What if I'm self employed how do I get a provider to consider that especialy with the economic climate

The economy really isn't the issue. Providers are not offering to extend you credit after all it's strictly cash and carry. An employment reference however is one of the more popular methods of background verification.  You may have to deal with agencies at first since they don't screen as heavily and also consider joining one of the verification services mentioned on this board quite often.

Start off by telling her that you're self-employed and she'll let you know what she wants. I'm self-employed also and had a situation last year when a provider asked me for employment information. I gave her my business name and pointed her to my ad on yellowbook.com. She did her screening, we met, session went off without a hitch. Nothing to it.

I was speaking more so about verification but thanks

Same problem, same solution.  Has not been a problem.
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Not all providers screen the same.  Best thing to do is mention it, as the wise poster before me mentioned.

I joined date check and that my friend opens you up to all the ladies.  It is really easy.  I made a date with a gal 3 states away and the reason was I had references....

Same situation happened to me a few month back before I joined a verification site. The provider I saw asked me to e-mail her my business e-mail and to give her a website of my business. Just tell her that you are self-employed and she might walk you through. good luck.