More clients

[Levistrong]

I just started but my I dont have as many clement as I thought I would have. Should I have gotten more professional pictures taken and not with my iPhone, or maybe I should have reviews and I'll get more... Is Chicago a good place for this type of work???

[+ sync]

I believe you have answered your own question. It takes time to build a client base and collect reviews. Your avitar image suggests it won't be that long.

[+ Eric Hassan]

I just started but my I dont have as many clement as I thought I would have. Should I have gotten more professional pictures taken and not with my iPhone, or maybe I should have reviews and I'll get more... Is Chicago a good place for this type of work???

 

Welcome!

 

Be patient. This is a (wonderful and amazing and challenging) business, and like others businesses, it can take a while to get going. If you're just starting out, it's possible many guys who might be interested in hiring you don't even know you exist. Or, guys may be waiting to see what your reputation turns out to be. Or they're not ready to hire. Or the market is saturated. It could be anything, but there are some things you can do.

 

First, recognize that you are dealing with other humans who have their own stories and concerns and preferences. Being an escort is not about just "getting clients." It's about interacting with and creating relationships with people. Listen to what people say. Be polite, use proper grammar, communicate clearly, be responsive.

 

Participating in the forums is a great way to learn, meet other folks, and show us all who you are. This is part of how you develop a reputation, and it's a lot of fun. Here you'll find support, guidance, and friendship.

 

You may also want to consider using social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, to share more with your audience and to let people know you're around and looking to work. Posting candid pictures, following other folks who interest or inspire you, and actively participating in the social media world can help build interest and name recognition.

 

Also, try not to miss opportunities to point people to your online presence. Your signature on here could include your RM profile and other social media, so people know where to go to find out more about you. Put social media links on your RM profile. Get a Twitter and put in the link to your RM. Remember that we all are inundated with information and people aren't always going to figure out they're interested in you the first time (or even the 50th time) you pop up.

 

It takes time to build a business and you can't force the outcome you would like, but if you are patient and do the work it takes, you can absolutely thrive. Please feel free to reach out to me any time you want. I'm happy to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, give advice or guidance, or celebrate your successes.

 

Again, welcome!

[Juan Vancouver]

Hey Levi,

 

Welcome, man. Read very carefully what Eric wrote. Every single one of his points is very useful and important. In my case, the only one that I do not do is twitter and instagram, but you may want to decide otherwise.

 

Escorting, like every other business is more likely to fail during the first year. It takes time to establish a brand. It takes time and discipline to develop a marketable product (and I don't mean your body or face, I mean the quality of service that will become synonym with who you are). It takes time to develop a client base which will help you stay afloat and will give you the freedom to expand your business.

 

Also, like every other business, your chances to succeed will be directly proportional to the initial investment you make. Yes, better pictures will yield better results. Some people like seeing a couple iPhone shots between a professional set just to keep the ad grounded, but the more clearly people can see you, the more clearly they can understand your style, your product, your energy, the more likely they will pick up the phone and want to enquire about your services.

 

Lastly, define your product. What is your personal take on hot, fit, handsome ethnic man? Are you wanting to let clients experience a big sex man and feel safe with you? Or do you want to let them run on the wild side? Do you want to be sweet, warm, endearing and intelligent or do you want to be thuggish, dangerous, passionate, wild? Do you want to focus on the boyfriend experience or are you more likely to thrive helping them push their limits and taking them over the edge?

 

Sure, in the end you might be able to do all styles, but it will help if you design your entire ad with a clear product in mind. A clear product sells much more than a vague one. It kind of sucks you have to pick and choose parts of who you are and heighten them, but believe me, this will help people decide more easily.

 

Lastly, don't be shy. Let us see you.

 

Wishing you a successful, fulfilling life, man!

[Edward]

Bruno +1

 

You could start by putting your web address on your post here. An then your ad for rent.men could have your private photos changed to semi private. I wont ask for permission to view a prospective service provider for picture. Also if there is a nitch that you enjoy or good at, point it out. All guys are looking for something different.

[JamahlBrandon]

I just started but my I dont have as many clement as I thought I would have.

 

Is this better?

 

http://www.yumnums.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/clementine.jpg

[JamahlBrandon]

Should I have gotten more professional pictures taken and not with my iPhone, or maybe I should have reviews and I'll get more... Is Chicago a good place for this type of work???

 

On a serious note (and no I don't mean to poke fun at the spelling error, I know how annoying it is when the ipad/phone think it's spelling words for you). Pretty much what everyone else said has been well endorsed. As another brother to another brother, you will find some places that work better than others. Hint: It's not always the most ethnically diverse places aka Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore (they all have a couple things in common) I personally wouldn't want to be starting up an escort business in Chicago, but I've not stayed there over a consistent period of time to see how things may vary at different times of the month/year.

