My recent travels to Emerald City Comicon and then up to Vancouver, BC reminded me how much I value the friendships I've built over the years. Whether they are in comics or film production, I think true friendships are vital to a successful career.

Social media has certainly expanded that list. Every year, I meet more and more people in comics, publishing, and film production, both online and in person. So the friendly circle continues to grow, as does the good friend circle. But not on Google+ because, seriously, who uses that ever?

That being said, I can honestly say that except for maybe two people in my life and my family, all of my really good friends I have met through doing business. Some of them I met, became friends with, and then ended up working together. Some of them I worked with, then ended up becoming friends. And my BEST friend is also my business partner, as well as my husband. We tackle almost everything we do as a team. We work each problem and celebrate each victory, together.

I've come to realize that without our friends, neither Chris nor I would've gotten to the place we are in our lives, professionally. I'm not too proud to say we needed their help from time to time. And because we were willing to open ourselves up to accepting help from friends, we've become strong advocates of helping other friends pursue their endeavors.

Which I think is really cool, personally.

There is nothing I love more than making introductions, making all my friends, friends with each other. And if it that introduction results in a mutually beneficial outcome professionally, all the better. 'cause who doesn't love kismet?

It's true that sometimes it's not all unicorns and lollipops. Chris and I haven't been immune to being royally screwed by people we thought were good friends. That's what happens when you put yourself out there. Did it completely suck? Absolutely. But in the end, all crappy stuff in life is just a lesson to learn, and without those experiences, we wouldn't be the people we are today.

If you let a few bad eggs spoil the whole lot, you don't have any eggs.People can suck. It happens. But that doesn't keep me from trying to be a friend to everyone. Not everyone is going to be "your people." Sometimes it just doesn't jive. You don't have to be best buds with everyone, but if you make an effort from the get go, everybody wins.

This has always been my philosophy. Comes in real handy when things start going wrong and is awesome when things go right.

Besides, who wouldn't want to be friends with the coolest, most talented people on the planet?