Getting started in the industry?

[Studio 110 by Sophia 150333]

I hope this is the right section for this thread. Maybe should be in new to this section?

 

I want to start this thread for new and upcoming ladies to the industry. With this community being an excellent source of information, us providers who are experienced and have learned the hard way we can share our words of wisdom to those who are just beginning their business:)

So post what you have learned over the years and let's help our lady friends get started in right direction:)

 

I will begin with this word: Investments for ads.

 

The cheapest investment is your effort and time you put in on your advertisements. You may not have much cash in the beginning to invest in expensive ads, photo's and search engines.

 

But, by putting a real effort into making your ads well written ( IE: Do not use "i" use the proper "I"), fun and enticing is a good start. Make it interesting with theme, but still be yourself. What is that makes you amazing? Learn the tools that are available. Maybe write yourself a few good ads that you can copy paste, add or subtract from.

 

Put time into building your own site. This will eliminate the need of hiring or bartering off for skills. There are so many web site builders are easy to use.

 

Also for posting your ads, find reliable places such as CERB, EC, etc...Make sure the site you use reflects your standards. If using a paid classified ad such as BP and you only have a small budget, post them on the pay days or buy a month package.

 

Read, watch and learn from other ladies. See what is it that YOU like about them, BUT do not copy them! Just ask yourself, why do I like this ad? This photo? Then see if it is within your means.

 

Also more sites you use, the easier it is to find you in google searches.

 

Hope other ladies will add to this? What is the next major step for new business ladies should consider?

[squirtingmilf 1982]

I always say safety comes first in terms of knowledge of the industry, especially for those who are new. Find a good doctor and/or gynecologist one who is open to what you are doing, some are and some aren't and educate yourself on the potential risks of what services you are going to offer (always a risk but some are greater than others).

 

Find out where the free clinics are too in your local area just incase you really need one and your regular doctor is not available. They usually have a ton of information on different diseases, risk potential etc. and are more compassionate about your choice to be in the industry, easier to talk to sometimes than your regular doctor may be. Most free clinics also give out free condoms, lube, some have dental dams, female condoms - make use of that. Some cities also have condom fairies where they will come to your home or your workspace and drop condoms and lube off to you.

 

Team up with an experienced SP or two, you certainly don't have to meet them in person but even just build up a relationship with them via pm, phone or email, whatever your comfort level. We are often left feeling isolated and most of us can't talk to our mainstream friends or family about what it is that we do, so try not to do that to yourself. You can also see if they're willing to help you with time checks etc.

 

Educate yourself on local advocates in your area too, in case a serious instance happens (hopefully not) they are a great resources in terms of information, legal info and support. They too can provide you with tons of information of risks surrounding the industry and practices/services you're offering and they also have free condoms, lube avail. And well you can talk to them about EVERYTHING. Some of them are retired, part time or full time in the industry and some have never worked, but they choose to support us and you'll find they are a very understanding and wonderful bunch of ladies.

[fortunateone 156618]

Learn to say no. Learn to set boundaries, and when they are set, no exceptions.

 

Do not think that you are hurting someone's feelings or risking future trouble/harassment when you say no to someone rude, pushy, or asks for services outside your boundaries. You are showing them you are not a pushover, and you are freeing yourself up for the next caller, who is not rude and pushy.

 

In other words, just because someone calls, doesn't mean you can't say no to them.

[Studio 110 by Sophia 150333]

These are so excellent and hope others are enjoying reading an learning a bit of what it takes to become an established and safe provider:) Thanks ladies!

 

I am going to add this...

 

when it comes to endless txt-athons, simply ask them to voice call you.

 

If they actually voice call from unblocked number, chances are they are looking for real companionship. If not, they tend to either be too nervous or not feeling ready to book or they are just WOT ( waste of time ) People who wont call usually are hiding behind a txt/email.

[Guest D***el B***e]

I'm only replying to this thread from one perspective, the hobbyist one, but I think the best way to start in the industry is to find a friend you can trust in this business and work with her to learn all the tricks and techniques to make sure you don't get off the rails and plan your way into a successful line of work. My 2 cents!! :-)

[whatsup 11893]

Watermark all your photos that you put online. This will give you your branding and make it harder for other less than savoury providers to steal your pics. Your name and perhaps your contact info on them. We have all heard many many times of stolen pics.

