So based on a number of threads over the past couple months I think I've seen a need that could be easily met.

Providers: although not often mentioned or asked explicitly it seems that many of you often could use some help with various aspects of your business.  You are entrepreneurs and although you know your core skills expertly it's not uncommon for any small business person to need advice on the myriad of topics on the periphery.  How do you build and manage your business on a day to day basis; I'm sure there are plenty of questions on how you can build your business and simplify or streamline many of the administrative aspects.

Members: I get the impression that most of us are fairly to very successful in life and have likely dealt with many of the same issues that arise while running our own endeavors.  Granted likely in different industries but the fundamentals of Marketing, Sales, Accounting, Taxation, Legal (in the generic sense, I know this business has some special challenges in that area), Technology, and Management are almost universal.  I feel like I have quite a bit to share and based upon age alone there are likely folks on this board with decades of experience on me; surely we have our share of C-level execs, or non-Cs but with great depth of knowledge in relevant areas, that wouldn't mind taking on some pro-bono to help the industry we all partake in.

My thought is to provide a loose-knit organization that connects providers with questions to members that have faced the challenge before.  The model I was thinking of is SCORE (see the link below) which provides mentoring by mostly-retired executives to people starting out in business (early in my career I took advantage of their services and it was hugely valuable).

I toyed around with the idea of requesting a new board for this purpose but it occurs to me that most of the questions will likely involve some sensitive information; at least not the type of data you'd want posted on a public forum.  From a legal perspective this would also be best kept from public forums as this likely walks a fine line of supporting or furthering certain activities (I don't think anyone wants their generosity rewarded with being charged as a pimp).

I don't know if anything will come of this but I thought I'd throw it out there and judge initial reaction.  If there are sufficient responses on both sides of the aisle we can try to move this forward.

Providers: is this a service you would like to have access to?  Would you make use of it knowing that in order to get real value you'd likely disclose some sensitive aspects of your business to a member?

Members: are you willing to give your expertise pro-bono to providers on this board?  Obviously we'd need to use the same discretion that the providers use for us.  The only way I see this working is to keep it strictly free as well; this isn't a way to start your own agency or barter for freebies, we'd just do this to see the world we all like so much get stronger and better for the benefit of all involved.  Knowing the general field you could provide expertise in would be helpful as well.

Feedback is welcome by PM or Alias if you don't want to post publicly.

Thanks All!

What a great idea! I would lover to be part of this kind of project.
The goddess knows I am always looking for ways to better myself and my business daily
I will stay in the loop to see where this lands ...
Thanks,
Chloe

Providers are self-employed workers operating in an illegal "business". Retired execs know how to operate in a corporate environment and have strong leadership and management skills and a wealth of experience in the corporate world. I don't see anything in common or areas in which the execs can "help" providers (other than refer wealthy clients). These 2 groups of people operate in completely different worlds. Providers get much more help from hobbyists (i.e., their customers) in terms of pricing, marketing, security, and, yes, service. What is a retired exec going to advise a provider on? How to climb the corporate ladder? How to play office politics? How to manage a large organization?

Let's take marketing, a subject I think a lot of the providers would be interested in.  Sure, none are going to have eight figure advertising budgets and be interested in the intricasies of media buys but a CMO would still have lots of basics to pass along.  Just as with SCORE it's not the minutia of running a publicly traded multi-billion dollar organization that you're passing along but the successful strategies you used to demonstrate success in the smaller orgs along the way.

Back to that CMO, he can explain branding versus lead gen.  He can help the provider to better allocate limited funds by tracking lead sources and effectiveness (other than CityVibe throwing in the standard "please mention CityVibe when you call" how many are correlating revenue to source, close rates, and lifetime value of customers).  He can talk pricing theory and help her to understand her market.  To a more limited extent maybe getting into segmentation and message crafting.  These are things that are fairly universal and although not unique to the Cs of the world (someone fresh out of a marketing program would have opinions on everything I've mentioned) they've built up practical experience over the years as they've fought to make their own orgs great.

Obviously all the work you put in to be SOX compliant or to craft that inpenetrable sexual harrassment policy (no pun intended) would be useless in this environment but I'd think there's a tremendous amount that could be shared and would be greatly appreciated.

But then again that's why the thread, if I were possitive everyone wanted this I'd just have stated, "here's the group, who's joining?"  Maybe everyone shares your perspective and I won't get any interest.

Thanks for the feedback.

Whilst this might be a well meant idea that in a different legal environment might work in reality it entails clients getting involved in the "industry" and in itself has serious unwelcome legal implications.

There is the obvious help with establishing a business entity to pay taxes, manage expenses, get health care, work with them on retirement goals and then show them areas where to invest.
The not so obvious assistance could be to extract data from TER to show the best tour citys, seasonality and its impact on the trade in markets. You could analyze the providers/hobbyists by estimated dollars and frequency, which would result in potential lists of clients by market and estimated pricing.
You could also do the same by ratings compared to price.
This would be based on TER reviews. We also know that most people do not always write reviews, so the market would actually be larger than shown.

So to restate if this is done correctly:
1. You could assist the provider with setting up a business entity with which to pay taxes
2. Assist in setting up retirement goals and establishing a mechanism to achieve those goals
3. Provide market research which will give estimated spending and rating history by ter hobbyist in markets
4. Show which markets are best during each day of the year
5. Establish a list of the best photographers
6. Establish a list of the best hotels and their security

I am definitely a morning person.

As I said, it could be fun.

