Where do I sign up?

ok thanks for the input and honesty, that's why im on here lol but believe it or not, so far I've had no problems with men submitting a photo oddly enough

Hey everyone, this is my very first time on here...I am just getting into the industry and am frustrated in trying to find the 'right' clients...you professional gentlemen. I've been told I have exactly what it takes to be of the Elite Mature and with a website on the way, will that be enough. I have posted ads on Backpage (a joke) and Eros, hits but nothing panned out. HELP...how do I find the guys I am targeting, the best bang for my buck in marketing myself as well as screening and of course staying safe as I require a photo of all gentlemen to be seen and as I will also be extremely selective, it's about quality not quantity for me as I hope to build ongoing clientele, not one time shoppers w the kind of woman i am...any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thank you. This can all be very daunting at first glance when you've never done anything like this before...and where is the best place to advertise in your opinion or is it really all referrals? Anyway, quick link below, let me know your thoughts but try and be nice lol

-- Modified on 9/29/2012 11:12:19 PM

You think a guy who is a "professional gentlem[a]n" is going to send you a photo for screening purposes?  I wouldn't.  And most guys won't.  Sending a photo is dumb and dangerous and the kind of guys that it sounds like you want to meet aren't stupid enough to send a photo.

My tips?  Register with P411 or date-check and drop the photo requirement.  That's probably a good start.  

I can't tell if you have reviews, but link your TER account to your handle and consider offering discounted sessios to guys who with good review histories that will review you as well.  Most guys won't see ladies without a certain number of reviews, so if/when you have reviews, that will help you out too.

But start by dropping the photo thing.....that's a hobbyist repellent for sure.



-- Modified on 9/29/2012 10:49:35 PM

-- Modified on 9/29/2012 10:50:27 PM

You should look up a forum called StripperWeb. Go to the Other Work section and there is a ton of information on getting started as an independent escort. As for the photo, you do what you want to do, but I was a little surprised by that too. I hope you realize that as an escort your inbox probably won't be full of appointment requests from male models no matter how hot you are.

Get a website.

Personally I would not even consider anyone from BP, after reading about loads of rip-offs.

I also would not consider a provider if she did not have her own personal website.
So you really do need to get a website where you can add your photos and all the relative information. Your services, your rates, your ideal clients etc etc etc.

You should also place ads/pics in the New York forum here at TER.

Personally sending a photograph would not bother me, but then I have nothing to hide.
A lot of guys are married, some have families or high profile jobs, and might be more reluctant to send their pics.

BTW...I would not be one of your clients because I would not make it through the selective process.

Good Luck.


-- Modified on 9/30/2012 12:01:39 PM

.... I have one of the strictist screening forms, and I still have plenty of gentlemen callers.  Set your standards and stick with them.

  A website is an absolute must.  Some ladies create their own sites, and they look amazing, but if you are not tech savvy, hire a webmaster.  They are worth the investment.

  As for asking a gentleman for a photo, I never have, but photos are easy to find: company websites, Linkedin, etc.  

Hugs and Kisses,
Kelly

Your a very handsome guy.

If she rejects you, give me a call.

Awesome everyone, thanks so much for the feedback. Yes Im definitely only on BP til my website is up and running which yes I have the designer all lined up and we are a go for this week. Good to know as I was hesitant on getting one but now I feel like it will most deff be worth the investment afterall.

What about Eros Guide...they are the most expensive advertising I have found so far, has anyone found they are worth it, or will my website be enough?

Keep the info coming...in the meantime, I was declined from Preferred 411 because I am new and don't have anything to show for myself yet, but will be registering for datecheck and dangerzone411. Like I said, this is not about quantity for me, which is why I will probably still ask a gentleman for some kind of recent photo, even if its blurred out or head chopped off, but something to see...I don't like the whole 'blind' aspect of this. I dont see anything wrong with asking for one from the gentleman I am about to meet. It's simply a small gesture and intro before we do meet face to face which is the inevitable piece. Still don't think anything is wrong with that, and I will of course make exceptions as there are to every rule and go about screening another way if need be to ensure my safety first and foremost.

