EASY: Just make a post in the ISO section for the area that you live in...there are a lot of ladies (like me)
that don't depend on references from other providers. We have learned better and safer ways to painlessly screen.
Make post simple IE: "Newbie" (yes I know you aren't new to the hobby) looking for....BE SURE to list the area you need, type of visit, age/size/race preferences. Ask that they are willing to provide a reference if requested. Then check thread and inbox for messages, choose one, give them the info that they need to screen, set a date/time...WASH and REPEAT
As far as being reference friendly...providers have their own guidelines...I personally LOVE it when a client shows the courtesy of letting me know that they are using me as a reference to XYZ provider. People change, so don't expect one provider to give you a reference for the next five years and you have only seen them once. I will generally say for 6 months. By then you should have developed other references.
If I have a reference request, I provide the following information: Any issues with safety, hygiene or donation. If the client was memorable for any particular reason. Make it a memorable visit, so that when we receive a reference request, we know exactly who you are...I have a client that brings me stuff such as: Silver dollars, plants, venison and last time fresh veggies out of the garden.
I frequently get repeat client request and sometimes they may have changed their name or phone number etc. or I have lost their contact info...I ask "How would I remember you, jog my memory"...LOL they go, well "I'm 45, 6'0", 200lbs brown hair and eyes." REALLY, that helps since you just described half of my client base. So BE MEMORABLE and not in a BAD way.
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