Marketing as a new CFI

[DJS]

Don't forget computer nerds!!!

I've been job interviewing (a lot! arg!) with a large software company and fully 1/3 of the people I've talked with are private pilots and many of the others said, "yeah, I've got to learn how to fly one of these days".

Of the ones already possessing a license, only one was instrument rated; there's a definite opportunity for a CFII. (my instrument rating was definitely a good thing to have, especially in the eyes of a high up manager who's busted his IR checkride twice so far).

In general, computer geeks are intelligent and motivated individuals...sometimes with no social skills, but at least you'll only have to teach something once or twice instead of needing to repeat something 100 times before it sinks in.

Since the tech crash, computer folks aren't generally filthy rich anymore, but they still tend to have a decent amount of discretionary income at their disposal.

So don't forget the (us) computer nerds as a potential market.

...Dave

 

[Toy Soldier]

gizbug

Quote by gizbug
Is there a particular practice/type of doctor that I should target? I am on switchboard.com looking now in my area...

To answer this question you would need to answer the following question:

What are you trying to accomplish?

I think that the important goal is to market yourself to those folks that:

1. Have the resources (money) to fly regularly and pay professional rates.
2. Might be willing to buy an airplane.
3. Might be willing and able to hire you as their "driver" one day.
4. Etc.

Having said that, your target market can/should be "professionals" that can afford to fly regularly and pay professional rates. The term "professional" implies a variety of groups.

Here are a couple of excerpts from the "How to be a Successful CFI" thread:

14. Charge professional rates. IE; $45/hr or more! Give professional instruction!

15. Find students that are willing to buy planes.

26. Market yourself to the folks that can afford to fly 3 days a week. This will keep food on the table.

27. Market yourself to those that can only fly once in a while - to fill in the blanks of those that fly 3 days a week.

Once you find your "group" of folks, be proactive by using the following ideas to STAY busy.

18. Schedule your students. Don't let them schedule you (within reason). In other words, try to schedule your appointments "back to back" instead of having three a day at different times.

It wouldn't do ANY good to have 5 "professional" students, yet have them flying at all different hours of the week...

19. Develop a goals timeline with the student. Don't just "train away". Help them to establish "dates" for written tests, pre-solo written, checkride, etc.

This will keep them coming to you on a regular basis.

These kinds of ideas help you to maintain a normal schedule while keeping your students on track - hence, more "food" on the table...

Just 2 more of my cents......

 

[BoDEAN]

Where can one find "The Savy CFI" book?
Did a google, amazon.com, sportys.com search, nothing

 

[English]

It's called 'the Savvy Flight Instructor". I just did a quick search and discovered it is published by ASA. Not sure why you couldn't find it.

http://www.paperjet.net/books.php#savvy

 

[mizzouguy]

Toy Soldier had some good ideas except scrap the AOPA crap. Their membership just buys fuel for Phil Boyers Citation. There are better ways trust me. None of our instructors waste their money on their dues ( the only reason they exist),and we are never short of students. Word of mouth is the best way. Give quality instruction and students will come period.

 

[surfnole]

As an independent CFI, how many hours a year would it be possible to bill? Assuming living in FLA.

I am not talking about killing yourself, but working hard.

 

[BoDEAN]

2912 billable hours I'd say

 

[surfnole]

Assuming a 50 week work year and 40 hours a week, I can't see how you could bill over 2000. This does not include many vacation days either. I also don't think it would be possible to bill students for 40 hours in a work week due to cancellations, weather, self training time, marketing activities etc.

Maybe I am wrong though?

 

[Toy Soldier]

Quote
====================================
Toy Soldier had some good ideas except scrap the AOPA crap.
====================================

I have gotten quite a few flight reviews and students off of AOPA. Not to mention the wealth of information and resources in the members area.

My post mentions numerous ideas to help one be successful. No one idea has made me rich. However, combining ideas together has made me "fat and happy"

Again, that's been my experience. Good luck!

 

[BoDEAN]

Update

Our flight school would like to put together a package that will be
distributed to H.R. Departments throughout the area. We are going to
target primarily large scale professional establishments.


Any tips on what I should say/include?
Could be a great way to get business at a flight school.

 

[sky37d]

I second AOPA flight training listing. When I was looking for some dual, I checked there. HOWEVER, if you do list anywhere, keep it current. I sent email to 6 people, 1 responded. Others disappeared into the ether, or bounced back.

 

[bart]

you can only bill 8 hours of flight time a day, 40 per week, so I would imagine for the very industious, they could BILL up to 12 to 14 hours a day. Then work 7 days a week, running ground schools when you are out of flight time.

Theoretically, that would give you 4,380 to 5,110 hours. Making say $35 an hour, you would make more than alot of doctors.

 

[labbats]

Too bad doctors don't get rained out.