Attracting Corporate Clients for Business English

Corporate clients may range from large multinational companies to small or medium-sized enterprises operating in international markets. The individuals you work with may include:

• executives and senior managers preparing for high-stakes meetings and presentations,
• sales and marketing professionals engaging with international clients,
• HR departments are arranging training for entire teams, and
• technical or support staff working across language and cultural boundaries.

Their needs are typically goal-driven and pragmatic. They are less interested in grammar rules and more focused on measurable outcomes such as:

• Leading or contributing to meetings in English
• Delivering persuasive presentations
• Writing effective emails and reports
• Handling negotiations and conflict diplomatically
• Developing fluency and confidence in a global business setting

Corporate clients expect professionalism, tangible results, and a trainer who understands both language and business communication.

Before entering the Business English sector, it’s important to assess and develop your skill set accordingly.

Essential skills:

• Understanding business contexts: Familiarity with corporate environments, structures, and expectations.
• Industry-specific vocabulary: Particularly useful if working with clients in finance, tech, legal, or marketing fields.
• Needs analysis and course design: The ability to tailor content based on specific job roles and communication goals.
• Cross-cultural competence: Sensitivity to international business etiquette and communication norms.

Professional tools:

• A clear and professional website or portfolio to showcase your services
• An optimised LinkedIn profile for networking and credibility
• Access to specialist teaching materials (e.g. business case studies, roleplays, authentic articles)
• Scheduling and invoicing tools to support a smooth client experience

Investing time in preparation enhances both your confidence and your appeal to corporate learners.

 Success in this niche depends on clear positioning and strategic outreach.

• Define your offer: Be specific. Are you providing one-to-one coaching for executives or team training sessions? Do you specialise in a particular industry?
• Tailor your messaging: Corporate clients value time and efficiency. Communicate the direct benefits of your service—e.g., “Helping senior professionals deliver presentations with confidence in English.”
• Offer solutions, not lessons: Frame your teaching as a business service that improves outcomes. Consider bundling your services into programmes or packages (e.g. “8-week course for international client communications”).

Approach every potential client as a partnership, not just a transaction.

That’s really good advice!

To build trust with corporate clients, your personal brand must reflect competence and professionalism.

• Use case studies or testimonials (where possible) to demonstrate results from previous clients
• Publish content such as articles or short videos on LinkedIn that reflect your expertise in both language and business
• Refine your presentation: Ensure your website, proposals, and email communication are all polished and consistent with your professional image
• Network with intent: Attend virtual or in-person business events, or connect with HR professionals and company decision-makers

Marketing to corporate clients requires more than visibility—it requires credibility.

Finding corporate clients takes research, persistence, and a strategic approach. Consider the following avenues:

• LinkedIn: A powerful tool for professional networking and thought leadership. Share insights, connect with industry contacts, and showcase your services.
• Freelance and tutoring platforms: Sites like Preply, Italki, and Superprof can serve as a stepping stone to business-focused learners.

Check out our series on the blog about the different online teaching platforms to see what you’re really getting yourself into.

• Professional networks and alumni associations: Reach out through your past work contacts, teaching networks, or TEFL alumni groups.
• Email outreach: Identify small to mid-sized companies operating internationally and propose tailored training solutions.
• Your own website or mailing list: Offer a downloadable resource (e.g. “10 Phrases to Sound More Professional in Meetings”) to capture interest and generate leads.

Focus on building long-term connections, not just one-off lessons.

While teaching Business English all sounds good, some of us might not know exactly how to go about it. Ady, how exactly do we find clients?

When targeting corporate clients, you will need to decide whether to operate independently or work through an established platform.

Working directly:

Pros

• Higher earnings per client
• More control over scheduling, curriculum, and pricing
• Stronger, more personal client relationships

Cons

• Requires time and effort for marketing and administration
• Payment and contract management is your responsibility

Working through portals:

Pros

• Easier entry point, especially for new Business English teachers
• Platforms handle payments and logistics

Cons

• Lower earnings due to platform commission
• Less freedom to customise services or build long-term business relationships

Many professionals start with platforms while developing their independent client base. Transitioning to direct contracts over time often leads to greater income and job satisfaction.

Any closing advice for our readers?

Attracting corporate clients for Business English is both an art and a strategy. It requires a shift in mindset—from being a general teacher to becoming a business communication specialist. By understanding your clients’ needs, building the right skill set, presenting yourself professionally, and targeting the right channels, you can position yourself for long-term success in this rewarding niche.