I'm just getting start in the hobby and it seems like every provider that I am interested in wants a reference or my work phone number before making an appointment.  Since I don't have any experience yet, I don't have references and I sure don't want to give out my work number and raise eyebrows.  Any suggestions on how I can get that first one out of the way and get going?  I've got time and $$ in my pocket and can't even get laid by a professional!!

The work number is part of her screening process and is used to verify that you work for and where you say you do. They want to make sure you're not LE and that you're not going to harm someone. She's not going to call and say "Hi, I'm ---------, courtesan extraordinaire. I'm looking for Bob Jones, does he work there?"

Just tell whomever answers your phones at work that you have applied for a loan and someone from the bank may be calling to verify employment. Then get that story straight with whomever you wish to see. She'll say "Hi, I'm ---------, a loan officer with Wells Fargo Financial and I'm calling to verify that Bob Jones is gainfully employed by you and has been so for xxx years. Yes? Thank you, goodbye.

I'd be worried if a lady _wasn't_ asking for that type of information.

Hi,

All good agencies and providers have a screening process, they want to make sure you are who you say you are. Too many nut jobs out there for them not to. The screening process for a work verification is pretty easy, they will typically call to confirm an appointment such as car repair, employment or the like. This process is vital for the safely of all concerned.

I would very very cautious of dealing with ANYONE who did not have such a procedure in place.

As an agency we have verified clients who visit our city from all over the country, it is usually pretty quick and painless.  We are very careful, we value the clients and entertainers too much not to be. We have also declined clients who did not want to provide such information.. we are always polite, but no info, no entertainer, no exceptions.


My 4 cents worth

TOC

I agree with Slimroot and CJ.  Your work phone exchange is a solid way of verifying you.  Think of it, would you want your personal contact information in the hands of a careless provider or agency that did not verify throughly?  You may get lucky with such people, but your luck will run out.  As pointed out, the best providers and agencies will put you through detailed verification before even thinking about serving you - tolerate the verification, it is very discreet and in YOUR best interest.

Escort references are good enough if not better. I can see the idea of a job as a reference, but if you are like me, I work for a law firm; If they ever found out that I'm part of the circuit, I'm toast. Now if I was a plummer, or an auto repair man, the boys might get a good laugh if an SP decided to snitch. i'm not saying that those jobs are below me now that I have a whitecolar job; i used to be in he Navy as an enlisted man, but four years of law school nearly killed me. I do not want to lose what i worked for that's all. However, my close providers, and only a few, may know more about my POE.

While *some* provider references may be ok, others may not be. There have been many cases where the provider reference did not work, and the end result was trouble. An example may be a provider who gives a reference thinking you are someone else, or a provider who may have gotten into a jam and gives a reference to one who should not recieve one.

In summary, a provider or agency is trusting you with a hell of a lot more than you are trusting them with by giving them a bit of information.

My 4 cents worth.

TOC

Screening is an important an necessary part of the process.  

However, I don't think it is necessary to provide one's work number as part of that process.  There are many ladies who do not require that aspect.  

I had a negative experience providing a work number and will not do so again, under any circumstances.  That is my experience.

Here is the other wrinkle...what if you are employed as a consultant or work for yourself?  That makes it difficult to provide a workplace number.

My .02...screening is important and necessary.  Just provide the info you are comfortable with.  There are ladies that will be able to help you.

I do agree that their are times that work number will not work so to speak for various reasons, the bottom line is there is ALWAYS a way to verify who you are, and that is what is important. Work with the agencies and independents and they will work with you. Keep the hobby safe for all concerned.

I have traveled this great country from one end to another, and have always been able to provide enough info to make the person on the other end of the phone comfortable, where there is a will there is a way.

My 8 cents worth

TOC

If you give your work exchange number to trailor trash then anything can happen.  If you give it to a lady of refinement and discretion, the information will be used to protect you and her and make your time toghether great for both of you.  All I can say is keep on insisting on light verification procedures my man, one day your fellow lawyers will wake up to find your name on your city's beat sheet.

What if your work line is direct to you, voicemail, etc. - does this still count or how can I work around this?