpack a simple but slippery question: where does passion actually come from, and how do we use it well in our tutoring businesses?

Fresh from a visit to a school’s IB cohort (mentoring project = very impressive!), I share what I told their sixth formers about running a great session—and how their questions led us into a wider chat about passion. Is it discovered by trying things, or is it something we already have that gets assigned to football, teaching, business… even fixing washing machines? We explore both sides, plus the role of boundaries—what to fold into your brand and what to keep purely for you.

Then I bring it home with what’s changing for me: still loving the Kent Test/11+, but feeling pulled towards creating resources and opening up GCSE Maths again. We’ll talk seasons of passion, how to balance impact with life (hobbies, family, sanity), and how to notice when the thing that lit you up needs to evolve. If this resonates, or you’ve got your own “passion pivot”, I’d love to hear it.

Drop me a message via the email in the show notes.

thrive@tutorswhothrive.com

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Safeguarding can feel daunting when you’re tutoring solo, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Goodwin, safeguarding lead for The Tutors’ Association and a former school DSL, to demystify what safeguarding really means for tutors day to day. We dig into the big picture (children at the centre, clear boundaries, and confident communication) and the practicals you’ll face: handling a disclosure, liaising with parents and schools, when to contact the local authority, simple record-keeping that stands up, and how the home-education register and KCSIE (Part 1) affect your practice.

We also get into the “nitty gritty” that pops up in our community all the time, lone working (in your home and in a family’s home), whether parents should stay, safer online set-ups, and why most tutors don’t need to record lessons (plus the GDPR pitfalls if you do). Finally, Holly shares ways to protect your own wellbeing and avoid isolation, including where to find mental health support via the Hub of Hope. Check the show notes for links to The Tutors’ Association, KCSIE Part 1, and key resources mentioned.

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In this fresh-from-the-room debrief, I unpack a big idea from Monday’s training: we’re in a recession of trust. Buyers need more time, more proof, and more personal connection than ever. I share how to bake trust into your whole journey—top of funnel posts that actually mean something, mid-funnel value (emails, webinars, lead magnets), and bottom-funnel moments that feel natural, not “icky.” We dig into “earning the right” to message, why viral-but-random posts still help likeability, and how to design focal points (webinars, discovery calls, trials) that move families from curious to confident.

Then we get practical: turn common questions into pre-sales content; map the experience at every touchpoint (post → email → voice note → webinar → trial → first session); and de-risk the “yes” with micro-offers that let parents and students experience you before committing. You’ll hear why experience beats price, how a £30–£100 offer can warm buyers for higher-ticket services without extra calls, and ways to personalise follow-ups ethically (hand-raise first, message second). Expect clear next steps to build trust, shorten the sales conversation, and grow with integrity.

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In this honest, big-picture episode, I dive into intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation—how each fuels us at different stages of business. I share how my early “prove-them-wrong” fire evolved into a steadier, mission-led drive to serve families with nurture first, clear expectations, and mindset work around high-stakes moments (11+, GCSEs, A levels).

You’ll hear practical prompts to find your own fuel, balance impact with income, and avoid quick-fix traps like overspending on ads before you’ve proven your offer.

We also bring it back to tutoring practice: how to talk motivation with young people, build pride in hard-won skills (hello, times tables and habits), and use short-term rewards without relying on them. If this resonates, or you’ve got a story the tutor world should hear, I’m lining up new guests. Drop your details via the form in the show notes and let’s share what’s working.

https://forms.gle/Pc3pPXvkbe4ZeUaE9

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ChatGPT said:

In this reflective, practical episode, I share why the show’s gone “edit-light” to reduce friction and ask if that works for you—before diving into ongoing CPD for tutors. Fresh from the National Tutoring Conference, I unpack what great CPD looks like, where to find it (inside and outside our industry), and how to apply it to real tuition challenges—like changing buying habits, low social reach, and the power of webinars, email, and community to keep your pipeline healthy.

