Hi all,
I've got a question about the hobby. There are some providers I'd love to visit with, but they request business contact information - business name, phone number.
I've always made a policy of keeping business and pleasure seperate. I realize that ladies of course need to protect themselves too - we're just as much of an unknown to them as they are to us!
What do providers DO with the business contact info? Do they really call to see if you work there? What do they usually ask (do they just ask for you or such)? OK, let's cut to the chase, I'm worried someone might decide that it's a good idea to use the business reference as something to use against you, and who knows years later if they might decide to use that information (i.e. visit with me or I'll call and slander you or something like that). I realize it's an overly paranoid sounding attitude, but I'm sure that it goes through a lot of guys heads.
Can someone offer some assistance in that area?
Speaking for myself only...
I use business contact info to verify that you are indeed employed at your place of reference and not posing as an employee.
When calling a place of business, I utilize my "customer service voice" and say that I am with XX Marketing and in order to process and payment application, I calling to verify employment information for so-and so.
All that is required is a yes or no confirmation form the receptionist or manager and we're good to go. They never ask what the payment is for and if they do, I advise them that I am simply a third party service verifying the application info.
Afterwards, I discard the contact information and retain only what is necessary to get in to such with the client.
If you're not comfortable giving out your place of business info, why not consider registering with one of the client pre-screening sites like Preferred411 or Date Check.
Both are third party screener who verify your info in order to help you maintain confidentiality. When contacting providers you simply provide your client ID and they are able to pull up your profile and see if you're been verified without aaccessing any personal info.
Similarly, it's yet another profile and approval source for the providers you're interested in seeing. You know she's good to go, she knows you are. It's great!
I for one, appreciate my P411 and date check gents, as they make the process much smoother for us both.
Hope that helps.. good luck to you.
~Bella
-- Modified on 6/15/2007 11:57:54 AM
That would be too much in keeping with what my co-workers think of me already.
.. just protecting the name of my company is all.
:0)
*lol*
I would have to agree with Bella. Any honest reputable lady is not interested in contacting you after the fact. She is in business and as any reputable business would not dream of "dropping" in or calling unannounced. Quite frankly, they don't want the hassle as much as you don't.
In regard to anyone using this information to "get at you"...I'm sure that would only happen if you suddenly became a stalker yourself or threatened her with some sort of harm or exposure to LE or if you robbed her. If you behave, then you have nothing to worry about.
Get an unemployed friend to answer their phone like its a business. Works for me.
Are they an importer, exporter or both? ;->
there's much more info to be gathered.
*tsk-tsk*
verifying employment is only part of it.
I'd like to add to that question. Many folks including me are self-employed contractors working from home. Are the referral services (RS2K, etc) able to validate me in circumstances like this? Is it harder to do?
Or those whose employer will not verify who works there?
I have provided the needed info which leads them to a dwelling address. I was uncomfortable doing that, but it worked out with no ill effects ... so far!
I'm not sure I'd provide complete or accurate info again. We are both taking a bit of a chance, but respect goes a long way.
If I can't get thru the 'screening' by being respectful, polite, and clear then I just have to miss out 
Your only paranoid until something goes wrong, then it is too late!
and see only providers with a great reputation you shouldn't worry. I completely understand why anyone wouldn't want to give thier info. But, it not only helps to verify who you say you are, it also gives (for me ) an idea of what your like. WE ALL, hobbiests and providers, run the risk of someone invading our personal life. It is a risk, but someone who is a reputable provider is alot less likely to do something to jepordize her business. I've heard of girls blackmailing guys but they don't last long, they didn't have a good reputation either and they have a pimp too.
Use Date check or Preferred411 if your concerned about it.
unless you've seen someone respectable that is local or a provider I'm familiar with, I like the business number so I can discreetly call and ask for you and then be transferred to your extension. If the operator says, "He's not here, can I take a message?" I reply, "No, that's okay. I'll be out of the office anyway for the rest of the day. I'll try him tomorrow. Thanks!" Or . . . something to that effect. I don't think anyone is careless enough to say, "Hi, I'm Ciara. Does Joe Schmo work here? If so, can I talk to him? " Operator's response, "Can I say who's calling and what this pertains to?" Me: "Oh, sure, tell him I'm the horny slut on the phone and I want to make sure he's not elle." Just kidding! 
Anyway, you get the picture. It also helps to know someone is from out of town and not local elle.
Hugs,
Ciara
I only request business info if they don't have provider references (or I don't trust the references they give me) or aren't members of one of the screening sites.
When I do receive employment info, I do an internet search to verify that it is a real company (and I know that even companies can be created by LE) and I call the main number to make sure the person works there. Then when we meet, I need to check his license to make sure the person is who he says he is.
Nothing is 100% foolproof and luckily most guys don't need to give me employment info because they are able to provide the other methods I request for screening.
I don't know how extensive the list is for you, but for me, this is a problem I don't have. When contacting a new provider now, I give out a reference or two, or if she's familiar with TER, I give out my name and the white list recommendations I have. Only once or twice have I ever given out the name of my employer and I've never given out my work number. For most ladies that seems to be enough. But if she wants more, I move on. She may want her safety and that's cool. But I also want some privacy.
