I was reading the thread below on assistants and felt curious about how folks feel overall on the actual realities of running a "business"...

On the original point of assistants I have zero issue. If it allows the gal to put her entire focus on the client and not have to answer phones or worry about missing a reference check call I think its great. Only when I feel its impersonal and distant do I have a potential problem.

I also lean heavily toward gals with incall available since I'm local its greatly appreciated. I also like gals who are good about follow ups and notice about lifes unexpected interventions. BTW I also think this cuts both ways....shame on you (hobbiest) if you leave a gal hanging when you knew you might have a problem.

My biggest peave is the "on line form", I'd much rather a gal has an assistant then give personal 411 via a "fil in the blank" form going to an unknown source & potential stored in an insecure location. To put it simply I just dont do forms...

I love the gals who network for you. I found this out by finding a doubles partner for an ATF who'd broken up with her "roomie" doubles partner. So I hooked her up with my other ATF....then later hooked up a "semi ATF" who needed a mentor with a more experienced gal. I'm still amazed how much time and effort some gals have put into helping me find a good time....and always being there as a reference as needed.

My peeve is the gals who dont share and dont reference (outside of thier own little clique). I hate it when politics override fun and safety.