Keep the advice coming people lol...

Thank you so much Kelly, from woman to woman. I do appreciate any feedback from other providers first and foremost. The website is underway as we speak this week and I'm excited...will be fresh and innovative hopefully. Where do you advertise yourself if I may ask that is worth they money to find the clients or really is it just luck with good SEO and a website and referrals in this game? Also, how do you actually screen, any feedback on that alone would be awesome and greatly appreciated...

Im confused...not sure what is allowed on how to contact a prospective client if they are interested in contacting me here. Do I need to be a VIP member to do that? For instance, how do I contact the gentleman who sent me his photograph asking where to sign up? HELP what is allowed in contacting other prospective clients as well as other providers...

Not sure to tell you the truth but would love to chat

You are more than welcome.  

  I prefer to remain a tad under the radar, but I will say that TER, has become a valuable part of  my business.  I would definitely invest in a VIP membership, as many ladies and gentlemen will only share information via pm.  

  I will be happy to share more with you via e-mail or pm.  

Hugs,
Kelly

...Your requiring a photo caused this thread to drift away from some of the usual info given to newbies when they post here on the "newbie" board. (also called the "FAQ for newbies".)

You need to read all the info in the Self-Help Center. A lot of what you are asking is in there. I placed it here for you to have easy access but you can always find it at the upper right of most discussion boards. It's under the red and white life preserver. It explains how TER works and answers provider questions such as the ones you are asking. It has info for the guys too. It would be helpful for you to read that as well.

To communicate with posters such as "bphunter" ,since you asked, you need to use the PM system. You have to be a paid VIP member of TER to do that or you need to have the limited free Provider VIP. You will need a review to qualify for that. You could pay for the VIP membership until you get a review here and then apply for the Provider VIP.

Consider placing an ad here on your regional ad board. See the Self-Help Center on the guidelines for doing that.

My two cents about your requiring a photo. I would not see you if I was required to send a photo. Many guys here won't either. I know you say you have not had any trouble getting guys to send one. You have to do what you are comfortable with and if it works for you fine. But be prepared for those that say No.

Some info you need to know should be answered by another provider and shouldn't be here in an open forum.

Welcome, be careful and have fun.

Thought I'd add that any thing on TER written in teal colored font is a link. Click on the and see where they take you. That's a good way to explore the site. Check out the site map too.

-- Modified on 9/30/2012 9:52:10 AM

Thank you and I apologize for my naivity with this site...will do and will take your advice firsthand...

You are in NYC, I see, same place as me.

There are lots of girls doing this these days, and even more new ones doing it because the economy is so awful.  You're up against a lot of competition, and guys tend to go towards women who are reviewed, if not well-reviewed.

Beyond that, there is a lot more information shared via email and PMs on the backchannels that you would never really know about, but that's where a lot of the real referrals come.  I have a small group of other clients who I correspond with, and we share information, and stuff that doesn't go into reviews.  So that's, at least for me, how things are done.

TER reviews obviously help, so you want to make sure you see someone who will review you and get the word out.

The "mature" sector is a tough one.  I'll be honest.  I've seen some women in that sector who had great bodies, but their faces weren't nearly as hot as their reviews suggested.  And so especially in this sector, the clientele tend to really rely on reviews.  I've seen a few women who had 8s and above in their appearance scores, and the face just didn't live up to that expectation.

Not trying to be mean here, but this is one of those sectors that guys tend to talk a lot more about offline, because too many guys have been disappointed by finding a provider who claimed to be early 40s and who was really more like late 50s or early 60s.  Or at least appeared to be.

If you want to discuss this via PM I'm happy to do so.

As far as requiring guys to send you a photo...that might be a dealkiller.  Especially if you have no reviews and are charging $500/hour (saw your ad on BP last night as I was browsing it for bodyrubs, actually).  Guys value their discretion, and while many are fine with giving some personal information, very few are gonna send their pics.

