21. What's it like being an Australian in a mostly North American and European marketplace in online adult.
It's actually had it's advantages.
Even though I have been in this business for going on 7 years, I NEVER posted on a board, let alone even thought about going to a show until I had reached the point that I did not need to.
By that I mean I had my own traffic, my own programs, my own business all sorted out and running well, so I could get on boards and go to shows AND BE MYSELF.
I hate bullshit, and bullshitters, with a passion - my father always said, "Son, tell the truth and you only get in trouble once".
So by the time I had contact with all you Septics and Canucks, and the Europeans I did not have to give a shit who I upset.
That freedom meant I have made many good friends and acquaintances because, as I said earlier about my behaviour, it's not what you do, but what you do and with what intent that counts. So if people see you are genuine and that you are REAL they warm to you as a person not as a business subject.
I remember well the FIRST person I met in a party environment at a show - it was ACE (Mark) from
NaughtyAmerica, and I am sure he will not mind me telling this story.
We were waiting for a drink and we both said "hi" and shook hands. Ace (as Ace does) then reached for one of his business cards and went to give it to me. I said, "Mate, can you shove your busines card up your bum, you aren't going to give me your traffic and I'm not giving you mine, so let's just get hammered and have a good time."
He looked shocked for a second and then smiled and said, "Hell Yeah", and we have be fine mates ever since.
Now I still haven't done any business with NaughtyAmerica, but that day is soon to come, and I will have no hesitation to do whatever deal Mark proposes and shake hands and do it.
And that's the way I like to do business.
The downside was all the bad press in the days of old from the last generation of Australian operators, when they dominated the world internet marketplace for a time. I know all those guys, some well, some not well, and with some clear exceptions they did very little to help me get to where I am today.
Now people know me (even if just from photos and reputation) dealing long distance with someone you have not met is pretty easy.
Personal referrals both ways go well.
What's great now is the Aussies are on the rise, and they are also on the planes.
I could not believe how many Aussie were in Phoenix .. I counted 25.
It's a small world these days.
