You need to be a known hobbyist for some. Getting references from the ones you are seeing is one way. When you see someone ask if they will be a reference for you, never assume. Join sites like this and participate in discussions. Write reviews also and try to make it a good read, don't lie but if she was good make it a good read. Join P411, they will verify you are who you say you are and build a reputation on there. Above all, when you see someone, leave them with a good impression of you. If you do all this, there will still be some that won't see you, that just happens but it won't be because you did something wrong.