For my inaugural foray into interviewing women with unique and inspiring careers, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to talk to Nikki Night, a performance coach for CAM4 (NSFW).

Nikki runs three weekly online coaching sessions designed to help webcam performers elevate the production value of their shows in order to successfully increase their audience. This includes (but is not limited to) tips and tricks on how to properly light the room, game plans for self-promotion and advice on how to create a notable online personality using blog posts, Twitter, and other social media. The business of webcam performance is an entrepreneurial undertaking that requires strategy and discipline, and Nikki Night endeavours to teach performers how to be as successful as possible.

Nikki was kind enough to provide some insight into how she became a performance coach for CAM4, as well as a look into what her day-to-day job entails.

How did you find yourself in the career you’re currently in? Was this something you worked towards purposefully, or did you find yourself here through a series of other opportunities?

I feel like I am really lucky that the opportunity came my way actually, It wasn’t something that I even knew existed. It was my sister who put me in contact with CAM4 initially. She is an actress and someone from the company asked her if she would be interested in applying for the position because she is very charismatic and knows about performing on stage and in front of a camera. Her only response to the offer was, “You need to talk to my sister.” She called me and briefed me on the fact that it was a job in a “porn” office. I remember thinking it was really funny and thought, “Yeah sure, not every dream offer can be a scam.” And what do you know, it was real.

At the time I had been camming since late 2010 and I had years of experience with training, leading a team, writing training material, brand representation, and working in film from being a makeup artist. It kind of felt like this job was just waiting for me to find it so I have to thank my lucky stars and my sister for passing on my number.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

When I get to the office the first thing I do is start replying to emails from performers of all experience levels. They write to me about anything from how to get more viewers, to the crazy things that they see on the site. Then it is usually writing or filming training material, having meetings with the CAM4 team about new products or usability of the site, tracking performers’ progress, having meetings with my coaching team to inform them on upcoming topics, or getting feedback from them to improve coaching classes, forever creating and updating the curriculum to keep up with new technology and how the performers can use them, and educating myself on the different global markets and how they are unique so I can customize the coaching to suit their specific needs.

What is the BEST part about your job?

The performers, hands down. Some of the things I see on CAM4 blow my mind. The performers are so funny and creative I can’t help but want to get to know them and talk to them. I get to be totally myself around them and vice versa. They make my day every time.

What is the WORST part about your job?

Trying to explain my job when I am on a date. Guys seem to think they have won the blowjob lottery for some reason. I mean I like blowjobs just as much as the next person but come on…we haven’t even finished dinner yet.

Are there any common misconceptions about your job or line of work in general? How do you address those misconceptions?

When I tell people what I do usually the first thing out of their mouth is, “So you teach people how to jerk off?” Then I say no and explain to them that I help performers improve their shows, get more viewers, and use software. I have crushed a lot of dreams with my explanation, so now when I am casually chatting with someone I usually just say yes.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to any young woman looking to follow in your footsteps?

Be strong willed.

I had a look at your coaching page (I love it!), what words of encouragement would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a webcam model, but who may have some reservations about it?

(Thank you!) I would just tell them about what camming did for me personally. It’s incredibly empowering. It will give you independence, the confidence in knowing you are interesting and sexy, and people want to talk to you and get to know you. It’s a lifestyle like no other where you get to meet some of the best people in the world.

I would also let her know how safe it is to do this in the comfort of your own home, and you can actually stop your friends and family from seeing you online. CAM4 gives you the option to block locations and countries that you don’t want to be broadcast in.

What is the most commonly asked question you get from performers you are coaching?

The most common question I get is, “How do I get more viewers into my room?” There are two answers to this question:

For immediate attention while you are broadcasting, you need to consider that the CAM4 homepage updates with still images from your show every two minutes. This means you need to do things that will get you attention from the homepage. People are drawn to bright colors, lights, movement, and a smiling performer from the homepage.

For more long-term results, do things like get involved with site contests, write a post we can put on the CAM4 blog, use Twitter and include your room URL in your tweets. All of these things give you exposure on the site and people will come in your room.

Do you have a “life motto” or words of wisdom that you live by?

If it won’t matter in a year, then it doesn’t matter at all.

Follow Nikki on Twitter! If you’re interested in checking out Nikki’s coaching sessions, you can catch her on Tuesday nights at 6pm for her open forum, or Wednesdays at 1pm and 3pm where she covers specific topics. These are only available to performers/aspiring performers and they are free.

For more info on how to run a successful webcam show, you can check out Nikki’s Top 10 Tips by clicking here!