“It’s not only about beauty. It’s about the achievements,” says Madrid-based portrait photographer Beata Praska. After shifting out of a career as a high-powered executive in the energy industry, Beata knew that she wanted to photograph other successful business people. She secured her first big clients through networking events and then found that LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for attracting more clients in this demographic.

Beata recently joined host Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to share her career journey and tips for networking in person and with social media. Listen to Beata Praska on The Portrait System.

Here is her formula for using LinkedIn to attract high-profile clients:

1. Before their shoot, Beata’s clients fill out a questionnaire about their career and accomplishments.
2. After the shoot, Beata creates a LinkedIn post with portraits from her shoot and text drawn from the questionnaire. These posts have a dual purpose. They both give visibility to her clients and their accomplishments, and they attract new clients who want to be similarly profiled.
3. Finally, Beata creates a high-end art show for each edition of her 50-Over-50 project that celebrates her successful clients. She runs one edition for women and another for the men.

Below you’ll find a bonus Q&A from Beata where she talks about her biggest business breakthroughs, how she makes genuine connections with her clients, and more. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

[Read: Market Like a Boss and Thrive]

Beata Praska Q&A

What have been your biggest breakthroughs in business? 

When I started to think big. When I started to aim for excellence both in terms of service and in terms of product. When I realized that both of these can change the life of my clients for the better, make them feel more powerful, more beautiful and more confident in themselves. When I realized that I am accountable for my own success (and obviously for my failures as well). When I realized that I can grow my business exponentially and there is no limit to where I can take it to. Also, when I started to be ok with people telling me that I am way too expensive.

What is your average sale currently? 

Around 2000 Euros.

How did you push past fear when building your business?

 I did not push past fear. I decided to work next to fear. I decided to befriend my fear, pat him/her on the back, sit him/her on the back seat, and drive in the front seat.

Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients?

I try to offer a very personal experience. It begins with the first conversation. I show genuine interest in my clients. I feel it is a privilege to be able to work with valued professionals. I try to make them feel special because, they are very special persons. I make sure they are well taken care of before, during and after the photo shoot with me. I tailor every session to the needs and desires of every client. I listen. I go out of my way to serve them. But I think what matters most is that I am simply a human — an honest, sincere person, and that, coupled with excellent technique, can do wonders.

I think long term. I have a referral program. I try to upkeep the community. I attach significance to small details like packaging, thank you cards, and the way I present the portraits in social media. I’m always thinking of making the client feel special. I feel the world is abundant, and I try give back the abundance.

Most artists had a point in their life when they knew this was meant for them. Did you have that moment? 

Yes. Personal circumstances led me to shift my career from a successful executive career in the energy industry (oil and electricity) to working with people and slowly finding out my human side that I was not so aware of. I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason and a negative change can lead to a positive growth. Life is all about people.

The Portrait System Podcast helps portrait photographers navigate the world of photography, business, money, and much more. Hosted by Nikki Closser, the podcast is powered by The Portrait System, a comprehensive, online educational platform that teaches all aspects of running a successful portrait photography studio. If you’d like to be a guest on The Portrait System Podcast, send them a voice message.