Although we work in the porn industry, professionalism is definitely king–and, this goes for the performers, as well as companies. Bottom line…no matter what industry you work in, you should conduct yourself as a professional. This blog will give the performers a few tips on “keeping it professional”, and my next installment will cover other industry professionals.
If you’re a performer, it goes without saying that you should arrive on time to set, give your best performance and be gracious or pleasant to everyone (yes, everyone, even the janitor). Some girls (and guys) who have been unable to grasp this concept, find that their careers take a turn for the worse and could get to the point of being salvageable, and to a point where no PR can turn this around—and, I’ve seen it happen.
Another tricky situation to remain professional is industry parties and award shows. Many girls seem to let a little too loose at parties—they get naked or flash on the red carpet and during the night, and they get drunk, which can lead to them saying things they shouldn’t or even worse, getting into a fight. Keep in mind directors and studio peeps attend events and will remember your behavior—and this could affect the amount of work you get. It could also establish you with the rep of a troublemaker or even worse. Try and limit the amount of alcohol you consume so you can stay in control. You may want to totally just skip drinking at any industry event.
Trade shows are another place you’ll want to be professional at all times. Not only will you be among industry, but your fans and potential new fans will be there, too. Again, don’t get naked or flash, and try to wear a classy outfit, like a dress—if you must do short shorts or a bikini you can, but skip the pasties. If your fans want to see you sans clothes, they can buy your video, join your site or spend their money to watch you on webcam—this is your job and you should be paid to be naked. Always be polite and smile. If the fans try and touch you and/or get out of control, call security, your agent or someone to help you out. Then, they’re the bad guy, not you. Fans aren’t always polite, but you should be. If they start talking smack about you on the boards based on how you’ve acted in a public arena, this could change perception about you and you could get less work. And everything that I’ve talked about regarding trade shows, goes for meeting fans while you’re out in the world (on the street, at the store, etc.).
Another public forum that you should be professional on is Twitter. Why? Because the studios and directors are really paying attention to Twitter these days so it can not only affect your rep but how much and if you work. Don’t talk about drugs, start fights or be negative. Tweet pics from the set or while you’re out shoe shopping. Let the fans know about what you do off camera, but limit it to a certain extent. There is a thing as too much information. Yes, I’ve seen girls Tweet about getting STDs, their fiancée being arrested, being beaten up by their boyfriends and much, much more! If you don’t have a publicist that’s the Twitter Police (like myself), you will need to be aware of what you’re Tweeting. Think of Twitter as an interview for “Fox Magazine”. Be selective and really think about what kind of information you put out there.
Perception is everything—so let your fans, directors, studios and other performers view you as a class act that treats others with respect. It will go farther than you could ever imagine. That’s how stars are made!