- 1). Update your first aid and CPR certifications. Ensure that you have current first aid practitioner and CPR instructor certifications. These credentials add to your credibility to manage a business teaching CPR. Contact the American Red Cross or American Heart Association for first aid training and CPR courses and instructor certification.
- 2). Obtain certification in safety. The American Red Cross teaches several safety classes and certifies instructors in areas such as workplace safety, home fire safety, summer pool safety and so on.
- 3). Contact your state government to apply for a business license. Hire a certified public accountant to handle the financial aspects of your business. Discuss with your insurance agent medical and general liability coverage for your business. Purchase the necessary insurance coverage to protect you and your business.
- 4). Purchase or lease an office and classroom space. Choose a location that your clients can access from main roads and highways. A space in a strip mall or office park is acceptable as long as there is plenty of parking available for your students. Ideally, your classroom space should be able to hold at least 10 students, with enough enough room to spread out mannequins and other equipment on the floor.
- 5). Identify the competition in your area. You may have two competitors in this industry: instructors from the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. These programs are likely to hold their classes at civic centers, churches and fitness centers. Consider ways to attract more students to your business. For example, offer free classes to new students. With each new registration, include CPR information and a free T-shirt.
- 6). Hire instructors to teach classes. Contact American Red Cross instructors with up-to-date certifications. Advertise for instructors through your local newspaper and the Internet. Contact instructors via the American Red Cross forum called Instructors' Corner (see Resources).
- 7). Advertise your services in the community. Target your potential student group. Visit medium- and large-sized businesses, churches, sports teams and civic groups, and leave information about your business. Promote package pricing for large groups that participate in your classes.
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