Balboa

Interesting concept on the surface. However, isn't there a fine line between offering consultative services and "aiding and abetting"?

By advertising on Cityvibe, Citysource, ThatMall and posting on sites such as TER, providers run the risk of exposing themselves to the unwanted attention of law enforcement. And, every once in a while, there is some sting operation orchestrated so that some DA can get some publicity. High level/high profile madams tend to get busted, not only for prostitution, but for mail fraud (filing a fraudulent tax return). Which brings me to another point...money laundering.

There is no legal way to help a provider launder money. One then runs the risk of being charged under AML (Anti Money Laundering Laws), RICO Laws (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) and even the Homeland Security Act (money laundering is a favorite target because it is used by terrorist organizations). Would a CPA or investment advisor put themselves at risk by knowingly helping a provider (e.g. providing advice, counsel and direction) to invest or shelter funds earned from an illegal enterprise? My guess is yes...civil, criminal (potentially) and loss of license would be a few concerns.

To my knowledge (and it is admittedly limited), there are no Federal laws against prostitution. This is left up to the states, so statutes, penalties and enforcement vary from state to state. Even though your proposed consortium would not be compensated, this would not absolve any of your 'members' from being, potentially, charged with breaking any of the above laws.

Just a few thoughts to consider. Perhaps, I am way off base on this and, if so, I apologize for taking up anyone's time.

but many of the gals resist the 'group thing' or forming communities of whatever in all but the most anonymous ways. TER is fine for most of them. The smart ones get involved, post, PM and pick up what they need. Many make friends with other providers and share info that way. They also tend to think any offer of advice from this side, is an attempt at management, freebies. lol

With that said, sometimes the male side of the business is definitely missing. One lady asked me to do a website for her and she said, here's what I want - fancy frilly and tons of verbiage. Looking at her pictures - I told her, here is what a guy will LOVE. Do you want all the business you can handle and raise your rates over time, or do you want to write a novel that few will read? We look at the photos and read reviews, it is not rocket science. She laughed and thanked me.

I made many suggestions to my ATF and she shrugged it off, saying 'this is how things work here.' To prove my point I did some pro-bono ad copy, design and even a website. It elevated her game quite a bit. And while I did not ask, she started giving me an extra 30 minutes each time. OK ladies - don't ask me for a free website --- LOL --- she was my ATF - and she was already calling me regularly just to talk about life, we were/are good friends.

Just saying - some of us are the helpful type and have something of value to contribute.

If we do this without agenda and indeed to elevate the hobby and help the ladies... then I'm all for it.

I will stay tuned to see how this unfolds.

I do not think so...this line of biz is different than other businesses. Besides, many girls do not want advice from guys on how to run their things.

I think the idea is great, but most certainly trick to execute being that you are asking providers to share very sensitive information which is most likely kept to themselves.

Quite honestly, while I do have a head for business, I admit that I do not know everything and there is always something to be gleaned from someone else who is successful in another field.  Some of the information may not translate (we really don't need to know how to motivate an office, lol).  However, I'm sure that a provider can find at least one tiny nugget of advice that will help her to be more successful in her endeavors, and that alone would make it worth it.

I would absolutely take part in the benefits of having the pro bono advice of successful businessmen bestowed upon me.  Many thanks!

it would be difficult to "grow" it as everywhere else providing is predicated on anonymity and private contacts and referrals. Or if you're talking about starting an agency..

Most long time providers who are survivors branch out to other areas of entrepreneurship whether it's an online business. I know one provider who started to raise and sell pedigree puppies. She started her own website and hired or partnered with a dog trainer. Others continue schooling for health careers or something else for the future because they can't stay in their 20's and 30's for the rest of their life.

However, I'm sure there are a bunch of successful traders on TER. Retail trading can be a private, or private group endeavor. But who is wiling to teach ladies trading. Hard enough to find quality trading education in civ life.  Most investing, trading and 401k are scams in this day and age. Yet there are those successful but almost always secretive. Just throwing out another idea.

......I'm sorry but the last thing this business needs is more men in positions of power trying to run shit and ladies all too eager to hand over the decision making, point blank. Its exactly that kind of shit that has this industry fucked up right now, and who gets the worst of it? The women.....but of course.

Aside from that, BT you could be a choirboy at this point, but just wait and see how quickly just a little power goes to your head.....I've seen this industry corrupt good men into nightmares, and as often as you post on this board, its clear, ur hooked.....perfect candidate. Stay a hobbyist.....this is a dark world, and it will change you, Not maybe, but surely.

Anytime youre dealing with a biz that involves pussy and money, you can damn well expect a mans values and focus for the greater good of the community as a whole to become compromised. They are the 2 most persuasive elements in existence, and theres very few men, if any, that can resist the power of either let alone both

I quite agree. Some people are taking this too seriously. Hobbyists stay hobbying, it's more fun that way. I was in that phase starting out where I was like 'Oh shit, I wanna learn everything or be a part of this" mentality in this hobby..past that point and all I do is enjoy the company of beautiful ladies and take it for what it is..honeslty..loosen up and just enjoy the hobby!

nyah....nyahhh...lol

I was an alter-boy, not a choir-boy; I can't sing.

Well, it seems there's a lot of (justified) fear of legal consequences and/or privacy and a bit of (somewhat puzzling) opposition to the concept as a whole but a handful are genuinely interested in trying this.  The numbers are low enough that I'll start by directly PMing those of you who indicating interest here and in messages.  We'll figure out next steps together.
Thanks everyone for weighing in!

For those of you who indicated interest, expect PMs in the next day or so.