Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
Jasmine James, Flirt4Free’s business development liaison, is WIA’s woman of the month for May 2016.
I’ve come across some strong-smart females in this male-dominated industry. If you look at some of the new hot products that are out, quite a few of them have been spearheaded by women in the industry.
In her three years at Flirt4Free, James has planted a solid footprint at one of the industry’s top live cam companies, earning accolades from her peers along the way.
Her success at the company also has led to industry recognition. This past winter, she was named as one of the 100 finalist nominees for the 2016 XBIZ Exec Awards.
In this XBIZ World Q&A interview, James describes why she appreciates the ever-evolving online adult industry so much — in particular, her company, Flirt4Free.
She also discusses the art of deal-making at the industry trade shows and why she’s inspired by most of the women in the industry, who she said are chiefly responsible for some of the hottest products out there on the market.
XBIZ: What’s your role at Flirt4Free?
James: When I first started at Flirt4Free back in 2013 I was hired as an account executive. So my main responsibility was to manage the affiliate accounts that were assigned to me. A year in a half into my position I got promoted to business development liaison. So now my role is to make the connections with the decision makers and the innovators of the industry. I’m not just limited to just the adult side; I’m also working toward collaborating with many people on the mainstream side in order to give the Flirt4Free brand more reach.
XBIZ: What in your background prepared you for what you are doing now?
James: Before I worked in the adult space I worked in the [mainstream] entertainment industry. Some of my responsibilities included finding and managing talent, planning events and handling the marketing for the events that I put together. I also majored in communications and marketing. So coming into this job I knew that I would do well in the social settings because I enjoy meeting people and making connections. Even though I had no experience in this industry I knew that once I became familiar with the market it would be a place I would thrive.
XBIZ: You are at all of the webmaster shows. How important is it to network at these events?
James: It’s very important for me. This is where I make a lot of my connections or meet the person that connects me to the right person. When I started going to the shows two years ago I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I just started talking to people and getting to know everyone and I quickly realized how important relationships are in this industry. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to close a majority of the deals that I’ve made if I didn’t have face-to-face interactions with people. Meeting up in person to iron out the details of a partnership definitely helps seal the deal!
XBIZ: What’s the best part of the job?
James: I would have to say one of the best parts about my job is working with my team at Flirt4Free. I work with some of the most intelligent and innovative people in the industry and feel privileged to be able to collaborate with such a dynamic bunch. Just by collaborating with my team and other departments at my office I’ve learned so much when it comes to development and new trending technologies. Also I love a challenge so it’s great to be a part of an industry that is constantly evolving.
XBIZ: Who inspires you in this industry?
James: I would definitely have to say I’m inspired by the people that I work with at Flirt4Free. Gregory Clayman has built a great company and is truly an inspiring man to work with. Brad Estes' work ethic is incredible and Jeff Wilson is a great boss. Jeff is always generous with his time and motivating us to do our best.
I’ve also been inspired by most of the women in the industry. I’ve come across some strong-smart females in this male-dominated industry. If you look at some of the new hot products that are out, quite a few of them have been spear-headed by women in the industry. This really gets me excited!
XBIZ: What’s a typical workday like?
James: I like to start the day by exercising just to get my brain going. Once I get into work I start to look at my various goals and contemplate how I will achieve them. I usually have my meetings with the media buying and affiliate teams weekly. From there I start my conversations with people outside of the company that might help me achieve my goals.
I’m usually in conversations most of the day going over stark details about plans with partners. Whether it’s business partners, vending partners or potential partners that are looking to collaborate with an innovative brand like Flirt4Free.
XBIZ: In your spare time, what do you like to do?
James: If I have spare time I’m usually exploring the outdoors, traveling or indoors obsessing over the newest Netflix series. I’m also a big foodie, so my friends and I are always on the hunt for a new restaurant to try or throwing a dinner party for an excuse to cook a feast and drink lots of wine. Other than that I’m usually wrapped up in my latest passionate project. I also have a lot of friends with a lot of reach in mainstream, so I collaborate with them on their projects as well in my free time.
