I was just wondering...you ladies are business people, right? So...do you plow money back into your "business" - invest in yourselves...with an eye toward greater revenue and margin in the future?

Here...let me explain, using myself as an example. I work for myself...consulting. Right now, I am taking some training and certification courses that will enable me to put some letters behind my name. Truthfully, while I am learning a little (and only a little), the knowledge I am gaining is NOT worth the time I am investing. Moreso, the things that I am studying, most of which I know, are very rarely used skills / tools / knowledge in my particular industry and targeted niche.

Really...the reason I am spending $6,000+ in this course / training, is just to stick those letters behind my name. Those letters will seperate me to some degree from other consultants, and hopefully as a result increase business.

Now...without intending insult...we know that while you ladies sell "companionship", in reality for MOST of you MOST of your business comes from one or two hour sessions. Which is fine....I ain't hatin'.

And we also know that MOST of you....if you are being honest...got into the hobby for reasons that you saw as temporary, and don't / didn't PLAN (reality not withstanding) to be a "working girl" for very long. How things turned out...you liked the flexiabilty, you liked the money, you liked the sex...fine, but it didn't START off that way.

But...this isn't necessarily universal, now is it? For some of you, being a "companion" *IS* indeed a "career chioce"...this *IS* what you do, and plan to do for the foreseeable future. So...

Do you invest in your business? Do you invest in yourself? Not just makeup or clothes, which you'd probably buy as an attractive woman anyway. I mean time or money invested into THE BUSINESS...time / money that you would have probably not spent otherwise...

I'm thinking some gal might be saying to herself...."I want to see a different type of guy now...and change the nature of my sessions. I want to focus mostly on overnights, more weekend trip companionship, more weekly two hour regulars. I want guys who are REALLY coming for more than just the sex. Guys who are more upscale, and willing to pay more to get what they want."

Well, as I am sure you know already, since they can buy sex for $200 to $300 an hour, such a gal would have to offer MORE than sex. So....

Do you ladies who fit this catoegory...say...REALLY keep up with world events? Read informative news sources...like the NY Times versus the NY Post? Wall Street Journal?

Do you...say...take golf lessons and really work on your game to make it passable, in case a client wants to take you to his club, or on a golf vacation? You know...not to become an expert at the game, but get good enough so you don't embarass him? So you don't LOOK like a "paid for date" just around to show off her legs?

What about etiquette lessons? Wine tasting courses?

What about "capital improvements" to the "merchandise". A GOOD boob job is $10,000....and you could easily spend another $10,000 on other more subtle stuff....a tummy tuck, botox injections...

What about memberships to certain social / charitable organizations, where you are more likely to meet the target client...versus just an internet ad? Do you invest time in networking, to "market" yourself?

I am just curious if any of you view YOUR business as a serious endeavor, and take the same sort of steps I have to take for MY business to maintain it...





-- Modified on 8/23/2002 10:14:58 PM

There is such a varying degree in what a ladies purpose is getting into this endeavor.  The reasonings I believe determines how one goes into running the business aspect of this endeavor.  

I can only speak for myself, but did get into this knowing that it would be at least a two to three year endeavor.  I am not nieve in knowing that once I do retire that I will not be making the money I am making now for at least an 18 month period and have figured that into my plans.  I am very goal orientated and therefore there have been no surprises.  I am ahead of my targeted goals.  The only thing that I haven't decided on is whether or not I will continue to see some very close "favorites"  when I retire, for my reasonings were not only financial, but personal also.

Knowing that this will be what it is for me, although I do invest into this endeavor, I may not invest as much as I would if this were to be a life time business, but do invest just the same.  It figures into the costs each month of running this endeavor.  Marketing is a great part of it.  Knowing what type of gents I would feel most comfortable with and planning toward that.  

