I would like to start off this blog by saying that if you are taking the time to read this, you are awesome and I love you. Now I know I am famous for having an “extensive” screening process. I have frustrated and frightened a fair amount of potential clients over the years. So, to save us both some time and confusion, I’d like to share with you my screening requirements and the reasoning behind them.
I’d also like to mention that a provider’s decision not to see you is not necessarily a reflection of your personality or behavior. I’ve turned down potential clients that seemed wonderful, solely because I just couldn’t get enough information. So, don’t feel bad if you are ever turned down for an appointment. You might not have done anything wrong.
That being said, the goal of my screening process is to confirm, without any doubt, that:
A) You are who you say you are
B) You are safe
Now, most of the issues I come across are with concept A), so I will focus on that.
I personally live by Murphy’s Law when it comes to screening. Whenever I receive a piece of information, I ask myself, “is there any possible way this could be fake?” and if the answer is yes, I cannot accept it. I know, you might be asking yourself, who would take the time to make a fake or photoshop a _ just to get past screening? Well, trust me, if I can dream it, someone has already done it. And I would much rather miss out on an appointment than risk my health and safety.
So, let’s say I get a booking request from someone claiming to be John Smith. Great, but how do I know I’m actually corresponding with John Smith? I have multiple methods of confirming this:
1) Work email- you can send me an email from your work account or I can send you a fake spam.
a. If you are using a gmail account, I can’t accept it UNLESS that gmail account is listed publicly in association w/ your business.
b. If your work email has a different domain than your business website, I cannot accept it UNLESS that domain also directs me to your site.
Ex: you claim to work for abcauto.com but your email is j.smith@abcautomotive.com
Do you see the difference? Abcautomotive must also direct me to the same site as abcauto.
c. If you are using a shared email account, I will need additional information.
d. If you have faked the email in any way, I will be able to tell, and will automatically decline the appointment.
2) Social media account- This can include Linkedin or Facebook. You can send me a message thru that account, or a connection request, etc. The account must have your name on it somewhere and be verifiable.
a. If that social media account is brand new, I cannot accept it.
b. If it only has 2 connections, I cannot accept it.
C. If you haven’t posted anything in 5 years… eh I’ll probably need more info
3) Calling your work place and asking for you- not my favorite method, but I don’t mind if it’s necessary.
*Note- If you work for and/or own a small business, I’m going to make sure it’s a legitimate business and currently active. That is public information. This should not come as a surprise to anyone.
Equally as important, how do I know I’m actually meeting with John Smith? How do I know John Smith didn’t just send his buddy, Jack Doe, to see me instead? Well, I need to know what you look like. Which means I’d need a photo with your name attached to it. And that photo needs to come from a verifiable source such as:
1) The profile pic of your social media account
2) Your website
3) Company directory
4) A news article published about you, or that you are mentioned in
5) Any other source you can think of that I can verify. As long as it has your name on it, I’m all ears.
I know what you’re thinking. “Why can’t I send you a pic of my Diver’s License? My business card? Me, standing in front of the building I work at? Me playing with my dog? My credit card?” Well:
1) If it can be photoshopped, I cannot accept it.
2) Anyone can have business cards printed out, therefore I cannot accept it.
3) Standing in front of a building doesn’t mean you actually work there…
4) Your dog will love you even if you’re a danger to me. Also, it doesn’t confirm who you are. Also, it could be photoshopped and animals actually despise you.
5) DON’T SEND ANYONE PICS OF YOUR CREDIT CARD!!! WHY DO PEOPLE DOOO THISSSS????
References and Verification sites:
I really appreciate references, and am always happy to give them, but it’s important to remember that, just because you behaved yourself with Ashley, doesn’t automatically mean you will behave yourself with me. I have experienced this first-hand.
I also really appreciate verification sites like p411, but again, I still need to confirm who you are, and that you are not using your buddy’s account, etc.
I hope this demystified my screening process and calmed some nerves. I know it isn’t easy sending personal info to someone you’ve never even met! But you need to understand, we as providers are risking our health, safety, civilian careers, etc, to meet with you. It’s also important to remember that every provider operates differently and has different requirements for screening. While there are common requirements (such as work info or references) there is no standard screening process and what worked for Ashley won’t necessarily work for Amber, etc. So please, be patient with this part when booking a provider and remember that your efforts do not go un-noticed!
Thanks for reading! You’re the best! XOXO
Eva<3