 

Big cities often get recommended by clients for being a good start for escorts. For the clients, yes...lots of of options. For the escort, not so much. There's so many new and established guys putting ads out there, that it's easy to blend in and get lost in the crowd. Also test out your surrounding locations. Most of the action doesn't always happen in the city. Especially in a place like Chicago that has boys town, bathhouses, and every iphone app you can conjure up. Sex is like "ordering pizza", is what the older gay guys in the city like to say. Have to bypass the pizza lovers and go for the ones who want the Fresh Maine Lobster Tails served alongside a rice pilaf, steamed veggies, and a $100 bottle Pinot Grigio.

[BabyBoomer]

www.rentmen.com/levistrong

 

~Boomer ~

[+ Phactor]

Welcome!

 

Be patient...guys may be waiting to see what your reputation turns out to be...

 

First, recognize that you are dealing with other humans...It's about interacting with and creating relationships with people.

 

Participating in the forums is a great way to learn, meet other folks, and show us all who you are....

 

Again, welcome!

 

Hey Levi,

 

It takes time to establish a brand. It takes time and discipline to develop a marketable product...

 

Also, like every other business, your chances to succeed will be directly proportional to the initial investment you make...

 

Lastly, define your product...

 

Wishing you a successful, fulfilling life, man!

 

Listen to the guys ... they know what they're talking about.

 

I've read on the forum some sketchy and conflicting information on the Chicago market. I really don't know what to make of it. I do believe participating in this community forum may lead to new business. I can tell you I wouldn't of made my first hire if I hadn't found this forum.

[+ José Soplanucas]

Welcome. Listen to the guys above, I have the highest respect for Juan Vancouver.

I just want to add that based on what I just saw in your RM profile, I would hire you as soon as you land in DC or I arrive to Chicago

[Jock123]

Exactly what @Eric Hassan and @Juan Vancouver said.

 

Also In this Business, ESPECIALLY for Gay/Bi-Sexual men(As our clientele is much Smaller compared to Straight men who Hire Women) Its all about Regulars. When Rentboy went down I had a solid 6 Months where If it werent for my Regulars...I could of very well have been Homeless(I wasnt using Rentmen at the time...long story). Its all about building a Connection and Relationship with people. Be Yourself. Dont BS. Be Reliable. And defiently Represent yourself ACCURATELY(Current Pictures, Sexual Preferences, Likes Dislikes etc)

[+ José Soplanucas]

I just started but my I dont have as many clement as I thought I would have. Should I have gotten more professional pictures taken and not with my iPhone, or maybe I should have reviews and I'll get more... Is Chicago a good place for this type of work???

I almost called you this morning. I was for three hours in Chicago airport waiting in between flights, bored as shit. Of course I check the boys and saw your ad. You have to visit DC in August and I will hire you.

[Levistrong]

I almost called you this morning. I was for three hours in Chicago airport waiting in between flights, bored as shit. Of course I check the boys and saw your ad. You have to visit DC in August and I will hire you.

Ohhhh thank you and maybe one day when I get my funds up in saving to travel now

[Levistrong]

Welcome!

 

Be patient. This is a (wonderful and amazing and challenging) business, and like others businesses, it can take a while to get going. If you're just starting out, it's possible many guys who might be interested in hiring you don't even know you exist. Or, guys may be waiting to see what your reputation turns out to be. Or they're not ready to hire. Or the market is saturated. It could be anything, but there are some things you can do.

 

First, recognize that you are dealing with other humans who have their own stories and concerns and preferences. Being an escort is not about just "getting clients." It's about interacting with and creating relationships with people. Listen to what people say. Be polite, use proper grammar, communicate clearly, be responsive.

 

Participating in the forums is a great way to learn, meet other folks, and show us all who you are. This is part of how you develop a reputation, and it's a lot of fun. Here you'll find support, guidance, and friendship.

 

You may also want to consider using social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, to share more with your audience and to let people know you're around and looking to work. Posting candid pictures, following other folks who interest or inspire you, and actively participating in the social media world can help build interest and name recognition.

 

Also, try not to miss opportunities to point people to your online presence. Your signature on here could include your RM profile and other social media, so people know where to go to find out more about you. Put social media links on your RM profile. Get a Twitter and put in the link to your RM. Remember that we all are inundated with information and people aren't always going to figure out they're interested in you the first time (or even the 50th time) you pop up.

 

It takes time to build a business and you can't force the outcome you would like, but if you are patient and do the work it takes, you can absolutely thrive. Please feel free to reach out to me any time you want. I'm happy to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, give advice or guidance, or celebrate your successes.

 

Again, welcome!

