Posted By: anawoods22
Previously as a provider I ONLY operated by word of mouth with very select clients as at the time I wasn't ready to put myself out there, so to speak. ... I have NO idea what I am doing what it comes to networking and such. [...]
I, unfortunately, am not in the position to pay for a website currently or an ad anywhere which leaves me just with the option of linking back to my reviews here.
Based on what you wrote about all the things you lack (network, website, ad budget, etc.), you might want to consider going to work for a local (Chicago?) agency, at least for a little while. People on the Chicago Board can advise you on the good, reputable ones in the area.
I would want to know what your typical fee was an Indy, what was the level of service you provided, how do you normally dress and comport yourself, and so on. Would you be more comfortable with a small local agency, a national glamour GFE agency, or a super-high-end VIP agency? (I'm obviously thinking of some national agencies with a presence in Chicago, but I'm not in Chicago.)
Although you've been indy, once you have an ad and an internet presence you'll need additional skills and the time to apply them: screening your calls and emails (screw that up and you'll get a bad rep); screening your clients (can take some time and effort); arranging schedules (hotels, transportation); etc.. A REPUTABLE agency will do all of that for you and they will take a standard amount out of the advertised rate.
Another option is find an experienced "phone girl" or "assistant" to handle all the screening, scheduling, etc., behind the scenes. Really good ones might be hard to find or already have many clients that use their services.
A few "rookie" mistakes to avoid: I think it was BadCollegeGirl who allowed her first client to pressure her into doing something she didn't want to do; set your limits. WATERMARK your pictures! or someone might steal (copy) them and use them in their ads. If you go with an agency, I THINK you can ask them to honor any initial concerns or restrictions you might have: start out with "nice" prior clients only, so you don't have to worry about newly screened new clients, and so on.
Keep asking newbie Qs here and local Qs at the Chicago board and things should go smoothly.
Good luck.