My recent run in, and the experiences of annalee and others (not to mention the horrid deaths of two local SPs), inspired me to sit down and think about what can help all of us as SPs to be safer.
All opinions expressed in *this* post are, of course, mine and mine alone, and I invite and ask others to add their suggestions, as well.
* Whenever possible, work on the buddy system. If you're doing outcalls, have someone that you can trust to hold the details of the booking for you. Destroy this info after you've safely arrived and left the location, or until after the client has safely arrived and departed. If doing outcalls, and driving yourself, have someone you can phone to check in and check out with. Use this same 'check in/check out' precaution on incalls, as well. Better still, have someone trustworthy that you can share space with. The added discouragement of your client knowing that you share space with another SP will tend to eliminate the worst examples of bad clients.
* Verify, verify, verify. Landlines are always best, but, at the very least, have a phone number which you can call back to speak directly with the client. Some SPs insist on a verified phone number matching the name given by the client. Other do not insist on this. It's a matter of personal comfort level. For hotels, make sure the client provides the full name in which the room is registered. Most major hotels will not put calls through without this, and some front desks require it of visitors arriving.
* Be prepared for the fact that post 911, some hotels are requiring photo ID of arriving visitors, and have been known to call up to the guest to verify that you are expected. If in doubt, ask the client to check with his front desk. This can save you from having your full first and last name announced to a client.
* Your first instinct is usually your best instinct. If something seems wrong with a potential client, either over the phone, on his arrival, or on your arrival at his location, feel free to turn down the call. Trust yourself - you know best. There are ways other SPs will share with you to allow yourself to make a safe exit from a location, or to ensure his from yours.
* Never agree to something outside of your comfort level. The lure of an additional fee, or of taking a call which you really, really need, can sometimes tempt you to break the limits of behaviour which you have set for yourself. Don't do it. You won't be comfortable during the call, and you won't feel good about yourself afterwards. The money just isn't worth it.
* Learn basic self defense skills. There are numerous courses offered for very little money at YMCAs, community centers and Karate schools. They are well worth the (very little) expense involved. Even basic skills can save your life.
* Finally, I'd suggest that if you are starting to feel burned out, it's time to take a breather. Whether it's a hiatus to return to school, a holiday, or just a day at a spa, you'll always be at your best if you're feeling unstressed and relaxed about your work. Look after yourself, and you'll be happier - and your clients will, too.
-- Morgan
All opinions expressed in *this* post are, of course, mine and mine alone, and I invite and ask others to add their suggestions, as well.
* Whenever possible, work on the buddy system. If you're doing outcalls, have someone that you can trust to hold the details of the booking for you. Destroy this info after you've safely arrived and left the location, or until after the client has safely arrived and departed. If doing outcalls, and driving yourself, have someone you can phone to check in and check out with. Use this same 'check in/check out' precaution on incalls, as well. Better still, have someone trustworthy that you can share space with. The added discouragement of your client knowing that you share space with another SP will tend to eliminate the worst examples of bad clients.
* Verify, verify, verify. Landlines are always best, but, at the very least, have a phone number which you can call back to speak directly with the client. Some SPs insist on a verified phone number matching the name given by the client. Other do not insist on this. It's a matter of personal comfort level. For hotels, make sure the client provides the full name in which the room is registered. Most major hotels will not put calls through without this, and some front desks require it of visitors arriving.
* Be prepared for the fact that post 911, some hotels are requiring photo ID of arriving visitors, and have been known to call up to the guest to verify that you are expected. If in doubt, ask the client to check with his front desk. This can save you from having your full first and last name announced to a client.
* Your first instinct is usually your best instinct. If something seems wrong with a potential client, either over the phone, on his arrival, or on your arrival at his location, feel free to turn down the call. Trust yourself - you know best. There are ways other SPs will share with you to allow yourself to make a safe exit from a location, or to ensure his from yours.
* Never agree to something outside of your comfort level. The lure of an additional fee, or of taking a call which you really, really need, can sometimes tempt you to break the limits of behaviour which you have set for yourself. Don't do it. You won't be comfortable during the call, and you won't feel good about yourself afterwards. The money just isn't worth it.
* Learn basic self defense skills. There are numerous courses offered for very little money at YMCAs, community centers and Karate schools. They are well worth the (very little) expense involved. Even basic skills can save your life.
* Finally, I'd suggest that if you are starting to feel burned out, it's time to take a breather. Whether it's a hiatus to return to school, a holiday, or just a day at a spa, you'll always be at your best if you're feeling unstressed and relaxed about your work. Look after yourself, and you'll be happier - and your clients will, too.
-- Morgan
