I'm looking into becoming a provider, meaning I'm a complete virgin to this (no references). As suggested in previous posts I've gone to the self-help center, TER's Instruction Manual and I find myself still not knowing where to start or how to safely break into the industry. Some say that I should 'shadow' a provider, okay good idea. But when I go to the Regional boards there are either a lot of gentlemen chit-chating about this or that or providers that are out of town that don't live in my area. Also who's going to trust me enough to do this if I never met them? I've also tried to sign-up for Date-Check, ProviderBuzz and some other sites as such but because I have no 'history' it's been a challenge. As I said before, I'm looking to safely break-in but because of what I've read my safety comes first. Thanx for reading...

who should be willing to help a new lady get started.  Find someone that seems compatable to you and take her to lunch to pick her brain with all your questions.  After all, ladies need other ladies when it comes to verifying client references.  Good luck to you.

as a way of learning the business.

Research in your area which agency has the best reputation and contact them.

Hone your skills there and when you feel ready go independent if you think that's what you still want to do.

Shadow a provider?! If anyone wanted to shadow me I would not be receptive to the idea... I don't even know what that means in this case! I must say though, women in the industry have been really helpful to me when I started in January.

Maybe get this book? I  have never read it but it's had decent reviews.

http://www.theinternetescortshandbook.com

Feel free to email me.

It IS kinda hard to get started in this industry. First of all, Do you have a website? Thats one of the FIRST things you should do! Theres places that you can make one for free. Once you have that, you need to advertise on the better known boards such as TER (there are others, but I dont think I can name them here). Do you know how to screen? You can always post on your regional board that you need help, but be prepared to recieve some snarky comments. Dont let it get to you. You might be surprised, though, because there ARE some very helpful ladies out there. Even some touring ladies MAY help you. If all else fails, you could always start with an agency, get yourself going, and then go indy. Lots of girls do that. I wish you luck, and maybe some other ladies will answer this post with other helpful suggestions. Feel free to PM me if you like. I'll try to answer your questions.

if you' aren't already. If you want to use the TER mail (pm) service, and be able to communicate with other providers and hobbyists.  You'll have tons of questions and using the pm system is an excellent way to communicate.  Also, if you haven't scrolled back numerous pages on this board, do so, new escorts, come on here all the time asking questions.  Good luck

Might be something to consider if it is an option in your area. This way you will have someone watching over you AND you will be able to decide if you even like the profession. There are many more issues than just the date and you want to make sure this is for you. I have been agency and indie. It was difficult for me to break back into  the indie world ( after a civie break) even with years of experience in the hobby. Please feel free to email me anytime - my address is on my website

but through TER VIP & private messages or email some ladies might be willing to discuss sensitive topics like screening (details of which vary but should not be discussed in a public forum.)  I would call it advise or mentoring.  
Yes, your safety comes first.  You can gain a lot of knowledge by reading back on the TER boards, particularly this one...  and it's free.  
Now here's some advise from a client.  You'll use hotels for your incalls.  Change hotels every 2-3 days.  Be discreet.  You'll want to tip the room staff well...  they probably know what you're doing but will often look the other way if you are discreet.  
Use a separate work email address, not linked to your civie email.   Probably best first contact through email.
Get a work phone (prepaid phone).  Buy with cash.  Buy minutes with cash.  Keep separate from your personal phone (also you can shut it off when you are NOT working or taking calls.
Do not leave wrappers in the trash...  brown bag to the dumpster yourself.  The cleaning staff may suspect what you are doing but don't do anything to confirm it for them.
The 2 call system...  you give out a locaton near where you are located.  You might even be able to observe the clients arrive by looking out the window.  The client calls your phone when they arrive & only then do you give out your room number.  
Do not work from the same location where you live/sleep at night.  If LE gets wind or you get a stalker or a client falls for you...  they do not know where you live.
Don't spend all the money.  You should pay taxes.  Have a retirement account.  Plans for life beyond providing possibly...  
Give good service...  give full time.   If the client chooses to leave early that's their choice, but the expectation is that play time should be "all inclusive" for the time contracted.  The only exception is Greek which generally is an extra charge where offered.  
Be a good judge of time...  providers must be skilled time managers.  But do it without being obivious.  Some are just naturally good at it.  A Fav provider has a large clock...  one can not see from her bed.  But she has a small portable clock on a shelf to the side.  I noted that the clock was prersent in what ever room we used... but never saw her look at it.  Others have music tracks they know.  Or some other cue.
Do not expect to or attempt 100% booking.  Really you need time to rest, shower, snack or what ever in between clients.   Clients who pass each other in the elevator or hall is a real turn off & makes for a high profile...  likely to draw LE or hotel security.  

So this is what I can thik of off hand.
Best wishes,
skb

Want to be providers with no experience are better off starting with a highly rated agency. If you can't be found that are local, there are other options. Since you have experience in this area, you should be able to give her good advice on all agency options. The business is too dangerous for someone that has little experience to venture out into on their own.

to shaddow a provider in your area...   let's say you go on some appointments for free as a "double".  I read of this in a review recently...  Let's say the client then asks to see YOU & not the original provider.  She could lose a few regular clients to "the new girl":...  girls are alays jealous of their clients.  They may give referances...  reluctantly...  presumeably on an exchange basis.  Others won't.  You might have to agree to give the mentor provider a fee for any client of hers who books with you...  but then, once you've seen them, presumeably the new girl will give the client her direct number...  cutting the mentor out of the loop.  
Now, providers do not "own" their clients & clients switch all the time.   But still established providers are not anxious to hand off any clients.  Maybe you could find a really secure established provider who is willing to mentor you.  
These are my thoughts...  
skb

Thank you so much! This has been tremendously helpful! I'm checking out every avenue (besides the pimp thing, ha) that was brought up in this post.
Be safe...

with a web site.  You'll need pictures.  A template site is fine to start.  You want good pictures that are really you.  Pictures need not be explicit & can blur your face... but this is your biggest selling point.  This is not for the shy!  You need a variety of views, poses, dress & undress.  I see way too many butt pictures...  they all look the same!   From your pictures, taken in total, I should be able to arrive at our meeting, knowing what you look like naked.
Your site need not spell out exery thing you do...  some feel it's too intrusive.  

You need to provide good services for the time contracted.  Understand that there should be one price for the time and anything on your menu & as many times as the client can muster within that time.  The only thing that should be extra charge is trips to Greece.  
You need to be a good time manager...  yet clock watching is a black mark on reviews.  So by slying clecking a clock (or a small clock someplace other than the night table...  A Fav has a small clock I eventually spotted it & it moves depending on what room she entertains in.)  Others use music tracks or other cues.  May I suggest a boom box or ??  aimed toward the door to cover sounds, but not blaring in at you & the client.

Be prepared with protection in a variety of sizes.  

The big area you need mentoring is advertizing (hint:  don't always use the exact same pictures...  makes me suspect they are out of date).
Contact:  I suggest first contact over email...  a separate secure account.  Then a work phone for the necessary calls.  Seperate from your regular phone.  
Screening:  should not be discussed on a public forum.  You want to know who you are meeting as a way to leave a trail if someone hurts you.  You want to do everything possible to avoid LE.  Being a client, I can't give you more information on screening.  

Best Wishes,
skb