[Honey Man 12759]

I am not a lady SP :) So I hope its okay if I add my two cents in here.

 

There is lots I could say based on observations I have but I will just say a few.

 

This is a business like any other business. Do some research and figure out what other successful SP's are doing and how they are doing it. Make a business plan. Which also entails figuring out what market your going after. You have at one end of the spectrum a SP tailoring her approach to meeting the high end low volume market and others doing BP. Once you figure out your market you need to tailor your approach for what works for that market. Always remember the cardinal rule in any business with a new client you only get one chance to make a first impression. So if your going to make one initial purchase make it pictures that reflect the you that you want to project to your clients. I have seen many SP's some with fancy websites and others with a simple BP add. I have talked to a few of the ladies I met through their BP add about getting a professional approach because they are every bit as beautiful and talented as a lady that may charge 2 or 3 times as much for their time.

 

Charging more is not always a bad thing. I have 6 businesses. I raise my rates on a few of them, I do less work for the same amount of money in the end. But in doing so I have more energy to spend on that business and more free time to enjoy the time I am not working. (Which in my case is not true because I find free time I tend to start another business lol )

 

A sure sign your doing well is your ability to say No. I know myself when starting a new business I typically chase business because I want to make money. When I reach the point I am able to say no to business that I would have taken when I first started up I know I am doing well.

 

Good luck lovely ladies and thank you to each of you that have given me the honour of sharing time with you.

[Luckyme 41401]

Like the gentlemen here, I would like to add a couple of advice from the client's perspective.

 

Do not give in to pressure to post your face pics. Sure, you might attract more business if potential clients see your face and know whom they are seeing. But once the pics are out in the cyberspace, they are out for the whole world to see - no turning back.

 

The next advice is - read, read, and read. Forums like cerb are a wealth of information. One area would be of tremendous help is the recommendation section. These recommendations are posted by satisfied customers and they contain ideas that you may want to copy to improve your level of service.

[Meaghan McLeod 179664]

If you create a cerb profile, add some information about yourself. I see many providers here who have no pictures, no basic info (age, height, body type, hair colour etc). So the client has no clue about you.

 

You don't have to write a novel, but do include something other then female provider.

[Emma Alexandra 123367]

You must love sex...don't be a lay there chick..get involved. ;) Be polite and courteous..friendly and warm.

[roamingguy 300292]

On the eve of C36 passing into law :-( don't list a menu of services on your profile/website. You offer companionship. You do not advertise sex for money (or is that money for sex)...what happens in private stays that way

You are escorts, not prostitutes, not sex workers, not hookers, well you get the idea

A quick rambling

 

RG

[Meaghan McLeod 179664]

Another thing. If you post pictures, DO NOT use pictures you've used on your social media sites (Facebook etc).

 

They can then use tineye (or similar) to find out your real name.

[Nicolette Vaughn 294340]

When you feel uneasy about a client and your instincts are telling you so, listen to them! They are never wrong! If you don't feel right about meeting someone, there is always another client that will come along. I have declined many appointments in my time and have never regretted it. At the end of the day, safety and feeling comfortable take priority over money.

[Ice4fun 78407]

..don't be a lay there chick... ;)

 

Love that comment.... :)

[Raven Night 200]

Wow, Thank-you to everyone for your great advice. There is a lot of valuable information and it is very much appreciated on my part. I do have a question, though, How would I find a "mentor" in my area. Is that something I can ask of a stranger without being offensive? Because that would definitely ideal. Thanks again everyone and from both prespectives!!!

[Chanel Rose 356]

Thank you for this post. I have been in the industry off and on and have recently come back. Over the years I have worked for agencies and now that I have become independent I could use all the help I can get whereas before have not had much at all. It is nice to hear feedback from both SPs and gents in helping me become a more experienced SP as well as for future SPs to come. I have recently joined cerb and had no idea this site even existed. It is nice to know that things like this exist. Greatly appreciated

[Emma Alexandra 123367]

Save money...there will be slow times and retirement...even if it's only a few dollars from each appointment. Save,save, save.

