I LOVE your response B Three! That's
exactly how she should have replied.
She did start this thread after all and she DID ask for HELP. Many members took the time to click on her review, her bio page and website, and then offered advice. No one shoved it down her throat or said, "You HAVE to do it this way or you won't get any business!"
Nobody said that. And so; was she grateful for the help? No.
And like other people have said, if you do so great on other websites and don't need or want to be a member of Eccie; then don't be. I don't think anyone is begging the OP to stay.
If I need advice, I usually ask in a more private area, or PM someone whos' posts and reviews I admire, or even in person. And I like to think I can take constructive criticism. I've done it before many times. I have listened to the well reviewed and seasoned smart ladies and have changed the way I do things over the years. I always want to do my job better and smarter. Weather or not I've asked for advice, or if someone kindly PM's me with a suggestion, or says, "that's not really working for you". Or "pic #6 isn't good on your bio page. But #12 is hot! Maybe get more like that, that are more representative of you"
I wrote back with a grateful, "THANK YOU!"
The only thing I knew about screening, besides my gut feeling and intuition; was to ask the client in person, "are you a cop?" Seriously!
I was a dumb newbie. Thanks goodness for the ladies here who posted about how to screen and what verification sites to use.
Thank you ladies, from the bottom of my heart.
Most of us don't enter this profession with an MBA from Harvard or Yale, or even have a book on how to advertise, market yourself or screen. Everything I used to know about advertising and marketing I got from Mad Men. And Backpage. Before a client told me about Eccie and P411 of course! I'm so much less judgmental and more tolerant of different kinds of men and women. I learned so much from the other members, I still do.
The political climate has changed a lot, and a lady who doesn't keep up and doesn't have a site where the ladies can talk to each other and place alerts...well, I wouldn't want to be like that. And CoEd is invaluable as well for getting the male POV. I like that I've learned things about guys that I never knew before, (of course each man is an individual, but some advice is universal). And I think this info helps me in my RW relationship. So thanks everyone for the pillow talk, and for posting real info, advice, and real problems in CoEd, not just always being snarky and making a joke. I like to read for the humor too, though!
It's not just about making appointments. It's also about how to play and work well with others. About being able to change. And when you're in any kind of business, you need to be able to treat people right, and be professional. And having a safe place to exchange ideas, and a place with advice on how to STAY safe.
I'll be logging off for good soon, and I feel nostalgic. Isn't that silly? Some of the best people I've ever met in the world, (and from ALL over the world), have been right here on Eccie and P411. Good, kind people who would fix things around my condo with no expectations. Several good people who would check on me frequently, just to see how I was, since I lived alone and didn't drive. A couple of times when I was hospitalized for this and that, they supported me through the times I couldn't work. Without me asking and with no expectations.
Sorry for getting so sentimental, but I am. Sigh.