Listen Up, Baby Stripper: Your First-Shift Pep Talk from a Veteran

Introduction: It's Showtime, Sis.

Look at you. Heels are strapped on, your GrlFriday outfit is dazzling, and you’re about to walk onto the floor for your first shift. Take a deep breath. The jitters are normal. But forget the dancers on stage; I need you focused on the hustle.

You're not here to make friends; you're here to make money. We've got five minutes before your first set hits. Here is the fast track to surviving this shift, securing the bag, and making this a career, not just a phase.

Rule #1: The Mindset is Get the Money

Forget the pretty girl contest. This is sales.

Your Hot Take Reality Check: If a client walks up and says, "You’re too pretty to be here, I wish we met somewhere else; I’d rather take you out. What are you doing after this?” you smile and know one thing: He's too cheap to be talking to you. If he actually respected you, your time, your job and actually wanted to date you; he’d show you that by getting dances or paying you for your time. If he can’t afford a VIP, then he can’t afford dating you. That line is an instant red flag. Don't waste your energy on him.
Time is Gold: I saw you chatting with that guy near the bar for way too long. If you’ve spent more than 10 minutes on a friendly conversation and he hasn't bought anything, you pivot immediately. Your Line: "It was great chatting babe, but I’m on the clock. A tip for the excellent company and conversation?”
MONEY UP FRONT: NEVER EVER do it any other way! Not getting paid before you perform your services is a sure fire way to get ripped off. Sad but true, but customers prey on baby dancers, for a few reasons, this being a main one.
Embrace the Boss: Never look bored. Never sit down unless you're with a paying customer. Walk with purpose. Even if the floor is empty, act like you're heading straight to a $1000 Champagne Room. Act like you're busy, and the money will follow.
It Only Takes One: It sounds corny and tired, but it’s true. Don’t get discouraged and don’t let rejection ruin your mood. The last 2 hours are 90% of the time the most profitable. You only need one great customer to make your shift!
TALK TO EVERYONE: Girl, forget all of your limiting beliefs like, “These kind of guys aren’t into me, I don’t think that guy is going to want talk to me.” Delete all of that and TALK TO EVERYONE! You never know what customer is going to make your night. You never know who’s going to vibe with you. Just work the room, and talk to every customer. And don't be afraid to be rejected! They might so “no” and say “I’m not interested.” Okay cool, just push on and move on to the next one.
Work Smarter Not Harder: A lot of guys are not solely looking for eye-candy, most really value a bit of a connection. Being a good listener and conversationalist can generate more tips and sales than pure looks. Some dudes are just lonely and want the temporary illusion of a beautiful attentive woman. Another thing is your energy transfers; they feel what you’re feeling. If you are tense and anxious, your client will 100% feel that. Spruce up your social skills by reading books on body language, the art of seduction and how to talk to people.
Don’t Negotiate Your Prices or Club Rules: Some clients try to negotiate prices or convince you to break club rules. This wastes time and energy. The Negotiation Blocker: If they keep pushing on price, use the value approach: "I appreciate you, but I’m going to give you the best 30 minutes of your week. That surely is worth my rates.” The Club Rule Blocker: If they ask you to break a club rule (e.g., "Can you fully undress here?") "I would love to give you that show! But we have to be in the Champagne Room for that, per club rules. Let's go."
Value Your Energy. If he wastes your time on boring small talk without tipping, move on. Time is your most valuable asset.

Rule #2: Secure the Bag (Closing the Deal)

We don't ask for permission; we assume the sale.

The Assumption Close: Stop saying, "Do you want a dance?" That gives him space to say 'no.' Tell him what's happening. Your Line: "We're going to the back for some dances. Follow me," or, "Let’s go somewhere more private" Be direct, be confident.
Know Your Menu Cold: Your club offers 30- and 60-minute VIP blocks, and the Champagne Room is where the real money lives because you can be fully nude there. Sell the highest thing first. Always. If he says just one song,respond: "That's barely enough time to catch our breath! Let’s roll that right into a 30-minute VIP; you deserve to actually relax tonight."
The Champagne Room Closer: This is the ultimate upsell. Sell the luxury and the exclusivity. Your Line: "This area is too restricted. If you want to see the real show; one where I can actually take off this sexy GrlFriday outfit; we need to be in the Champagne Room for AT LEAST 30 minutes. It's the only place I can get fully nude got you, and your drinks are free. Let’s upgrade."
Your Final Closing Line: When that dance or session is over, you secure that final tip. No shame, no begging; just confident closure. Your Line: "Thank you for the dance! Now, do you tip in singles, twenties, or hundreds?" or “Tips are always appreciated.” (The assumption close: He’s tipping, the only question is the denomination.)
CLOSED MOUTHS Don’t GET FED: Always ask for a tip. Whether it be for your time or after you’ve finished giving them a lap dance, the worst they can say is no. That applies to this profession as a whole. Get used to rejection.
Don’t Take it Personal: You’re going to encounter some rude and down right mean customers. DO NOT take their nasty comments to heart. They’re miserable and projecting. Their opinion is absolutely worthless and means nothing! Let it go and forget it happened.