Best place to advertise?  Here.  Go on the Ads board here, and start building a following this way.

Establish your revenue goals and tailor your marketing plan to achieve them.  Know your market's price elasticity points with respect to appearance and level of service and compare that to your own pricing structure. Understand the competitive environment by asking yourself the following question, "A client should choose me because..." Then scrutinize your answer. If thirty other providers could give the exact same response, you have not done enough to distinguish yourself. Keep repeating the exercise until the response is unique to you. This then becomes the basis for your ad copy. Also, while eros can be expensive, it generates about 70% of my business so for me, the return on investment is quite high.

You will be lumped with the 450+ other providers in NYC offering escort services.

Your website means nothing unless you can get people to find it.  And for that you will need something else, like the TER Ad boards.

Guys want discretion and don't need to send photos.  There are plenty of other choices.  Just realize that.

Do you send a face pic?

Thanks everyone, will definitely take all the feedback and absorb as I create my site. Terrific and best advice I've gotten so far...I take criticism very seriously and use it to my advantage never take it personally. Only makes you a better businesswoman. So thanks again and yea, keep it coming will only make me the best companion in the industry I can be with what I have to offer, which I've been told is very rare in this business...so thanks to you all

use TER to meet people by mixing it up on your local boards, and boards to city that you may visit.

Personally, I have met several gals as a result of their postings on both the general discussion board and my local (Boston) board.

A good social/psychological fit is the most important factor to my enjoyment of time with a provider.

bb- Thanks for asking because I'm in the same situation as you, and the responses to this thread have been helpful to me and probably another new provider reading this on TER. I even noticed a few mistakes that I've made and got some great tips.

Great replies everyone- TER is supremely helpful yet again!

A lot of people here are telling you not to ask for a photo, not so many are telling you WHY.

1) Married or involved men, or any man with public, social, or professional status that would be damaged by frequenting escorts do not want photos of themselves floating around these venues. If you are saying that men are freely sending you photos, then I submit that they are either as naive as you are, or plain nuts.
2) I'm sure that there is a percentage of the hobbyist community that is devastatingly handsome, but most of us are average-looking at best, and just insecure enough to fear rejection based on our photo.
3) By asking for a photo, you raise doubts as to your own reality - you make me wonder, is this some kind of scam or sting? The internet is full of fakes, game players, scammers, and bait-and-switch providers. How do I know which one you are?

When I have some extra cash and am looking for something special, I might browse EROS, but they have as many fakers as backpage IMO... I would use my TER resources to seek out the "perfect" woman in my area and range.

In addition, as you've already been told - backpage is no place for an "elite" provider. "Elite" clients do not search backpage for high-end providers, and by listing yourself there (IMO) you hurt your own credibility. I am a hobbyist who USES backpage, but I do so for specific reasons (I live in a small market area, I have a low budget and am willing to take a few risks to find the occasional diamond-in-the-rough, etc).

Again IMO, an elite provider who has a well-known presence, good website, many reviews, etc, can use backpage as advertising to augment other, "classier" methods - but someone new, "claiming" to be elite on backpage, may look like a fake to the experienced hobbyist.

Lol, ok crazy, thanks...lol

Thank you and yes, I have done this exercise...

Thanks crazy...again. Yes did post an ad on here last nite as well when I learned of that after signing up. I get the whole photo thing, I guess we'll just have to see on that, haven't made up my mind on it to be honest...still would be nice even if blurred or cropped, just something...you wouldn't even send that kind of notion if you wanted to meet me? It's only for me, noone else. I plan on becoming a VIP member so I can chat with you fine folks and don't think I can do it any other way as I am a newbie...so look forward to learning from all of you...and building my lil enterprise as well..

Good thank you that makes me feel better, cause I'm a pretty intelligent woman but I was feeling rather a lil on the other end if you catch my drift with some of my questions and such, so glad I'm not alone on that frontier...haha...cheers to us newbies lol

I most certainly agree Mr. Fisher...its 90% intellectual, 10% physical...that's what makes any relationship of any kind enjoyable for all involved in my opinion...the meeting of the minds makes for pleasure of all involved...