[Nicolette Vaughn 294340]

Just because there are certain amount of hours in the day and that you could be available doesn't always mean you should be. We are not machines and I have my own personal quota of how many appts I wish to do in a day. When I meet my quota, I tell people I'm booked for the day. It's also no ones business how many appts you do in a day. They probably assume I'm very busy but truth be told as a seasoned SP, I have built up a lot of regular clientele over the last few w and there are days I dont advertise. I don't wish to burn myself out. Always know that tonorrow is another day.

 

This is a good thread and I will post more as they come to me.

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[cat 262460]

First and foremost, I think new providers should work for an established business. Escort, massage or dancing; find a place that is safe and has your interests at heart. Learn the fundamentals before you try taking on the administration. Trying to figure out how to work an appointment while facilitating your marketing, screening and real life is the recipe for overwhelm. Take it one step at a time, learn the industry from people that know. Remember this game is sold, not told so you need to invest in your learning and the most effective investment is in who you work for first. Yes, you split your income but it's infinitely worth it if you are working for the right people. They will teach you more than you could learn on your own. Learn to walk before you try to run.

 

The second is don't take advice from clients. (sorry fellas who have posted, I'm not saying your advice isn't valid but...) Initially, you should listen but if it isn't backed up by a peers or another experienced providers don't act on it until you know it's genuine advice and not self motivated for their benefit. There are some that will guide based on your needs but those that simply want to further their agenda will erode your success in the industry.

 

Third is network. Invest time in getting to know other providers, even if its only online. The returns are bankable...

 

cat

[Studio 110 by Sophia 150333]

First and foremost, I think new providers should work for an established business. Escort, massage or dancing; find a place that is safe and has your interests at heart. Learn the fundamentals before you try taking on the administration. Trying to figure out how to work an appointment while facilitating your marketing, screening and real life is the recipe for overwhelm. Take it one step at a time, learn the industry from people that know. Remember this game is sold, not told so you need to invest in your learning and the most effective investment is in who you work for first. Yes, you split your income but it's infinitely worth it if you are working for the right people. They will teach you more than you could learn on your own. Learn to walk before you try to run.

 

The second is don't take advice from clients. (sorry fellas who have posted, I'm not saying your advice isn't valid but...) Initially, you should listen but if it isn't backed up by a peers or another experienced providers don't act on it until you know it's genuine advice and not self motivated for their benefit. There are some that will guide based on your needs but those that simply want to further their agenda will erode your success in the industry.

 

Third is network. Invest time in getting to know other providers, even if its only online. The returns are bankable...

 

cat

 

Network :

This is exactly what I was getting at with my OP.

Thing is, Yes I value my clients input. But it is not about " how to look...how to dress..how to whatever..

or etiquette on phone vs txt. Lord knows we have those threads already:)

 

Of course any business that plans to succeed will have common elements,

but not everyone is a business major either. Not mentioning the unique screening and self confidence it requires to work our path.

 

In other self made businesses you just do not deal with what we do as providers. Legally, safely and with all the dignity as any other self made business.

 

I value all the posts on this thread, but I just wanted to say Cat, your post hit it bang on!

 

Additional Comments:

Wow, Thank-you to everyone for your great advice. There is a lot of valuable information and it is very much appreciated on my part. I do have a question, though, How would I find a "mentor" in my area. Is that something I can ask of a stranger without being offensive? Because that would definitely ideal. Thanks again everyone and from both prespectives!!!

 

It is tricky to meet a lady to take you under her wing. But perhaps there is someone in your area that you know is established and a good business women and send an email asking if she would be interested in a coffee date with you sometime. Tell her you respect and admire her ads and was hoping to learn a few things. She may also appreciate the networking and have a friend to chat with about SP issues.

A lot of CERB ladies travel to your city too.

 

Best of luck:)

[Cara Silver 32412]

Invest time in getting to know other providers, even if its only online.

 

YES. Make friends with some of the ladies in the industry because you will need support and someone to laugh with and vent to. Being alone in this business is isolating and frustrating, especially because none of your non-escort friends will truly understand.

