I know you entered the adult world looking for fantastic times and adventures that you had never experienced. While adult can be quite the walk on the wild side, you should also keep in mind that this is a business, and a lucrative one at that. While we do have more than our share of flakes and screwballs in this industry, there is a certain mode of operation that can make your name stand out and be trusted. Doing this can make the difference between being a long-standing player or a fly-by-night business.
Party, but don’t let it interfere with your business dealings. The parties are great, but remember that few great business deals are done at the parties; after all, everyone is there to make social connections that can later lead to business dealings. No one wants to talk hard business at the parties, and never while they are drinking or under the influence. Remain lucid at the parties, mingle and socialize, but save the business for a later time, such as on the showroom floor or during a phone call after the event. Making great relationships are important, but know when to talk business.
If you are an entertainer, remember that entertainers are a dime a dozen in this business. You can make yourself stand out by always looking your best, being on time, and being gracious and well spoken to all. People might be paying to buy your movies, but if your behavior is less than professional then they can always move on to the next hot model fresh off the bus. Your professionalism will get you a bigger fan base and better paying gigs.
Two women I know, and who always conduct themselves in a top manner, are Trisha Uptown and Serenity. They are punctual, professional, well groomed, gracious, and very serious about getting the job done. And this does not just apply to performers but also to those of us on the business end; people want to deal with others who are completely professional.
Always send “thank you” notes. If you’re an entertainer who has done a job or a professional exec who has done a business deal, always send a thank you note to the people you worked with. It’s a way to show you appreciate doing business with them and a way to make them remember you and want to deal with you again. Trisha Uptown is well known for giving out thank you cards to every staff member at the clubs where she is featured, and they always ask her back. It takes a lot of people to make a business deal work, and showing appreciation to all who help is a way to keep morale up and the profits moving.
Don’t do a deal on a handshake. I have been burned on this many times. Be true to your word, but don’t ever assume everyone else is going to be also, so make a contract. If someone is not willing to make a pact on paper then it is a sign that you had better back away.
Don’t give freely of your ideas, as they will be stolen. This has too happened to me on many occasions. Give them a taste of what you have in mind, then tell them honestly that if they are interested it will cost them. If someone wants to buy into your idea then offer him or her a partnership or sell it to him or her, but make sure you copyright your idea and protect it. Don’t line others’ pockets with your business ideas for free.
Don’t bash others in the industry. This is a small industry and word travels fast. Keep disputes private because even if you’re right and they’re wrong, you can end up burned as well. If something gets out of hand then hand it over to an attorney and let them mediate the dispute.
So that’s my advice on etiquette in adult for now. I hope you can learn from my experiences and mistakes. It takes a lot to go forward in this business, but if you persevere then I think you’ll find it is quite worth the effort.
Jennifer Leigh is a regular contributor to The ADULTWEBMASTER Magazine. Jennifer can be reached by email at jennifer@theadultwebmaster.com.
