As in-person events return in full force post-pandemic and we continue shifting toward a more talent-controlled business, there are more opportunities than ever in adult. But this evolution also presents challenges when it comes to figuring out how to stand out and get noticed among the mass influx of cam performers and creators vying for the attention of studios, producers and big companies.
Whether you’re seeking collabs, partners, investors, reps, or just want to get noticed and make it onto awards nominations and invite lists, you need to stand out to get the attention of those in a position to help you take your next career step. But how do you manage that?
It’s always good to network and meet people, but if you’re not open and up front about what you’re hoping to achieve, you’ll never attract or connect with the right people to make things happen.
Presentation Matters
Big companies want to work with real people, not just those who can create or sell content.
I remember meeting Meana Wolf, then a cam performer and creator. Yes, it was impossible to overlook that she had fangs. But her shyness, humility and warmth made me immediately want to invest in her. She stated her goal directly: she and her partner wanted to own a website and to someday produce award-winning movies for themselves. And they did just that.
Her advice for those looking to stand out: “Never underestimate the importance of presentation. Whatever level of production you’re at, take care in creating your own content and pay careful attention, especially in editing images for self-promotion. You’re showing customers, and prospective collaborators or business contacts, the very best of what you have to offer. Show them exactly how you want to be perceived!”
Steven Grooby, who has been responsible for launching many performers’ careers, acknowledges how hard it is for new indie creators or producers to get their foot in the door with the bigger studios and companies. We both agree that as decision-makers, we tend to notice not just someone’s following but also their engagement and how they do things.
He shares, “Social media engagement goes a long way. Obviously a big following is hard for companies to ignore, but attending shows, getting involved online and engaging other models or producers in the same niche all help with building your brand with minimum expense.”
You don’t need to spend much to do things that cast you in a positive light and set you up for offers and new business opportunities. Be direct. Sure, it’s always good to network and meet people, but if you’re not open and up front about what you’re hoping to achieve, you’ll never attract or connect with the right people to make things happen.
Be Yourself
MojoHost CEO and XBIZ LA 2023 keynote speaker Brad Mitchell might have the industry’s most recognizable personal style since Hugh Hefner. For two decades he’s been the easiest person to spot in a crowd, famous for wild-colored shirts hand-painted by his own children. Is it showboating? According to Mitchell, he was just dressing in his own authentic way, which ended up becoming a thing.
Mitchell’s mantra is: “When executed correctly, your personal style can be a powerful thing, so my advice is to stay authentic, whatever that means to you.”
Something else Mitchell reminds us of is that above all else, ours is an industry driven by personal expression. No matter what you do as a performer, creator, publisher or executive, you are your own walking, talking brand. Your presentation can generate attention, give you confidence and inspire others to take you seriously — or approach you with caution, since there’s a fine line between expressing yourself memorably and coming off as someone whose desperate attention-seeking behavior might be detrimental for anyone who works with them.
Still, authenticity goes a long way. About a dozen times a year, someone will catch my attention to the extent that I send them a DM, ask their agent or PR person for an intro or approach them myself if I see them at an event. When this happens, it’s usually because I notice how people carry themselves, how focused they are, how serious they are and what they might bring to the table in addition to creativity and content. Confidence, humor, humility and vulnerability go further with me than having a big following or putting on a flashy show.
Use Personal Interests to Attract Attention
Ariel X has successfully made the leap from creator to owning a female wrestling and BDSM website empire to mainstream engagement. She believes that putting effort into a mainstream presence alongside your adult one is a mission-critical component to being seen as someone serious and worthy of more business engagement and opportunity.
“One of the best ways for an indie performer to stand out while attracting high-level business relationships is to nurture SFW accounts on Instagram, TikTok or elsewhere,” she suggests. “Every single one of us has hobbies, interests, talents and passions outside of adult that can be leveraged to gain followers. If a performer can show they engage well with their fans and can market themselves, big companies will take notice.”
Follow the Golden Rule
Performer and paysite entrepreneur Lucy Hart has some straightforward advice: “Be nice. Pay models, crew and makeup artists well. Don’t lowball, ask for friend rates or weird trade arrangements. Treat people well and respect them, and soon everyone will find you and come to you.”
Show Up
Anastasia Pierce recently transitioned from successful performer to a corporate role in client relations for Clips4Sale — the kind of job sought by many. She stresses the importance of being present, both online and in person. In fact, as much as she suggests new creators/producers post and interact on social media on a daily basis, reaching out to fans and other community members, she ultimately emphasizes attending industry events to meet people face to face.
“Those in-person meetings will make long-lasting impressions and bring new opportunities and new connections,” Pierce advises. “A smile is much more powerful than any emoji.”
When I began researching for this article, I asked some of my most successful clients about getting noticed in the right way. Every one agreed with Pierce, since showing up at industry events conveys the message that you’re serious enough about your business to invest time and money into being there.
Over 23 years in adult, I’ve been fortunate to be part of many stories of success and growth from performer/creator to owner, director and producer. No matter the online presence you’re establishing or in-person networking you’re pursuing en route to your ultimate goal, authenticity, dependability and a direct approach will always be vital for helping you stand out in the crowd.
AJ Hall is an adult industry veteran with two decades of experience and is CEO of Elevated X, a provider of adult site CMS software and services that power thousands of sites. Contact him at aj@elevatedx.com and visit ElevatedX.com.
