The Death of Distance, Part 73
The Washington Post published another story on how US kids are turning to offshore tutors to help them with their studies.
As you know, I think this is a great example of the death of distance (FYI–I can’t take credit for the phrase–though I came up with it independently, it turns out that a book of that name came out in 1997!). Of course, just because it’s happening doesn’t make it a great business opportunity for you, the humble reader.
The problem with offshore tutoring as a business is twofold. First, the barriers to entry are nil. The same things that make it so cheap for you to start such a business also allow anyone else to do the same. Second, this is a service business, with all the associated difficulties in scaling.
BUT…can you think of any such service that requires some special expertise, and doesn’t require a linear staffing model? That might be a good opportunity.
Going into the business may be easy, but what about Web2.0-ish AJAX enabled applications to facilitate the process?
An app which is a mashup of Basecamp, Meebo and some video sharing service for the burgeoning offshore tutoring market!
Great point, Justin–this could be a “picks and shovels” kind of opportunity!
skype + ebay + festoon
and you’re already 75% there
the only thing that’s missing is the storefront where tutors can show their experience, resumes, post some sample lessons, comments from past users
some companies heading in that direction-
nuvvo.com
jyvepro.com
probably skypebay itself
and a few others in semi-stealth mode