I recently had a disheartening experience that underscores the oftimes frustrating dynamics of the verification process, particularly as it relates to the self-employed.  Let me say that this is not a rant about the lady in question’s requirements; they were perfectly reasonable.  I simply could not meet them.

The reason I could not meet the lady’s screening criteria is that I choose to work alone. I’ve had enough of corporate life and no longer want the burdens that come with having a staff of people whose financial well-being I’m responsible for.  I don’t want that kind of pressure again.  

But that means I don’t have a main telephone number staffed by a receptionist or an ACD system that a lady whom I want to meet may call to verify I’m who I say I am and that I work where I say that I work. And, because I have all of the work that I can handle through word of mouth referrals, I have no need of a website that might be used for verification.  Interesting dilemma, eh?  I’m a successful guy who can’t prove it.

And the providers with whom I’ve met in the past are either retired or not responsive to requests for referrals.  So that avenue is closed.

Can any one suggest any alternatives for providing verification that would satisfy a lady’s concerns for her safety (which I support 100%)?