What are introductions for?

Introductions are a way for you and a potential student to meet to ensure you are able to fulfil the student's requirements before committing to paid, long-term lessons.

They are not intended to be a free trial lesson and we recommend against teaching content during a free introduction.

How do my student and I join the introduction?

You can join an introduction from any device. We'll email and text your student with a link to join 5 minutes before the introduction is due to start, but you can also join directly through your 'My Bookings' page. The 'Launch' button turns blue and functional 5 minutes before the start time.

Before starting your introduction, make sure you ensure the following:

☑ You're familiar with the platform and classroom. You can demo the classroom at any time - which you need to make sure you do before your introduction starts.

☑ You have a professional background. Ideally this is a plain background, but make sure it is a proper workspace! Don't take an introduction from your car or the sofa.

☑ You're dressed professionally. Even though one of the perks of being an online tutor is a more lax dress code, ensure you present smartly.

☑ The camera is positioned well and you have good lighting. Ensure your face is clearly visible and try to position your camera at or above eye level. This makes the world of difference in coming across professionally.

1. Introduce Yourself and Take Control of the Call

You're the teacher, so lead the call by proactively introducing yourself and asking the student a little about them. Always ensure you speak clearly and actively engage with the student during the introduction!

2. Find Out What Year Group They Are And Why They're Looking For a Tutor

Students often have different reasons for why they want or need a tutor. Ask them a little bit about why they've decided to go for a tutor. Ask open-ended questions about what they're looking to get out of tutoring and what their requirements are.

3. Tell Them About Your Qualifications, Experience and Style.

Although the student has likely already read your profile, it's vital to reiterate your qualifications and experience to assure the student that you are qualified and able to help them.

Explain your specific teaching style and how you usually structure your lessons so they can get an idea of what to expect in a lesson.

4. Explain to them how Sherpa works

You should be comfortable with setting up introductions and bookings on Sherpa, as well as knowledgeable on how the payment system works.

Explain to them that if they decide to go ahead with you, they'll just need to accept a booking request from their side and payment will be taken 24 hours in advance, but they can cancel for free up to 12 hours before.

Assure them that you are familiar with the online classroom and that all lessons will take place through the Sherpa classroom.

5. Finishing the Introduction

If you feel you are able to help the student, gauge when their availability matches yours and advise that you would love to tutor them if they feel you are the right fit for them.

6. After the Introduction

Message your student after the introduction to thank them for their time and confirm your availability.

Using this structure, you'll massively increase the chances of an introduction successfully leading to a regular student!

If you have any questions on how to run a good introduction, or aren't sure about something on Sherpa - just drop our team a message using the chat in the bottom right.