I do not purposely read world events to target my clientele, I was reading them years before this ever came up.  I spend a lot each month in entertainment expenses for I do have set things that I do (can't give those away-LOL) to ensure that I do meet with the clientele that I do feel most comfortable with.  These things have paid off in the interim.  I spend more, but do have more quality appointments.  I rarely have one hour appointments anymore and do now have more quality outcall appointments because of it.  It isn't all about sex for me as many tend to take in looking at this endeavor.  It truly is about companionship.  

I do take more time in my appearance.  Although, I have always had perfectly manicured hands and feet, I do tend to go more often to keep them at their best at all times.  My dilemma now is in changing my appearance.  I am not a hard body, never will be, but can improve.  I have toyed with the idea of plastic surgery mostly for myself.  I was a size 26 and 315 pounds a few years back and well, the weight loss has some room for improvement and any more weight loss would make my skin look like a wrinkled old womans.  I had been thinner, but gained to hide the sagging skin.  I want to do a lift on my legs, arms and buttocks, so that I can lose that last 15 pounds, but have had, surprisingly, a lot of negative feedback when speaking to my clients about it.  They like the fact that I am not perfect.  They like the fact that they can walk into an establishment with me and feel confident that it is not obvious as to what I am, yet still beautiful in their eyes.  They fear the surgery will change that and because of that have thought about postponing that surgery until I near retirement, for fear of losing the clientele that I have strived for.    So, this endeavor does in that aspect hold me back from what I would do because of the bottom line.

This has also opened new avenues for me in other business endeavors that I would like to take in the future.  I am an entrepeneur, always have been and am always looking for new avenues.  I have a main business that is building and now this has given me another avenue to pursue once that is going on its own and will need my minimal attention.

It is a business and as with any other business, there are investments that are made.  What is put into it is what is gotten out of it and determines the clientele one sees and the bottom line.  The trick as with any business is knowing what to do in order to get where you want to be and with who.

Lauren

-- Modified on 8/23/2002 3:05:23 PM

I LOVE THIS TOPIC! (what a great topic)

okay...

YES! I invest in myself and learning more about "the business of pleasure". Unfortunately there is no school for "Courtesans" (though there should be).

Everything you said is true. Most of us did NOT intend to be in this business for the long haul, but the potential of this business soon becomes apparent (some of us get it quicker than others) and we invest in being the best providers we can be.

A good "professional" provider will invest in herself physically (Hair, Make-up, Clothing/Lingerie,Gym Membership, etc), as you said...these are obvious investments.  Some of us who are not as blessed will go even further with plastic surgery, boob jobs, botox, etc...

IN MY CASE

My ENTIRE website is dedicated to my evolution as a "courtesan".

I only intended to be in the biz 6 months...2 years later I find myself touring and loving the biz more than ever!

During the last year I have spent countless hours reading about the history of courtesan, reading "The Mayflower Madam" cover to cover, and real life experiences with the fine gentlemen I have met in Las Vegas and California.

I now invest a lot of time into fitness. I've lost 15 lbs. (I need new pics for my website) and have 5 more to go...okay 10 more...OKAY 15 MORE! LOL!

I call myself a "Purveyor of Pleasure" because I take the "business of pleasure" VERY SERIOUSLY.

I dont have the money to create a "flashy" website yet, (though I've purchased my domain name) and I'm still new at touring...but catch up with me in a year, I'll bet I will be one of the top ebony ladies around...for that is my goal!

MyLife...I LOVE YOUR POSTS! YOU ALWAYS KEEP IT REAL! :0)

