How do I as a provider make friends with other providers?

I'm supposed to go to one a week from now. How many of these meet and greets go on and are there any in the city?

There was supposed to be one at the convention last week. Kind of a bust though.

I have heard enough stories about back stabbing and petty arguments from so called ladies that were BFFs in this industry that I can write a novel.  Just go about interacting with the ladies via meet and greets and reference checks.  Don't actively seek out friends.  If you must, let it happen naturally.

.....discussion board interaction, PM's, ladies boards, m&g's etc.

Providers are better off seeking out female friends in their civvie lives where they're not competing for clients and $$$$. While it might seem that having female friends in this business would be a "birds of a feather" type beneficial relationship, it's rarely the reality. "Acquaintance" seems like a more accurate description of what a provider might seek in another provider. Funny how $$$$ influences all of our "friendships" in this hobby and not just the male/female ones.

When I got started in this industry, I sent emails to other ladies here in Chicago that advertised in the same places I did, and that were in good standing in the community. All of them were very welcoming and supportive; a few even offered to go out to coffee/lunch with me. Having connections with other ladies in the community has been essential for me.

If true,  this is sad.  Wish I had hobbyist friend,  and think providers should have others as friends.  

Feel free to contact me! I would love to have friends to talk to abt this. Meet up for coffee...etc

In short, the ratio of negative:positive comments just doesn't reflect reality in nearly any relationship or situation.

Trial and Error...

I've posted on TER asking other providers if they would like to offer doubles with me. I've met some amazing providers who have become great friends by doing this. If you'd like to offer doubles, it's a great way to get to know another provider and have a lot of fun

You're a drama-free provider and a well-spoken moderate from what I've seen of your posts over the years. Providers like you would tend to make good friends for other providers but I think even you would admit that you choose your friends carefully. That's the point CTP and I were making although he stated it more clearly than I did. Proceed with caution and choose wisely.

Let me know when the book gets published  
I would like the first sign copy....

.....just because money/clients are involved.  We should get a little bit more credit than that.

A lot of backstabbing, you may have the best of intentions, but she might wanna steal clients. Just b careful. Be more if an acquaintance, not a friend

I haven't ever looked for provider friends... I have just through lucky discovery found that some of the friends I already have ARE providers. That's a fun thing to discover, but usually we never talk work.