It's a business, isn't it?

[onei]

Dangit! I got interrupted and totally threw off my concentration. I thought those numbers looked awful high. So much for my money management skills. Now I feel like a total idiot. LOL

[mastermind238]

Originally Posted by Claire She Blows

... go through my list of clients.

So you already have some form of a client database. Are u concerned about that list falling into the wrong hands, or being used as evidence of involvement in "the business?" Regardless, you have a list and that shows you're far and away a better businesswoman than most providers.

Yes, the reason for the contact might be perceived as desperation. It depends, especially on the length of time between visits. A client who gets a monthly email blast would think you're desperate. A client who hasn't seen you in 3 or 4 months, and who has agreed to receive messages from you, would be less inclined to think you're desperate.

I get texts from one provider pretty regularly. I like it that she's thinking of me. But i know she's not desperate. She's just trying to use her free time wisely by making me aware when she has free time. And i get a good rate that's not available to the general public. Everybody wins.

The danger in focusing too much on the specific example i gave is that we miss the bigger point, which has been well-articulated by other posters. Many providers need a resource where they can get general business counseling that's tailored to this business and their situation.

If you're mainly a traveling provider, i don't see how you can conduct business without some sort of client database sortable by city or town.

[Loxly]

One of my ATFs, back in the Baltimore/DC area, sends out a newsletter that includes her traveling dates, etc.

Also, I've noticed that although many of the ladies have a calendar page on their website, they rarely keep it updated.

[cckid2006]

Originally Posted by Claire She Blows

So, if you receive an email from me, does it make you smile because I'm thinking about you or do you roll your eyes thinking that I'm just looking for money?

YES

[Gr8fun]

Originally Posted by Claire She Blows

Ok, let me ask this: if I haven't heard from a favorite client in a month or so, I send a PM because I'm genuinely concerned about his well being (stress level). BUT I'm ways afraid that the hobbyist will read it as I'm broke and looking for business (which is only ever partially true - business is probably slow enough that I have time to think and go through my list of clients). So, if you receive an email from me, does it make you smile because I'm thinking about you or do you roll your eyes thinking that I'm just looking for money?

I think the answer to that depends on the relationship. If my ATF were to text or email me, it would make my day!

I also understand business, and even though I might think you contacted me because biz is slow, marketing is necessary, and I would not think negatively on that.

[JohnnyYanks]

Originally Posted by Claire She Blows

... So, if you receive an email from me, does it make you smile because I'm thinking about you or do you roll your eyes thinking that I'm just looking for money?

If I was a client of yours I would probably just get a boner and not think about it at all.

[Claire She Blows]

Originally Posted by JohnnyYanks

If I was a client of yours I would probably just get a boner and not think about it at all.

So send me a PM and lets get you on my client list....

[governmentguru]

[QUOTE=Claire She Blows;1053501142]

Originally Posted by onei

$200 x 2 = $400 a day

Now let's say she only wants to work five days a week

$400 x 5 = $2,000 a week

Now we all know that she will probably only be available three weeks a month

$2,000 x 3 = $6,000 a month

Now let's say she wants three weeks off a year (on top of the other 12 weeks due to Aunt Flo)

$6,000 x 49 = $294,000

[/QUOTE=onei]

Um, there are only 12 months in a year.

LMAO! I was trying to figure out why I make three times that a month but not that much in a year.... thought I needed a biz consultant.

[fun2come]

Originally Posted by onei

Now I feel like a total idiot. LOL

My friend, don't be too nice on yourself, LOL

I have gone over the numbers myself out of pure curiosity on a few occasions, and it does take real good Time and Money Management to be successful over time and to stay in business (and not lose it), and most don't have that, but those who do, will indeed do well.

Sometimes I wonder, IF a good scheduler could also act as a good money adviser, just to keep it all in house so to say.

And "pimps" won't like this pure biz relation approach, so watch out ....

[shayla84]

I think hes doing 49 weeks out of the year. And yes there is poor money management with some, I am one of them once in a while, dont know how but sometimes I find my self saying what the hell did I buy or do with my money but someof us have kids or what have you, mange bills, daily needs gas, food, hygine, kids, animals, and some it takes money. Me I have two house holds I take care of mine and the house hold my kids live at in iowa, so there are circumstances that some of us run in to. Kids are a big one especially if you have more then one, they all have there needs, and wants, I also try to help my mother out shes handicapped and there talking about amputation of both legs, I help her pay for her meds and more if I can.... Just putting out there some of us providers have lives out side of this, not just what you see when you see us, just cause what we do may be looked upon as taboo, some of us take care and help out alot of others. Not complaining but just trying to shed some light on why some might run slow or money issues once in a while, not to mention shit just happens when you least expect it ......

[shayla84]

And my slow butt just noticed there were two pages on this lol so I guess take what I said with a grain of salt, lol but its very true

[David.Douchehurst]

If it's a business and the gals are a selling their poonannies, then they better be sending their sales tax from their proceeds to the State or else Ima gonna give a call to Sue Combs and armed agents of the Comptroller's office are gonna come a-knockin' on some incall doors. And I better not hear that some o' y'all are handing out adult beverages or else the TABC is a gonna be right behind 'em. Lock 'n' load, mofos!

[shayla84]

how cute your name fits you

[Claire She Blows]

Originally Posted by David.Douchehurst

If it's a business and the gals are a selling their poonannies, then they better be sending their sales tax from their proceeds to the State or else Ima gonna give a call to Sue Combs and armed agents of the Comptroller's office are gonna come a-knockin' on some incall doors. And I better not hear that some o' y'all are handing out adult beverages or else the TABC is a gonna be right behind 'em. Lock 'n' load, mofos!

Love your sense of humor

[onei]

Ok, have fun at my expense, I deserve it. Hahaha! I don't miss my hair nearly as much as my mind.

Shayla, my hats off to you for helping out like you do. And I do know that kids are expensive...I raised three. Bottom line is, and it matters not what industry you are in, nor how much you make, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU HAVE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE, IT'S WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE that makes all the difference in the world.

The people I work with can't believe the cars I drive, the fact that my house is almost paid for, and that I still have $ to go do what I want to do ... and just about all of them make more than me, they just don't know how to manage their money. Yes it takes discipline and both long-term as well as short term planning. But it you get a plan (budget) and then WORK IT, you would be surprised at how much you could save.

For example, it would be curious to see how many ladies actually save money. And if you're not, then start. Allocate $xx.xx from every dollar made and put it in a savings account that you do not touch. Your first goal should be an emergency fund to cover the unexpected expenses, so they don't kill your budget. Then 3-6 mos. living expenses. Then, if you don't have insurance (actually this should be one of the first things), get it. Then look into some investing. It all takes money and most people waste more money than they even know. Once you get a grip on your money you will be surprised at how much you really have.

Now, hopefully I have not stuck the other foot in my mouth here. If so, I'm done. :-)