 

If you do tell your non-escort friends about your new job, be prepared for a variety of reactions. Some won't care, some will start seeing your life as their entertainment, and some will not want to be associated with you anymore.

 

Be prepared and be BRAVE!

[fortunateone 156618]

- New to the biz sps are always busy. They are busier in the first 6 months than they will be in the following months. Do not expect the same level of interest in month number 7. do not start spending the money earned in months 1 to 5 as if it will continue to come in the same way all the time.

 

- Do not make the new sp mistake of arrogance and entitlement. Men find sps attractive, and they shower compliments. But whether the sp is young and fit, or older and curvy, the compliments are showered just as much for the mature as the young. Being young is not an excuse for being rude and dismissive of mature sps, and it also goes back to point #1; the new sp is a busy sp, far busier than she will be when the newness runs out. in other words, you are not more special than any other sp out there, so make them your friends, not your enemies.

 

- Don't keep throwing money into ads that are not bringing in a return. Be choosy about where and when you post ads. Even if you are available 24/7, never put that in your ads, and don't post ads very late at night. This can be done by a more experienced, sp, but not a new one. The drunk, the high, the somewhat crazier clients come out after 10pm, you have to have the skills to deal with them. Which goes back to my initial post: learn how to say no, and not all money is good money.

 

- Clients are clients, not your new BFFs. They do not need your personal information, and they should not have access to your personal space. You have to exercise control over the amount of information you give out, and assume that at least one of the people you talk to whether client or another sp, will spread it around to people that you do not want to have it. There are many sps who have had this happen to them. The sps who have never shared one personal detail, or a face pic, or whatever, have never been exposed to their friends, family or neighbours. Boundaries are there for a reason.

[squirtingmilf 1982]

I agree with with most of what you said, but new does not always mean new to the industry, new to a city too, if you have never been there before, despite whatever. You know what I mean lol

 

So be to clear, what FO is saying, NEW just not young new or that type of thing. I made more money in my thirties than I did at any other age and I have been around long before that. And whenever I tour to a new city, I am booked solid. I have known FO for a long time, she knows what she is talking about and some times people take us older ladies the wrong way but we always every persons best interest at heart.

[Nicolette Vaughn 294340]

As someone who is also very experienced in this business, my advice is not to get cocky and think you're the best in terms of headlines when it comes to advertising. I see this all the time in other advertising venues and it really does say a lot about the person promoting themselves that way.

 

Being "the best" is very subjective and an SP will never entirely convince the masses.. While it is always great to appear confident, being egotistical and arrogant will not viewed favorably especially if you need to network with other SPs or wish to have certain resources available to you as time goes on such as being part of a private SP area.

 

Reputation and professionalism are two of the most important qualities to have in this business.

 

Not only do these qualities matter when it comes to clients but also how your fellow SPs view you as well.

[Studio 110 by Sophia 150333]

Never compare yourself to another.

 

You are unique and special in your own way. There is a market for every individual taste. From BBW, curvey , refined or rough around the edges, slim, tall short, long hair or short and punky. Just learn to OWN IT and be proud of your unique body shape and style. If you are a punky girl or tom boy type, make it work and don't think you have to be Barbie doll.

 

A used car sales men once told me after I asked, " how do you sell a old rusty car?"

He says " darlin' there is an ass for every seat!"

OMG I laughed but how true!

 

Remember your are not just a body, you a soulful creature and offering an experience.

 

One more thought..

Ask yourself are you in this for a long hull or short term? This is a question I wish I asked myself years and years ago!!! I kept thinking it was just to get me threw to my next job, or just for couple months. Which is perfectly fine! BUT....then 8 years went by before I noticed THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO!!! And wasted many years not paying my taxes, not claiming income as an adult entertainer, and of course could not advance beyond my capabilities:(

 

But, wasn't too late for me. I began to claim it, and now am fully functioning as a member of my socity and community. I began to save for retirement ( wow wish I did that 10 years ago! ) and with claiming income I can now advance my credit building:)

 

Do things by the book, under table work will create a loss in the end:(