Seeking advice of Professionals... (Full Version)

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DtheHunter665 -> Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 12:58:22 AM)

Hello, all.  I'm a young, but experienced Dom trying to start a BDSM Domination business.  I used to work for a BDSM club prior to attending college, but have never before tried to set out on my own in the lifestyle.  I have the tools, will, workspace, and a couple clients; but I'm mildly stuck at getting the word out to attract new and interesting customers.  If anyone has any pointers or advice, I'd greatly appreciate the input.  Thank you in advance.

-D.



Elisabella -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 1:11:34 AM)

As a former pro Domme I can say that it's one of those businesses that has no guarantee of income, especially when the economy is in a downturn. Craigslist is a good place to advertise. Also look at what your client base is - for the most part selling domination services to women isn't terribly profitable.

One thing you can do is team up with a Pro Domme who has clients that are into sissification, cuckolding, or forced bi scenes. I know that as a Domme I often wished I had a male partner (I had a female partner I worked with sometimes) because I knew that for those three areas I listed, it would make the scene that much better.

If you do want female clientele you might want to look into perfecting shibari and suspension techniques, as well as photography, and offer erotic bondage photography sessions. Have a female friend do hair and makeup and make the woman look beautiful, tie her up in an elegant pose, and take a few shots. Photography is an art though, and you really have to understand camera technique to make the woman look beautiful. For women, the photography might make the difference between feeling like she's paying a prostitute (even if there's no sex, many women find the idea of paying for something they find sexual to be pathetic) and that she's recieving a professional service.

Good luck in your business venture :)

ETA - my fiance just added that you might want to offer training sessions, ie having a session or a series of sessions where you "train" the girl into being a better submissive. Talk to her and see what she wants to work on and then whip her into shape, so to speak.



daintydimples -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 4:45:20 AM)

Basic Business Marketing:

Have someone design a logo (it's called business branding) and get business cards printed, the best you can afford. If you spent all your money on the logo, you can get free ones through vista (they advertise on the back). These will be incredibly cheap but something is better than nothing. Start going to every much, playgroup, BDSM club, goth night, etc. and pass your card out.

BTW: don't try a hard sell, just be your witty, charming, dominant self and try to meet as many people as you can. If you go to a public dungeon, I'd start giving out free mini-sessions as a taste. If nothing else it will help get the word out. And I suspect this is a business where word of mouth is essential.

You can try some internet marketing. A website detailing your services adds credibility. Then join as many forums as you can and post that site in your signature line.

I would seriously suggest not relying on internet marketing along. And, don't quit your day job.





allthatjaz -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 5:15:33 AM)

Are you meaning to set up your own dungeon?

As a male dominant you are not going to make nearly as much as a female dominant and most of your customers are going to be men.
Location, location, location. If you set up in the heart of the city then you are going to do far better than if you set up someplace out in the sticks. Make sure you have easy access to local trains, underground and buses.
Get a good photographer and a decent website.
Remember, you can get anyone to come to your dungeon once. Its getting them to come back again that is the trick to successful business. Be good at your trade.... be the best.
Think about your key skills and work on those. Don't be a dominant that does anything and everything but a dominant that is an expert in certain areas. When I pro Mistressed I specialized and made much more business and a higher rate in fees that if I had offered everything.
Invest your time and money in workshops and like Elisabella said, enquire and offer your free services to local pro Mistresses.
I did get business from local munches so like the others said, get yourself known in your community. I don't know if you have local free papers but if you do, use them to advertise. I got most of my business from local free paper adds.



DtheHunter665 -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 5:56:10 AM)

For some further information:

I've been offering services to both men and women, though my only clients so far have been female.  I have experience as a slave trainer from my previous job...I really wish that club was still open.  [:(]  I have a Domme friend of mine and former mod on CM interested in working with me as a business partner.  Currently, I'm working out of my home near the young, busy parts of Florida; but my life's dream is to open up my own dungeon...when the money works out for it, of course.

Thanks a lot for all of the suggestions so far.  I'll certainly be putting some of them into action soon.



allthatjaz -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 8:03:08 AM)

Well perhaps your reputation has followed you D [;)]
A business partner is good. I started my first dungeon in a co/operative and it worked really well.
The other thing I would suggest D is that you go for upmarket. People desire quality and are prepared to pay for it. Think about that when you design your web page.
Also keep in mind that dungeons frighten as many clients away as entice, so when it comes to making your dungeon think modern and not drudgy.
One of the things I used to do and its something you could consider, is escorting new subs to clubs. I don't mean be an escort in the true sense of the word but be willing to take a client out and play with them in a club (for a fee of course).
When I started as a Mistress I was lucky enough to get a placement with a top dollar city Mistress. I spent the first 6 months answering the phone, assisting with clients and cleaning the dungeon. It was the best training I ever had and well worth all the trudging across London in the pouring rain for. I learnt many things, the main one being that if you want to make good money at this then you have to work very hard.

If you want any more information then please drop me a line and I will be happy to share.


Talking about this makes me want to go back to pro Mistressing.




DemonKia -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 11:36:22 AM)

*jus' lovin' on this thread, cheerleadin' y'all along*

What the world needs now
Is dungeons, sweet dungeons
That's the only thing that there's jus' too little of . . . . . . .



Musicmystery -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 11:52:08 AM)

quote:

young, but experienced


[8|]



Acer49 -> RE: Seeking advice of Professionals... (10/11/2009 4:23:16 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: DtheHunter665

Hello, all.  I'm a young, but experienced Dom trying to start a BDSM Domination business.  I used to work for a BDSM club prior to attending college, but have never before tried to set out on my own in the lifestyle.  I have the tools, will, workspace, and a couple clients; but I'm mildly stuck at getting the word out to attract new and interesting customers.  If anyone has any pointers or advice, I'd greatly appreciate the input.  Thank you in advance.

-D.



I suppose creating a website on an adult host could help. You of course will be required to have suitable liability issuance as well as all the proper city and state permits to operate this business



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