Rachel Asks:
I’m looking into becoming a cam model. It seems like a fun thing to do! I am a little bit nervous, because I am very socially awkward and I’m afraid that might scare off a lot of guests. I’m not really sure what appropriate conversations I should start. Do you have any tips that can help me be smooth at schmoozing?
Dear Rachel,
I don’t mix well with social situations, and I had the exact same fear when I started camming. Like, how does I small talk and sales? I’ve always hated small talk and selling – never mind selling my self. But during the past three years I have developed a system of sorts and I have a few tips that might help you. Keep in mind that every model is different and handles things in her own way, and ultimately you’ll find what methods work best for you personally. But to get you started…
Smile and Position Your Webcam Strategically
One thing I love about camming is that I can create the illusion of making eye contact – without the awkward feeling of making eye contact. If possible, position your webcam just above your preview screen. That way when you’re checking your cam and you’re actually looking at yourself, it looks to your guests like you’re making eye contact. Instant sense of human connection.
And, smile! It’s a simple thing, but people like happy people. You don’t have to put on an act or smile constantly if you aren’t feeling it, but definitely greet your guests with a friendly smile. It will go a long way.
Starting a Light Conversation
- Hi [insert screen name, or part of it]. How are you?
A lot of guests don’t even get past this point, and that’s okay. They stop in, say nothing at all or just say hi, and they log off. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry – it happens in every cam model’s room. I mention this because I used to assume it was something I’d said, even though that was literally all I’d said.
- Where are you from?
Make note of their answer so you can wow them next time when you remember where they’re from. Say something like…
- What’s up in [insert place]?
They’ll likely respond with “not much, you?” That’s okay. If they say “horny,” that’s easy. “Me too,” followed by question 4.
Building relationships with your fans is extremely important, but when you’re still sifting through freeloaders to determine who your paying customers are, you don’t need to waste time. As soon as the small talk dies, you can easily transition to the arguably more important part of this initial conversation – the business transaction. These are my magic words:
- What are you looking for today?
Alternatively, “What can I help you with today?” or “Are you looking for something specific?”
If they tell you what they’re looking for, your response will likely be either “I can definitely help you with that” or “Neat, but that’s not something I offer.”
If they say they’re not looking for anything specific or they’re just browsing, a good response I’ve found is, “That’s cool, just let me know if you have any questions.” At that point, you’re not obliged to continue making small talk unless you feel like it.
TIP: Keep a positive attitude throughout every interaction. Don’t be pushy. Be honest. Communicate proactively.
Be A Professional Offering a Service
You’re never obliged to make small talk if you don’t want to.
Answering questions about what you will and will not do in your show will probably be much easier than the dreaded “what’s up?” if you’re anything like me. 🙂
When a guest is engaging more in conversation than you’d like, you can always try leading them toward the conversation you’d prefer by asking this question:
So, I’m curious. If you were to get a show with me, what would interest you?
Then treat their answer as if you had asked question 4, worded slightly differently.
If they throw you a bone (no pun intended), say: “That sounds fun, wanna do it?” or “Neat, I’m not really into that myself.”
If It Makes Engaging Easier, Type Instead of Talking
Another of our readers asked the question of whether to type or talk in free chat. But for those of us who are more socially awkward, typing can sometimes make things easier. It gives you a moment to buffer your response. If it helps, do it. The point is to do what works for you.
Just keep in mind that during private shows, most people will prefer to hear your voice as part of a full-bodied camming experience.
Stick to Private-Oriented Cam Sites
You’ll spend more time engaging one-on-one with your guests in private sessions. I’ve found this much more natural than trying to engage a group in a public setting, especially when it comes to actual shows.
I started learning the ropes on Flirt4Free, which I do recommend even though it comes with a lower commission. There is a great community over there and I still have regular customers I met during my first couple of weeks. These days I cam on Streamate, which is another private-oriented site that I recommend.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversations Can Be Seriously Rewarding
You’re going to meet so many different kinds of people on cam. It’s one of the things I’ve come to find most rewarding about being a webcam model. Your fear of scaring off a lot of guests is warranted. However, those guests you scare off by your personality aren’t the guests you wanted in your room in the first place. Remember, your personality – socially awkward as it may be – is going to be the thing that makes your true fans keep coming back to see you.
If you play your cards right, you’ll eventually find yourself surrounded by people who appreciate who you are. That’s camming. You’ll obviously come across people who don’t get you and who waste your time and exhaust you – but the beauty is that you don’t have to put up with those people. Nor do you have to be “smooth at schmoozing” to get paid in this business. Just be you, and hold out for the people who will make camming great for you.
I hope this helps with your question. Thanks for reading O Camgirl!
Take it easy.
What is the discrepancy in pay between male cam people and females?
Any other discernible differences or things I should be aware of?
What say you of being a member at multiple sites as well as starting your own?
The discrepancy in pay between individual females is so great I can’t even go there. It’s going to be the same for males. Everyone is different. You just have to try it and see how it goes.
As a male your target market will consist mainly of gay males, since men are the primary consumers in this industry.
I say go for it! It’s all about experimenting and finding what works for you.