The success of your photography business ultimately boils down to the quality of your relationships.

People do not buy your product or service. They buy YOU first and foremost.

When they know you and trust you, and know you have a genuine interest in them, they become loyal clients and refer their family & friends.

How do you discover people to establish relationships with?

You can do this both online and offline.

To meet people online, simply Google “social networking” and explore your options.

To meet people in the real world, search for local networking organizations or ask professional friends who they would recommend. The local Chamber of Commerce is often a good place to start.

The biggest mistake people make when networking is ignoring the fact that building relationships takes time and patience. Many attend networking meetings and verbally “vomit” on the people they meet. They ramble on about their business, product or service and how everyone should jump on board and take advantage of it right away or risk losing the best offer they’ve ever had.

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve met someone who hasn’t expressed any interest in you whatsoever or asked any questions to learn more about you, but somehow know just what you need and insist they can supply it?

How do you respond to people when they treat you this way? Do you want to spend another half hour talking to them or make a quick exit?

What if, however, that person asked you about yourself and was genuinely interested in you and what you do, and only after you asked about what he does, does he provide a brief explanation without a motive to sell. Would you be inclined to continue your conversation and learn more about each other and how you might be able to help each other?

In order to build a strong social network, you must be willing to learn about others, ask questions and be willing to listen. Resist the temptation to interrupt or turn the conversation to yourself and you will be rewarded for your self-control.

As you learn about other people and what their needs are, offer resources or connections that can help. Focus on helping others and others will help you.

If you’re shy and uncomfortable in a room full of strangers, the simplest way to overcome that is to get to know them. This can seem a little daunting at first, but if you move past your fear and take the risk of approaching others, you will liberate yourself from your self-imposed prison.

The world is then your oyster.

If I could give three simple rules to build a strong social network, they would be:

1. Get out of your safe zone. Introduce yourself to people. Take risks.

2. Make it all about the other person. Ask them questions, then shut up and listen.

3. Share resources, contacts, experience; do whatever you can to help others.

Follow these three simple rules and others will reciprocate in kind. Regard networking as a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.