Understood, thank you Clarence. Yes, this process as in jumping into anything new is quite an educational experience and quite overwhelming in the same bit. I am learning something new everyday with hopes that all will smooth out as with any new business venture as time unfolds and the more you learn as an individual and grow. I completely understand the whole 'fake' scenario with the internet, which is why I am here actually. Have met so many 'fakers' as I was the 'real' one and I just found myself saying...really? You're not who you claim to be, and they'd look at me and say WOW you look better than your pix...I thought to myself, something is wrong here. Anyhow, thank you for your thoughts, duly noted and as I believe timing is everything...perfect timing for what brought me to TER last night of all nights, as well as starting my site this week for myself. I am excited for this venture and believe I will be quite the success I set my mind out to be in providing a service for the gentlemen as I know and have. So thanks for all of that and I guess as my reviews come in, only time will tell........

And I guess my question is, why would I need to do that for you?  What makes you different than other providers?

Personal info is a sensitive matter.  Would you send an unblurred face pic of yourself?  Because most providers I know would NT, even though "it was only for me."

I sent you a PM.  Since you don't have VIP I will try to email you directly from your ad site.  Happy to speak with you about this more, especially since you are in NY.

In my opinion, asking for pictures is not going to serve you well.  Calling yourself "high-end" is also not helping you.  Those are empty words for most of us.

A good web site and some good reviews will attract customers to be sure but it's not going to fall into your lap over night.  You are inevitably going to kiss a lot of frogs on the way to finding a select group of repeat customers.  

As my ATF has been saying for many years: Don't be lazy and don't be greedy. I ladies that I have become a steady customer with have always worked this way and it will pay dividends...in time.

a web site, reviews, a board presence, etc., very few guys will TOFTT; especially when you are charging NYC rates for the Tampa area.

You can PM me for more information.

Thanks Boston and keystone kid...Im hearing ya loud and clear...thanks, no better advice than from the clients themselves...thanks guys...appreciate the criticism and feedback for sure and duly noted on all points and thensome. I can't pm anyone until I become a VIP member on here so not sure how to contact each other lol. I'm sure you can all figure out a way with your savvy ways. Would love to hear from you all as well continually...I like this lil community, deff makes me feel alot better than where I was just 48 hours ago haha. Hey at the end of the day we're all human beings right just trying to figure what works for us and who we are and such...

So I decided to take all of your advisements and made some changes to the BP ads, altho I wont be on there for much longer...they were starter ads to get me out there at least. Anyhow, changed a few things, took out the words, elite, high-end, and photo required (altho I will still ask if they are comfortable providing one blurred, whats the harm) etc...so let me know what you think...

I know that...Im talking about in addition to that...sorry for not elaborating

You seem to confuse some random dude sending you some random photo that he pulled off the internet with SCREENING

Screening is something we ladies do to stay safe. References, Date Check, P411, employment verification - these usually are the methods by which we screen prospective patrons, not photos.

Lina

how do you know the guy in the pic is the guy you are meeting? How does the photo help you screen?  The pic could be stolen just like alot of provider pics are stolen.  Or it could be from ten years ago or heavily photo shopped.

when a guy sends me a photo (I dont ask for photos) its usually not of his face.  Or his face might be in the photo too but its usually him sans clothes.    I would not invite guys to send me a photo as part of the screening, a lady can only handle so much eye candy in one day.

Yes I know all of that...guess I'm still hoping even in today's technology there are some 'decent' and 'honest' people left ... even tho in the 'real' world I've been faked out by so many people and their identities...it's mindboggling. Guess I'm hoping in this business if a photo is sent and someone is requesting to see you and they oblige and send a photo, that yes indeed it is them...but sure, nothing is a guarantee in anything until 2 people actually meet face to face...that is still the only 'real' guarantee that someone is 'real' anymore, if that even makes any sense haha

1. Get yourself reviewed;
2. Have an easy to navigate website with lots of pictures (you are marketing to men, after all);
3. Set your rates and screening standards and do NOT deviate from them;
4. Buy TER VIP and get on P411 and Date-Check (free for providers);
4. HAVE FUN!!!!