You’ll hear simple prompts to streamline your workload (what can you stop doing without losing value?), plus a nudge to plan your next learning day so you stay on the pulse rather than playing catch-up. I also share what I’m attending next and why and invite you to do the same. Bonus: if packaging your services is on your list, I’ve got a £30 workshop on 23 November designed to help you clarify offers for groups and 1-to-1s. Tune in, take notes, and tell me what CPD you’re prioritising next.

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Fresh from the National Tutoring Conference at the Royal Lancaster, Richard shares the standout ideas and people that made the day special—beginning with a huge nod to event lead Sam Nichols and the superb TTA team. Highlights include Susie from PS Education on humanising our language (“families,” not “clients”) and building belonging through richer onboarding and regular check-ins—even online, where a 30–120 second end-of-session parent touchpoint can transform trust. Beata Inskip opened Richard’s mind to scalable GCSE groups online, using Zoom breakout rooms for exam-board/ability differentiation without spinning up endless classes. Amin (A Team Education) offered a grounded look at the fast-growing home-education landscape and what quality, school-like provision can look like when built around a family’s needs.

President John Nichols closed Richard’s loop with a call to values-led leadership and a timely return to foundations: Bloom’s lower rung (remembering) as the base for real understanding—think times tables before fancy gimmicks—then build up to application and analysis. Richard and Vicky’s own ABC framework—Attraction, Belonging, Connection—pulled the day together: tried-and-tested pedagogy plus intentional community. Expect practical takeaways you can use this week: add micro-feedback moments, trial breakout-room differentiation, explore home-ed opportunities, and double-down on fundamentals that work.

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In this practical, real-talk episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, Richard unpacks how to find clients without feeling spammy or overwhelmed. He reframes the journey as three stages—Know-Like-Trust → personal touch (discovery calls) → onboarding—and argues that onboarding is the middle of the business, not the start or end. You’ll hear why visibility matters beyond social media, with examples like community boards and soft local partnerships, and how the most effective tactics right now are the human ones: showing up as you, inviting real conversations, and building trust through consistent touch points.

Richard also shares a simple metric to aim for—around 20 meaningful touch points a month—as a realistic “sweet spot” for momentum without burnout. He explains how to use “hand-raise” calls to action (comments, messages, opt-ins) instead of jumping straight to “Buy now,” and how those signals earn you the right to send info and make an offer. Expect clear, usable guidance on closing conversations, nurturing before the sale, and protecting your headspace with financial security—so you can stay consistent long enough for the compounding effect to kick in.

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Feeling flat or “off your game” with your tutoring business? In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I open up about losing my mojo after the big push for TutorFest and how that dip crept into my motivation, marketing, and mindset. I share a practical, compassionate reset: identify the trigger, capture the mental load through journaling, and use solution-focused thinking to turn worries into simple next actions. We talk rest without guilt, routines that actually fit real life, and why community time (family, friends, fellow tutors) can be the quickest route back to energy and clarity.

You’ll hear exactly how I’m rebuilding momentum—batching content, scheduling posts, and setting up boring-but-beautiful systems that keep the flywheel turning even on low-energy days. If you’ve felt the same, this episode will help you spot your own pattern, pick one gentle lever to pull, and get back to showing up for your students, your business, and yourself. If it resonates, hit subscribe, share this with a tutor friend, and drop a comment: What’s your go-to move when the mojo slips?

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In this candid, energising episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I share how I’m getting my mojo back by tackling a topic many tutors avoid: sales. We unpack the difference between the sales conversation and the close, and why the “salesy” feeling usually shows up at the very end—not at the start. I break down stalls vs objections (overwhelm vs price, add-ons, and negotiation) and explain why pushback happens at every price point, whether you charge £15 or £60+ per hour.

You’ll leave with three practical moves you can implement today: make pricing front and centre (or give a clear “from” range if you’re bespoke) to pre-filter enquiries; turn your most common objections into FAQs and content across your website and socials to answer them upfront; and use confident closing questions that smoothly move parents to a decision—think “Which evening works best?” and “Here’s how to get started.” If you don’t have a website, a pinned PDF/proposal works too. Simple tweaks, fewer awkward chats, and more right-fit clients.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I’m digging into what it really takes to keep showing up when your energy is low and motivation is slipping. We’ll talk about perseverance, determination, and the small but powerful habits that help you keep moving forward when you hit a hurdle. Whether it’s a dip in momentum, admin overload, or that nagging feeling that nothing is working, this conversation is about finding ways to reset, re-energise, and build consistency without burning out.

