and I am with an agency. Now that I know SOME of the ropes, I am thinking of going independent.
1st) How do I approach an established independant provider in my area to be my mentor (I don't know any personally yet)
2nd) Is it hard to set up becoming independant?
Welcome purtygal! You will no doubt get some help here, but you might see if you qualify for membership on the "Providers Only" board. Probably a better chance of getting more candid opinions. Good luck!
but if you are in near DC i may know someone who could help.
However, a mentor doesnt have to be in your area- a Mentor knows how to work every area..
Number one, get a real ter handle and not an alias...
Email 4-5 girls and wait for an answer -
Start posting ads -
buy a domain
set up your website
get some nice pics
then the other 97 things you will find out later LOL
You dont know any of the ropes at all .. being an agency girl and being indy is two total different worlds.
We dont sit around eating tea and crumpets all day waiting for our manager to send us men -
It isnt about laying in a bed love.
Yes, its very difficult
you need to above all do your research on screening.
Join P411 date-check Dangerzone and several other places. For one if you have 3 reviews the provider board is a place to start.
posting an ad really isn't the only place to concentrate. Thats the least of your worries. you need to know how to screen. You need to know how to keep yourself safe.
Read the boards, this one as well as your local board. And get your tail on over to the PO board asap. Network, ask questions and learn.
good luck...
Nicole
Write ads, book hotels, drive, fly, respond to emails, answer phone, figure out tax crap, buy new lingerie, take photos, get STD tested, search the internet, screening...
It's running a business that's difficult. The actual appointments are easy.
Also, if you want to be successful in the long run, get access to VIP and read reviews, understand what makes the difference between providers who consistently get 8,9,10 and those who get the 5,6,7 ratings (or worse yet rip-off). In my opinion, the successful independents generally are those who (1) offer non-rushed sessions (and generally giving the full time or 5-10 minutes over as opposed to one pop and done is what this means); (2) don't over schedule yourself - S*** Happens, guys or sessions will run late, allow yourself time to recover, rest and shower/freshen up between session (cleanliness is king), and don't schedule so frequently that a guy arriving sees the guy before him leaving; (3) set a price and stick to it, avoid hobbyist who try to negotiate your rate, but also don't "upsell" unless extra prices are indicated on your website; (4) play safe - if word gets out that you are unsafe, many will avoid you; (5) don't use perfume unless you've warned the guy and confirmed its OK; (6) get to know other experienced independents and the boards/resources they use, they can be valuable assets to keep you safe; (7) make sure your reviews/profile are accurate - nothing is worse for a guy than expecting something like DFK or DATY then finding out its not offered; (8) build a group of regulars - one thing i like about my ATF's is that once they know you they generally give an extra 15-30 minutes, but they also know that i am flexible and if, for example, I have an 7pm appointment and they have an emergency/opportunity for a lucrative other booking, they are comfortable enough to call and see if i can reschedule - something I often accomadate if I can since we know each other well that I'm willing to help them out - and they usually repay that favor with extra time. I've found thast most of the very best AFT's often have enough regulars that they can be very picky about new clients, only accepting them if verified by others.