I might consider the "using Twitter" thing but it's mostly there for me to make fun of stupid things clients do nothing personal of course just the typical "hey man I saw your ad what's your rates" I mean if he saw my ad then he should know

[Levistrong]

Is this better?

 

http://www.yumnums.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/clementine.jpg

It's French sorry lol

[+ Eric Hassan]

I might consider the "using Twitter" thing but it's mostly there for me to make fun of stupid things clients do nothing personal of course just the typical "hey man I saw your ad what's your rates" I mean if he saw my ad then he should know

 

Twitter, like any social media platform, can be used however you like. I'm not sure that using it to - no offense - make fun of clients is a great business move. I wouldn't underestimate the vetting process that goes on before someone chooses to hire you and I'm certain many potential clients will take a look at your overall online presence.

 

As for the client who asks your rate after claiming to have seen your ad, it might be lovely if he remembers your rate or even bothered to look at your rate before asking, but that isn't reality. In the wise words of Byron Katie, "when I argue with reality, I lose - but only 100% of the time." A professional escort is the expert and it's up to us - you! - to meet (y)our customers where they are and bring them the experience you want them to have.

[+ Steve yabsley]

Wow - Eric, well said sir! Encore and bravo.

[mike carey]

it might be lovely if he remembers your rate or even bothered to look at your rate before asking

Lol, I only just saw your rates yesterday, Eric. Well, I may have seen it before but I don't remember noticing it, so what you said about the difference between having the rate in your ad and a client knowing it!

[BryanKnight]

If you want more clients, you must act and invest the way you want them to. The Best photos. A good website. Multiple skills to entertain them. A strong active web.presence.

[+ DrownedBoy]

I don't know if this is the case in all cities, but I'd imagine there's a large potential for clientele in the suburbs of the larger cities. Too many escorts "have no car" and can only meet, say, in a limited downtown area. While I'm not averse to ordering Uber in some situations, escorts who are mobile have a great advantage, at least to me.

[MasterMaxRR]

I am simply blown away by the quality and accuracy of the responses posted here! You would do well to follow their advice as it took me almost 2 years after I first started to have enough clients on a regular basis that I really didn't need to advertise. I'm not saying this to scare you off, rather to reiterate everyone else's advice to be patient.

 

Allow me to offer a bit of advice on generating business faster. Some of these are trade secrets, but anyone familiar with how small businesses work, it's not that great a secret.

 

Keep lists and spreadsheets that allow you to keep track of your clients and take notes on each visit so when they hit you up for a second or tenth session, you can make it feel like an evolution. This may seem redundant when you have a small group of clients, but as your business grows, it can be easy to have it all blur together. I had one client that saw me every six months, but flat out told me that he appreciated that the latest session always felt like it had happened the day after the previous session instead of 6 months apart. Notes my friend, notes...

 

Cold calls are an extremely effective method of drumming up business, but it comes with a caveat. Always make sure your cold calls are written specifically as if you're just saying hi or approaching them in a way that makes them feel like you're wanting to catch up on how they're doing. If they feel that you're just hitting them up for business, then it defeats the purpose of the cold call in that the most successful marketers never appear as if they're marketing.

 

Post everywhere. Post on the free websites, blogs, paid subscription (such as men4rent and Rentmen) avoid paying the top subscription fee as they often offer services you really don't need. All you need is decent pictures (professional is indeed better than an iPhone picture, but an iPhone picture is better than no photo at all) a clearly written ad that leaves little room for wondering who you are. Don't worry about writing an ad to appeal to everyone, rather write about you and your personality. The other stuff can easily be hashed out in communication if they contact you.

 

Offer sales, discounts, etc on an occasional basis, this helps generate business especially during off peak days. I believe this very same topic is discussed in a thread called "Demand Pricing"

 

Also, plug your business shamelessly on forums such as these, it really does increase your exposure and allows people to see you as you are in a way that an ad can't really provide.

 

Lastly, don't be afraid to network with other escorts or have a few different types of profiles. An ad on Rentmen for escort, an ad on a massage site designed for "erotic massage" and if you're inclined, perhaps an ad in a more fetish related website. By crossing over, you actually advertise to people that you might miss otherwise. I've had clients contact me on my escort ad, wanting a massage but when I ask them why they didn't respond to my ad on the massage site, they usually said that they saw both ads and it triggered them to contact me knowing they could get a great massage and an escort experience to boot!

 

Plenty more concepts, but these are the most critical I think for now.

 

L&L

Master Max

[TruthBTold]

From a non-escort, I think that a mixture of professional and non- works well. The non-professional photos gives a good sense of what you look, however professional photos (while still portraying you) I think feeds into a subconscious desire for a certain perfection.