This is a 'chicken and egg' situation.
Do you approach friends and if you think them responsive get them to spank you or do you find other spankers and if you bond with them develop deeper friendships?
If you are the intuitive type of outgoing person then the former is easy for you. Its safe but runs the risk of alienating old friends and can explode very publicly if handled badly.
However, if you are shy, retiring and a little nervous then the later is much easier. I have responded to blogs, chats and ads where chatting beforehand with a total anonymous stranger is very easy.Just use your common sense that you would use for any anonymous meeting. I never allow myself to be tied-up, always agree the severity of the spanking and try and meet in a public location before going to a private or secluded position. If the guy wants sex, for me thats an Ok, but you can always lay down the ground rules even before you meet.