my .02 cents

Sable

I've posted many times about the wondrous journey of evolution I have experienced but I do regards it a touch differently.  I totally believe there are numerous women providers who wil in fact step out of this and into as much money as their making now and potentionally more than their current annual incomes.  I am talking 6 digit incomes.  How is that?  Many ladies were degreed stepping into this which I believe gave them a significant advantage over say a high school diploma or less than that.  This isn't said either as a degratory to those who may have not attended college.  But for those of us who have and have experienced an accepted following with a group of elite gentleman the education definitely comes in handy.  I have become aware of numerous providers who are currently obtaining graduate degrees in Business,Finance, Law, Psychology and the list goes on.  So by virtue of insight to further educate we will be able to command our 6 digit incomes.  I saw this as the vehicle to get me to my next berth of education and it was never intended to be forever.
I never started with any set notion of how long I would be involved in this.  It has now spanned 3 years and I still haven't  got back to school but the paperwork is in an I will start in Jan 2003.  But I feel like I have been going to school (the school of life) ever since I began this.  And the learning experiences surpasses everything that came before it in a magnificiently enlightening aurora.
As far as investing in my business----no I wouldn't say my business---I invest in me because I know that is the one thing that I can always count on---these investments consists of ongoing quests for understanding and knowledge,the golden years investments, rainy day and storm back-up, maintaining a healthy self through exercise, regular check-ups, and yes I had my chest augumented but I had been wanting to do that for probably 10 yrs.  I was able to afford it do to the positive income I have had.  But I didn't do because of my work as a provider I did it for me as it was a desire for numerous years.  Did it benefit my business I would say it definitely makes a difference.  My outlook years ago was much as yours about re-investing in a business---and to most degrees that is usual protoccol and what a sharp business person would do.  I feel the nature of this business is different than say store front business.  I would say 90% of a job well-done in this venue is about me as a person and the other 10% would fall in the same areas like a store front business would.  Of course this is just my 2 cents but if I maintain a healthy self as I try to do by all the aboved mentioned things--by investing me ( A sure bet in my book) my business flourishes no matter what I'm doing.  Life is wonderful and I enjoy everything I do and strive to do it to the best of my ability or I don't do it at all and let those who are more apprised handle it.  Just my thoughts

I've been in the technical field for 10 years and just recently started working as a provider due to the low demand for my specific expertise in the area where I live.  

I now have two careers to maintain.  I have to stay on top of the latest technical advancements in my field PLUS get my ass off the computer long enough to workout, tan, get my hair done, and have regular manicures and pedicures.  I used to buy suits for the office and now I'm buying lingerie.  I used to eat pizza and drink beer and now it's health food and bottled water.  I research diet and beauty information online in addition to PHP and Java programming sites.

A lot of the clients I get are technical people who are very interested in my programming background and feel they can relate to me better because of our common interests, and I really enjoy and appreciate that, but keeping myself attractive is just as important, so I have definitely changed my lifestyle to accommodate my second career and I'll continue to do that as long as I enjoy it and it's profitable for me.

Since then, I've remodeled one home and am currently working on my second.  Isn't real estate wonderful!  

1. I've been continually educating myself on the techniques of this trade through my friends.  Since they know what they want, I ask for suggestions and it's worked out fantastic!

2. I've learned the in's and out's of remodeling and real estate in general.

3. When I'm done with this home, I'll probably stay, but who knows... there's always a great property somewhere I can make 100-150K on hehe.

I can't predict what's next, but I'll continue to invest in my future with real estate and when I'm ready I'll go back to high tech consulting.  I cringe at the thought of quitting this line of work.  I truly enjoy most of the gent's I meet and have made long term friends that would be very difficult to say goodbye to.  I guess I'll cross that brick somewhere.

Speaking from my own MyLifeAsMe, the answer your question is yes I have always invested in myself on a business level and a personal level. I have always had income tucked away somewhere waiting for a rainy day and that includes retiring and being prepared for that unexpecting day that shit just might happen.

I have always had bonds, CD’s, 401k accounts tucked away somewhere. I do not know much about the stock market and I am not much of a risk taker so I don't really hit the stock market area. I do currently think a good safe way to go is to open a money market account. Unless I invest a lot of money I won't yield but 5% but at least I won't tie up my money. I have two checking and two saving accounts one is a hidden account and the other is for bill pay.

I always knew that to get wherever I wanted to go, I had to be clear about what I really want. I knew there would always be expenses and to stay at the top of it all I must try to invest plenty time and energy in figuring out what I really want and what it will take to get me there and try to make lifestyle longterm decisions and make the most out of my money I bring home weather from this biz or other sources. I have mapped out my financial future and trust me it is a challenge.