Rule #3: Take Care of Yourself: Mind, Body + Soul

Your brain + body and its upkeep is your uniform. Treat it with respect.

Wardrobe Matters: Don’t wear the same outfit two shifts in a row. It shows regulars you're investing in the experience, and it gives you a fresh visual hook. Your clothes are magnetic; make sure they’re the best.
Manicures + Pedicures A MUST: Don’t miss out on a foot fetish client because you couldn’t be bothered to get a pedicure. Clean, neat, trimmed and polished nails portray the image of you being an expensive woman, don’t ruin all your other efforts with chipped nail polish.
Full Glam + Hair: Remember you're “selling” yourself. Men are visual creatures. This should be a given.
Invest in a Quality Scent. Layer different scents so you smell unique. Men love vanilla or anything that smells like a baked good.
Everything Showers: Do this before every shift! Hair, exfoliating, shaving, moisturizing (NO LOTION BEFORE SHIFT) You can shave with a body oil and then rinse it off a bit before getting out of the shower.
BOOTY ZITS: Shower after every shift! The club is filthy and money is gross! Exfoliate like crazy and use an antibacterial soap. For stubborn bum zits you can use diaper rash cream to instantly reduce redness and irritation. It’s pretty crazy! We actually include it with our orders. Slug it on infected area after shower, put on some shorts and go to bed. Should be gone by the next day.
Enjoy the Benefits of Sunlight: It’s a huge mood booster, get plenty of sunlight, especially early in the morning to regulate cortisol.
Eat Healthy: Avoid processed foods. Try and cook all your meals at home. Mindful eating and don’t put any extreme restrictions with food. Everything in moderation. The key is to reduce as much inflammation as possible.
Love Exercise: Strength training, hot yoga, long walks and dynamic stretches are NECESSARY in this line of work if you want longevity without major injury. Being a stripper is extremely demanding physically. Pole dancing runs the risk of minor and serious injuries if not properly done. Walking in 8 inch heels for 6 hour shifts throws the body out of balance. Trying to look sexy in contorted positions can cause all sorts of knee pain, strained necks and lower back aches.
Take Care of Your Mind: Care for your mental health by journaling, meditating, connecting with friends and seeing therapists regularly.
Sleep as Much as Possible: Most people don’t sleep enough and live with constant sleep debt. Get 8–11 hours a night (seriously!)
Stay Hydrated: Beauty starts from within, so make sure you’re drinking your H2O. To add to that Don’t get DRUNK on shift! Not only does it destroy your body; it also makes you less safe.
Long Epsom Salt Bath: Take one after each shift or at least one day a week. This will help to open up your pores and clean your skin while also getting magnesium into your bloodstream, which many of us are deficient in. I find that Epsom salt baths are a therapeutic way to treat myself after a long night. They sooth your aching muscles and supposedly help to diffuse bruises. Light some candles, listen to anything that’s calming to you. Bonus points if you do a lil meditation as you lay in the water and imagine all the bullshit melting away.

Rule #4: Safety + Boundaries

Trust your intuition!