I’ll share insights from a recent Q&A session in the Tutors Who Thrive community, as well as my own experiences of being in a “funk” and what I do to pull myself out of it. From the importance of creating habits and triggers, to showing up even when it isn’t perfect, this episode will help you think about how to stay visible, stay consistent, and keep your business growing, even when motivation feels far away.

I'm here to help

https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/together-membership

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I’m diving into a topic that every tutor and business owner needs to face head-on: running on empty. The summer months are some of my busiest, especially with 11+ preparation, and while it’s exciting to see so many children working hard, it also means something has to give — in my case, that’s been the podcast. But today I want to pause and explore an idea that came from a powerful message I read earlier this year: is it ever okay to pour from an empty cup?

We’ll look at what exhaustion really means for tutors and business owners, the difference between teaching in schools and running your own business, and how we can build better boundaries for ourselves. I’ll share my own reflections, practical questions to sense-check your workload, and even a little challenge: are you being a good boss to yourself, or a rubbish one? If you’ve ever felt tired, stretched, or wondered how to balance growth with wellbeing, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to run not one, not two—but three interconnected businesses. From the tuition company to the growing Tutors Who Thrive membership, and now events like TutorFest, it’s all getting exciting… but also a bit complicated! I share how I'm currently navigating multiple launches, prepping for September tuition intakes, and managing long-term goals without burning out.

At the heart of it all? Simplification. I reflect on what’s working (like recording this podcast straight into my phone!), where I’m saving time and energy, and how simplifying certain processes is giving me more space to show up where it really counts. If your business is starting to feel a bit tangled, this episode is your gentle reminder to step back, strip it back, and find the clarity within the chaos.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I get a bit raw and real about something that knocked me sideways recently—a run-in with online negativity that triggered some old feelings around teaching, identity, and how we show up in business. What started as an annoying Facebook comment turned into a much bigger reflection on the kind of messaging out there for teachers right now, especially those being promised magic-wand solutions to leave the classroom. I share how I let it get to me, what it revealed about my own journey, and why not everyone is ready to receive help—because healing takes time.

But this episode isn’t just a vent. I also talk about what lifted me back up again: a great real-world connection in a board game café, the joy of serving others through meaningful 1:1 conversations, and how important it is to create safe, judgement-free spaces for people who are navigating change. Whether you’re still processing your exit from the classroom or figuring out your next steps, this episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear—but there are moments of light, connection, and progress when we stay open to them.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I’m diving into a question that’s been cropping up in conversations a lot lately, what does success actually look like? It’s a word that gets thrown around all the time, but the truth is, success is deeply personal and changes depending on where you are in life. I reflect on what it means to be successful as a tutor, business owner, parent, and just as a human trying to do good work and live a good life. This episode is part thought-starter, part reality check, and packed with honesty about freedom, time, money, and motivation.

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your tutoring journey, I’m inviting you to pause and think about your version of success—both in business and personally. I also share how my own definition has changed over the years, the role of therapy in helping me reframe things, and why sometimes the biggest shifts come from the smallest mindset changes. If you're ready for a grounded, no-fluff chat about what matters most, this one’s for you.

www.tutorswhothrove.com

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In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode, I sit down once again with Tom Delahunt – the mind behind The Wandering Lamb, The Butterfly Farmer, and the evolving identity of The Hobo Poet. We pick up where our last conversation left off and explore how Tom’s storytelling, immersive workshops, and growing partnerships are creating transformational experiences for children, educators, and communities. From Enchanted Gardens to butterfly sanctuaries in schools and care homes, Tom shares how his poetic vision and personal journey are impacting lives and reshaping educational spaces.

We also dive into the deeper purpose behind the work – the red threads of meaning that tie children to their creative selves, the value of being truly seen, and the importance of message over product. With upcoming projects, including a national tour and his nearly completed PhD, Tom’s story is one of passion, vulnerability, and radical imagination. Whether you're a tutor, teacher, creative, or parent, there’s something powerful here for anyone who believes in the healing and transformative power of storytelling. All the links, including his Kickstarter and Substack, are in the description – come and be part of the journey.

