CBS Business Network Interviews Top Porn Successes

CYBERSPACE — Unlike mainstream media’s typical coverage of the adult industry that grabs for a titillating headline to shock readers, the CBS Interactive Business Network has interviewed five of porn’s elite to find out how they’ve succeeded in business.

A cross section of adult performers and business people, including performers Sasha Grey, Ron Jeremy and Annie Sprinkle along with Hustler President Michael H. Klein and fetish web honcho Colin Rountree were asked their secrets to success and their brief histories in porn.

The report said that although it’s unusual for the mainstream world to look to the adult industry for business wisdom, because of porn’s pioneering and progressive adoption of technology and the tough competitive marketplace, the winners have a lot to share.

“Porn is also one of the most competitive industries in the world. It has a lower barrier of entry (no pun intended) which makes it very difficult to remain on top (no pun intended). As a result, people who are successful in the pornography business are often quite business savvy and are good at creating opportunities and, yes, selling their services and ideas,” the article said.

Some of the performer responses were not new, either from a mainstream or typical porn fan’s perspective but when asked about their secrets to success, some results were surprising.

Porn star and crossover darling Sasha Grey who made her mark in 2010 with a role in the HBO "Entourage" series said she refuses to accept limitations and has a philosophical look at life.

Grey said, “The challenge is to craft yourself so that you’re appropriate for what people want and need to see. It’s very easy for people to assume that because I do pornography that I’m not intelligent or that I’m incapable of making good decisions. However, I never see myself that way and instead look upon my life in a more existentialist way, as a means of understanding why people are they way they are.”

Veteran Ron Jeremy stressed hustling and dedication to his acting and porn craft to get ahead while classic star Annie Sprinkle advised folks to create support groups that delve into the deeper aspects of sexuality. Her efforts snagged lots of mainstream coverage over three decades that’s translated to a successful career.

From a more traditional and tech-driven business standpoint, Wasteland.com’s Colin Rountree told CBS that the secret to web success is building a social network without upsells. Rountree said he offers fetish enthusiasts a free community first and if they then want to buy a membership to his sites, it’s a bonus.

Hustler's Michael H. Klein, one of porn’s most successful business leaders and often a “go to” guy for savvy leadership advice in a wide range of adult sectors including broadcast and the Internet said his priority is lifelong learning.

“Even if you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, making deals and setting up relationships requires knowledge about how businesses work. The reason that I’ve been successful in selling the Hustler brand is that I’m constantly learning and growing in my understanding of the media world, what’s working in the past, and what’s working now,” Klein said.

The executive said his strategy allows him to make smart choices and connect with the right people and companies.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Motorbunny Launches Direct Wholesale Program

Motorbunny has launched a direct wholesale program for brick-and-mortar retailers and ecommerce sites.

Biird Introduces 'Together' Intimacy Card Game

Biird has debuted its new card game, Together, designed to promote intimacy in couples.

Show More