Just curious how guys and gals feel about having a man take the calls and make appointments for a provider who is independent but not really great at managing her calender and dates.  The only other option (other than severe discipline, likely counter-productive) is to hire someone, which of course if rife with its own problems and concerns. Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome. We are in a little bit of a bind right now.

The slave of Colette.

A place in NYC that I frequent has a man on the phones, and it's absolutely no problem at all.  You might want to put something on your web site that says:  "Mike (or whatever his name is) will take your call and make all the arrangements...".  That way the guy on the other end won't be suprised and hang up.

but I could see others being a bit skittish about it. Logically, LE wouldn't be so dumb, nor so smart, as to have a man posing as a providers booker. But people don't always apply logic is such situations. If a caller is expecting to hear a woman on the phone, hearing a mans voice might be surprising enough to result in an instant hang-up.

An opening like, "You've reached Colette's booking service, I'm "Mike", when would you like to see her?" might diminish any fears.
rik

There are many Male run Agencies, where the guy answers the phone. As long as he is courteous and professional, who cares. I like the idea about letting people know that "Mike" will answer the call. Especially if it is an Independent. It would clear up a lot of questions or hesitations someone calling for info might have.
Kym xoxox

I dunno.  I know men are involved in running agencies, but I prefer to frequent all-women run (or at least ones with appearance of such) agencies.  It feels more comfortable.  It's not an all-women-or-else thing, I just think it's better for the business (from the agency perspective).

I have done this gig several times for a few ladies in my area who needed my help with booking and screening for a both long term and short term basis.

I would agree with the other posters below especially "fortitude's" comments on being up front. This I believe to be the biggest factor in doing this successfully with a male assistant. Providers I have helped before in this capacity always put this on their ads with my name (so the hobbyist knew I was male) and said straight out that I due to time constraints/lack of computer I was helping them in this regard. There did not seem to be any problems when this was stated up front. Occasionally a advertising venue or a provider forgot to put that in their ad,  then I did get lots of hang up calls. Some of them called back thinking they had mis-dialed, but some also got freaked and never called back. One thing I did have going for myself in going into this is that I was a know poster on another board and primarily know to all as a webguy to many ladies in my area so that I think helped ease fears in this regard. Also another well known provider had a male assistant which I am sure helped smooth the way for me.

The only thing I would add to what the other posters said below is be sure to pick someone you trust to screen your clients way YOU want them to screen (with not exceptions). My fee was very modest compared to the cuts I have seen from agencies or booking agencies. The fear for a lot of providers is that if the salary or commission is too nice that shortcuts might be made in screening to get more appointments and bigger bucks. Try to find someone that wants to earn some extra money doing this type of work but it would not be their sole means of income unless you really know them well.

I generally liked doing this type of work and there are many hobbyists that I still drop me a line when they are in town just to say "hi" even though the provider I had worked for at the time I met them is not longer in the business or no longer needed my help. My web work unfortunately does not allow me the time anymore for this type of work. Even if I could I would be leery of doing this type of work anymore in light of recent developments that happened on another board we all know . Unfortunately, there are some hobbyists and LE officials that do not know the difference between assisting a provider with what is essentially secretarial work and pimping.

I could go on and on but on this subject but if you have more questions or concerns please feel free to email me.

All my best to you,
-Glen

Shouldn't matter but it does. I don't like it. I would recommend making your clients confirm by email. Let your secratary manage your email. Then we are blissfully ignorant.

My most gracious, heartfelt thanks for all the replies. They have been instrumental in establishing what appears to be succesful new practices in our organization.  You folks are great!  Thank you TER for such a potent and helpful resource.

Blissfully

the slave of Colette.

Hasn't happened to me for quite a while..actually not since I was quite new to the hobby.  But I do remember that it made me a bit uncomfortable when a guy picked up on the other end.  I don't know for sure, but I suspect I might feel much the same way now.  I can't really explain this with a any reasons that that might sound logical...just chalk it up to my "gut feeling" or "intuition" or whatever you prefer to call it--but I do know that I don't want to have any even remote suspicion that my money goes to support anyone except the lady...that would make me uncomfortable & I don't think anyone (guy or gal) should do anything that they happen to feel uncomfortable.

I wouldn't ever have a man answering my phone.
And are you saying this provider has no concept of time and how to write down an appt? Get her a "Stylists appt book" for a dollar at a beauty supply and she can fill in the lines.(I hope)Peace,
Shree

and I feel very strongly about that. I guess it's a cultural thing with me.