You can support Tom here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tcl/the-butterfly-farmer-the-next-adventure

and here https://substack.com/@thomasdelahunt

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In this unplugged, no-edit episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I'm recording straight from my phone, back to basics, just like in the early days of Tutors Who Thrive. Join me for a personal reflection on how this summer feels different: less stressful, more intentional, and a sign of how far the business has come. I share candid thoughts on the seasonal shifts in tutoring, the power of experience, and how each year builds towards a better one—both financially and personally.

You'll hear insights into how I’m structuring my summer, why boundaries are key, and how messaging to parents makes all the difference. Whether you're in your first year or your fifth, this episode is full of honest reflections, practical takeaways, and a reminder that progress takes time, but it's worth it. Plug in for a relaxed but purposeful listen.

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Welcome back to another episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business! In today’s powerful and inspiring interview, Rich chats with Susan Duffy, a newly full-time tutor who has just made the bold leap from classroom to self-employment – all the way from Hong Kong. After 11 years teaching in the same school, Susan walked out last Friday and into her new life as a business owner. She shares the real story behind her decision to leave, how long it took to make it, and what it feels like to finally take the leap she’s been thinking about for years.

From working in kindergartens where toddlers learn three languages, to being approached by parents in high-rise housing estates, Susan gives us a fascinating insight into the Hong Kong tuition market. She reflects on mindset shifts, financial planning, choosing the right clients, and how her confidence has grown over time. We also chat about the challenges of starting a business from scratch — from admin and taxes to putting yourself out there on social media. Whether you're considering leaving the classroom, already tutoring part-time, or just love hearing honest stories about starting out, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Hit play to hear Susan’s down-to-earth wisdom, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and what happened when a Simon Sinek podcast helped her quit her job on a rooftop lunch break!

👇 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories like this.

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What. A. Day. TutorFest 2025 was everything we hoped for – and more! In this special celebration episode, Rich and Vicki sit down (just about recovered!) to reflect on the highs, laughs, and unexpected magic of the day. From emotional arrivals and perfectly timed food to surprise tutor recruitment at the pub and old school friends reuniting after 30 years, this episode captures the real heart of what made TutorFest unforgettable: the people. We also share behind-the-scenes moments, hilarious hiccups, and the very real pride we feel at what this community achieved together.

But we’re not stopping there! We’re thrilled to announce that TutorFest 2026 is heading to BLACKPOOL TOWER! Yep, the iconic venue – ballroom and all – is going to be the backdrop for next year’s event, and we’re already buzzing with ideas. Early bird tickets are now live, and trust us… if you thought London was good, just wait till you see what we’re planning next. 🎉🗓️

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, we're focusing on how to set yourself up for a strong September by taking action now. Whether you're aiming to increase enrolments, improve your onboarding systems, or simply get ahead with your content planning, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you build momentum over the summer. I reflect on lessons from past years, explain why what you do now pays off in 2–3 months, and share how I’m approaching lead generation and client engagement in a more intentional way.

You'll also hear why having simple, friction-free next steps for potential clients—like PDFs or clear calls to action—can make all the difference when parents are weighing up options. From managing communication to crafting effective content, this is a short but focused episode designed to help you avoid a slow start and build steady, sustainable growth in your tutoring business.

Lesson Space

LessonSpace transforms online teaching by combining video conferencing with a collaborative whiteboard to host online lessons as interactive as if they were in person. 

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AE Education

For over 25 years, AE Publications has focused on excellence in education. We offer 'how-to' workbooks, testbooks, and testpacks for children in Years 3 to 7, preparing them for 11+ and SATs exams. With more than 125 titles, we are a one-stop shop for tutors, teachers, and parents requiring 11+ and Key Stage 2 materials.

Our range, written by experienced UK-qualified teachers, covering maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. All books have been classroom tested for quality assurance.

Tutors and teachers can set up an account on the AE Publications website to receive discounts of up to 35%. Learn more about our methodology and range here.

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