I'm in my 3rd "official" month as a provider, and have done pretty well doing basically only what I noted above.  As long as you're out there, and genuinely having fun, they'll find you.

It's ALLLLLL good!!!

xoxo
-Angel

I do have to add, now that its been a day or 2 since I posted this thread...and after listening to other providers and potential clients/hobbyists...one thing still stands true with me and that is this. I'm not venturing into this business to 'follow the pack'...never have been that way and never will be. If that hurts business for me then so be it, but I can only stand true to my ideals as each other provider does what works for her in her best interest. I will say that I still believe that requesting, not requiring a photo is still something I will ask of any gentleman who wants to book with me. I don't see the harm in asking the question...I just don't, plain and simple. If it makes me comfortable in who I choose to see, then that is what works for me. I am not judging any of you on how you run your business, I don't expect to be judged on how I run my business, whether it is like everyone else or not. I don't expect to be called a 'pioneer' in the same breath, but yet, when you hold true to what you believe in, then you hold true to who you are as an individual. And that is really what this is all about. So thank you alll for your feedback and criticism, but I will do as I believe and if it offends any of you in anyway, sorry, but that's just how it is I guess. The gentlemen who are comfortable in sending something that is yes of course 'valid' and recent whether it be blurred or cropped or whathaveyou, to me is better than not having any image at all of who you are meeting and speaking with...just makes for the connection between 2 people that much better in my opinion. And that to me, is what this is all about.

And unlike most of you, this is not about 'quantity' for me...but 'quality'...if I am lucky enough to meet gentlemen who 'get it' in this business and what it truly is all about...whether it be 2 or 10 repeat gentlemen, then to me that is success in this business for me. And those are the clientele I hope to seek and who I hope find me in the long run...those who have that similar belief in my ideals and such that just because the majority says something, doesn't always make it right...nothing more, nothing less...

Thanks Angel...agreed on all fronts...it's alot of work upfront...but looking forward to the 'fun' part most definitely lol

Seems I like to start a lil mental stimulation everywhere I go I guess...haha...just my nature I suppose. Hope you boys can handle that on here lol.

reputations and have established our businesses over time by marketing to whatever segment of potential patrons we find desirable.  Guess what ... seeing select gentlemen on regular basis is not something unique.

You've already learned that saying ELITE does not make elite, may be its a time to learn that insulting those who are trying to help you is not such a good idea either.

Trust me I'm not the judging or insulting type at all if you know me as a person...just someone who is trying to stand her ground among you veterans and try and be a success in this business like you all have over time, patience, a lil luck and a lot of work...that is all. I am just a woman who likes to believe she has a lil voice when it comes to anything in life like all of you. Everyone on here first and foremost is a human being with their own belief system and the right to express their own opinions regarding anything, I am no different...like I've stated, I appreciate all the feedback and comments and have taken all of it to make me hopefully 'better', and like anything in life...we learn and educate ourselves everyday about something new, or at least I hope most of us do or we do not grow as people.

Do not take offense to my words, I am simply a 'writer' at heart and enjoy expressing myself thru writing, nothing more, nothing less. You always have the 'right' to not read anything I have to say...but I will add...

I can assure you, from woman to woman, noone likes to be degraded or talked down to on any level no matter who you are...so please don't call me 'honey', you dont know me and I haven't personally attacked anyone on here and never will, not my style but I would expect the same respect just simply as a human being. Thank you.

"Have met so many 'fakers' as I was the 'real' one and I just found myself saying...really? You're not who you claim to be, and they'd look at me and say WOW you look better than your pix...I thought to myself, something is wrong here. "


fake pic scam by a hobbyist.lol


btw, it would not bother me if you asked for a photo when screening.for some, it's too risky.

well said, didn't sound insulting to me.