A Provider’s Guide To Dealing With Time Wasters Pt. 1

The role of a intimacy professional is both profound and nuanced. It requires deep emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical engagement with clients.

This makes it vital to optimize your time and energy for serious clientele who are genuinely interested in the services you provide. Non-serious inquiries can drain energy and waste precious time, and as we all know, time is money. Here are some strategies to navigate these waters efficiently:

Establishing a Solid Foundation:

Establish Clear Boundaries from the Get Go

Boundaries are tantamount. They are the foundation of your business, without them you invite all sorts of confusion on both ends. Thats why it’s important to define your services clearly. Make sure your promotional materials, website, or any platform you use to attract clients, clearly outlines what you offer and what you don’t. I’m not ignorant to the need of discretion in our business, but be as clear as you can. Also understand your appointment protocols and honor them as law.

Highlight Your Value

Sometimes, non-serious inquiries stem from a lack of understanding about the value of sacred intimacy, conscious touch, and other related services. Offer resources, blog posts, or testimonials that highlight the benefits and deeply gratifying potential of your work.

Effective Client Filtering Methods:

Filter Through Consultation Forms

What really changed the game for me was putting intake forms on my website. Some providers would call my contact form ‘dense’ or ‘extra’ but it has protected me from time wasters, and predatory clients alike. A form requires them to invest some time and thought into the booking process, and removes the mystery surrounding the inquirer. Encourage them to be open and 

honest throughout the process. Typically, non-serious clients will avoid this step, and serious ones will be impressed by your attention to detail. 

Introduce a Preliminary Fee or Deposit

Consider charging a small fee for initial consultations. When potential clients invest, even a small amount, it can filter out those who aren’t genuinely interested.

Mastering Client Communication:

Practice Active Listening

During initial interactions or discovery calls, I listen carefully. Time wasters often reveal themselves through inconsistent stories, frequent changes in requirements, or vague objectives. They also might get overly explicit or attempt to push your boundaries in conversation. And if someone can’t respect conversational boundaries, do you want to see them anyway?

Be Direct and Politely Assertive

If you sense that someone is not genuinely interested or is looking for something outside of your services, address it directly. I’ve noticed time wasters and boundary pushers beat around the bush a lot in conversation. A simple statement like, "It sounds like you might be looking for something different than what I offer. Can you clarify what exactly you’re looking for?” can redirect or end non-productive conversations.

Use Time Limiting Techniques

Set aside a fixed amount of time for initial consultations. Mine usually go for 30-45 minutes. When that time is up, if the client seems non-committal, suggest they take some time to think and come back when they’re sure.

Navigating Client Dynamics:

Referrals

If someone is clearly not a fit for your services, consider having a referral list on hand. Directing them to another provider who might be more in line with what they're seeking can save both of you time. If you’d like to join my referral list as a provider, contact me. I’d love to see where our businesses can connect.

Maintain Professionalism

Regardless of the nature of the inquiry, always maintain a professional demeanor. Be kind, understanding, and compassionate, but firm in your boundaries.

In Conclusion:

As a provider you must know that your work is deeply valuable and transformative. It's essential to ensure that your time and energy are dedicated to clients who resonate with your offerings and are genuinely invested your experience. By setting clear boundaries, trusting your intuition, and maintaining a professional approach, you can limit time-wasting conversations and focus on impactful, valuable work.