I have worked since I knew what working was and got burned out so I gave up those demanding ass jobs not because I had to just because I decided to take time out for me and invest in me personally. That is how I got in the escort business. The benefits are great and I wouldn't retire until something happens that will make me retire.

I am currently researching becoming an entrepreneur by investing in a start-up homebase photography business in desktop publishing, digital printing for construction companys providing new home owners with a complete photo album of their home's construction. Also I am currently considering getting an associate degree in criminial justice.

Now on a personal level regarding my expenses, investing in me does not take much. Of course i invest in sexy lingerie, make-up and get my nails done hell you can't leave that out.  My overhead is around $500 amonth and that incluse all expenses.

Yes I see this hobby as a temporary job and alway focus on the type of clientel I want in my company. I have no reason to invest a lot of money in webdesign in this biz to change my clientel because my clientel do not need to be change. I am satified with the way they are just as they are satified with the way I am. I am an orginial person and I advertise being that way. Now for keeping up with world events that is a area that have always been a part of me and what I don't know or understand I seek out the infomation from friends and my client.

Yes i take golf lessons and work on my game but the work passable is not a word I would use, I am not an expert and I do not have a handicap yet, but if anyone get embarass it would be him not me. I have invested in professional golf lesson with a PGA GOLF PRO to improve my game and I learned golf etiquette from investing in educational material for beginer golfer so I was inform from the start. I find interest in a lot of thing I do and alway looking for ways to improve myself. I have another life away from this biz and I do have other unrelated business clients and friends.

My home is very relaxing and since I have my own office here I can come and go as I please. When I am not working I work out, swing daily in my pool, read, watch movies on my screen tv and sit back and read a book, newspaper.  

When I am not relaxing I am working on designing business webpages and personal webpages for myself taking new photo shots for updates on my website and studying home educational course studies.

Someone once told me that while we firmly believe that the key to financial happiness is spending less than you earn, only you can determine what's really “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income. You can have piles of money, but if you're not living the life you want to live, you won't be able to buy enough things to make up for it.

I have made my lifestyle decisions not by default but by deciding what my priorities are. I do not have kids so the family investment is out. It is my choice to make things enjoyable for me while I am living not to make things enjoyable for my living family when I'm gone. So yes I invest in myself very much.

I am a member of certain social / charitable organizations, but not where I are more likely to meet the target clients...versus an internet ad because I do not do business outside of the internet. I am considering investing time in networking businesses on the net using several different methods of marketing myself more but it is mainly for fun..


-- Modified on 8/25/2002 8:00:18 PM

Most definitely! I spend a great deal of time at the salon and the gym. I get waxed, exfoliated, facial, hair, pedicure,teeth bleaching and I also work-out 5 times a week (twice with a personal trainer). I also invested in a website. I spend money on sexy clothes, shoes, undies. I feel it takes money to make money. On the other hand, it also takes good interpersonal skills ; )The outer package may draw you in, but what really keeps them cumming back is the service.

Lisa

that some of us may do those things regardless of our provider status? I read the NY Times daily (I don't live anywhere NY either.). I weight train and do cardio for at least 45 minutes per day every day. I take excellent care of my skin, avoid the sun, cigarettes, and alcohol, and live a healthy lifestyle. I've taken several wine tasting classes. I took etiquette lessons as a teenager. I read at least one book a week, have read the last 23 Pulitzer winning novels, am well educated, outgoing, personable, and blah, blah, blah. The fact that I do the above has nothing to do with me being a provider. I did all of the above before I was a provider, and I will continue to do them when I'm no longer escorting.

Yes I did...those were just examples...since I don't know EVERYTHING about you (or anything for that matter)...I couldn't be very specific, now could I?

Why don't you tell me what unique and specific things YOU do to enhance your profitability as a provider and I'll re-pose the question...


Geez...everybody has to be a wise ass looking for a fight....