Your Boundaries Are For Your Protection: If a client gets too weird, too touchy, or tries to cross the line, end the interaction immediately. Don't tolerate disrespect for a few extra dollars. Your peace is worth more than their wallet. There’s good money and bad money.
No Means No. Let’s say you’re giving a client a lap dance and he tries to suck on your nipples. Your Line: “I know this is a sexually charged environment , but that’s not allowed babe. This is your first warning.” He responds with, “Well so and so let me suck her nipples!” Your Line: “That’s odd because that’s very much against the clubs rules and I’m not going to risk my job for that. We can still have fun together.” Just because someone else allows something does NOT mean you have to. Nine times out of ten these men are lying to you to see if you’ll allow it. It’s manipulative. Never let anyone trick you or force you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. We will never let someone define our boundaries for us.
You Are Hot, He is a Dog: He “can’t help it” so use your grace and charm and smile to keep your boundaries firm. Jump up and say, “OMG, I just really didn’t expect you to touch me like that!” It will make them feel awful + embarrassed. Successful strippers know that keeping his desire alive is what makes him pay you and it’s what makes him upgrade. Biting his head off might make you feel better for the moment, but controlling your impulses is integral to boosting your sales. You might hate this guy right now, but if you handle things with finesse and grace, you just might end up turning your horny dog into the guy who pays your rent every month.
ALWAYS have a bouncer walk you to your car or ride at the end of your shift. I do not care if you’re in a hurry and you can’t find security, YOU WAIT! It’s not worth the potential risks.
Always lock your car doors IMMEDIATELY upon entering your car.
Go for the Adam Sandler Vibe to + From Work: Dress modestly on your way to and from work whenever possible. Leaving work in a short dress, heels and your Pleasers hanging half way out of your bag says, “I have cash on me, I am tipsy, and I am loose,” during the most dangerous hour of the night. Avoid giving people this impression by wearing something modest. If you’re not getting paid for it, the attention is unwanted anyway.
False Promises: It’s a bad idea to promise things you have no intention of delivering. It is an easy $500 to say you will meet someone later with no intention of showing up. Not only is it morally wrong, but it’s just putting yourself in a compromising position, both with the law and your physical safety.
The Digital Line (Identity Safety) Get a burner number and make an instagram account for your stripper persona. NEVER give your real number or personal social media. Also when it comes to giving out your contact information, the rule should be directly tied to the client’s investment level. Use that access as an incentive for them to buy dances. Your Line: “My number is reserved for clients who buy a lap dance. Let's go dance, and we can talk about it”
The Ride Share Identity Hack: When calling an Uber or Lyft, clients can often see your name pop up on their app. To prevent them from associating your real or stage name with your ride home; Use an Alternate/Masculine Name. Change the name in your ride-share app settings to a generic name or even a masculine name (e.g., "Mike" or "Chris"). Share Your Trip. Always use the "Share My Ride" feature with a trusted friend, partner, or fellow dancer.
The Cash Policy: Never carry all your earnings on you. Carry a moderate "decoy" amount in your tip pouch and immediately secure the rest in your purse, locker, or in your bank account, if possible. If you are ever robbed, you hand over the decoy cash and maintain your safety.
Safety First, Money Second. Your boundaries are not negotiable. If a client makes you uncomfortable, is too handsy, or won't take no for an answer, end the interaction. Call security or the house mom over immediately. A few dollars lost is never worth your safety or peace of mind.
Never Leave your drinks unattended.

Rule #5: Stripper Etiquette

(Avoiding Drama + Conflict)

Never approach customers when they’re at the rack / stage.
Never approach a customer who’s already with a dancer (unless invited)
No lotion before your shift!
Don’t allow your partner to come to your shift. Most clubs have rules against this and for good reasons.
Stay out of drama! DO NOT ENGAGE with other girls talking badly about other dancers.
Don’t engage in shit talk with customers about other girls.
Be aware of “sharkey” dancers.
In the dressing room: Keep your head down and mind your business. Not all clubs are “very welcoming” You might luck out, but better safe than sorry. Remember your best resource there will become those girls.
Still need more advice? Go to a strip club, then PAY a stripper to sit + chat with you. You'll get the best advice and you'll be supporting your community.
Tip Your Staff: DJ, manager, bartenders and security.
Always ask the dancer on stage if you can sit at their stage when your customer wants to sit at her rack with you.
Warn other girls about club predators and pimps.

Bonus Tips:

Go slow and remember to POINT YOUR TOES!
Confidence is key!
Smile!!! A smile can turn a cold heart warm, and it could be just what someone needs.
Research shoes and watches. Quiet wealth. Not the typical obnoxious “luxury fashion”

The Veteran's Final Word

Go out there and remind yourself: You are powerful. You are running a business. Every rejection is just a step closer to a 'yes.' Now, put that smile on and go secure the biggest bag you’ve ever had. I'll be watching. ♡