I’m not dating a gal named Google. But building search engine love isn’t that much different than dating.

How so?

1. Patience. Both take time, but man is it worth it! Much like dating, it’s nice to see a little instant gratification, whether it be a first kiss or spike in web traffic. You don’t win a marathon by sprinting. Slow and steady as she goes.
2. Fear. Typing thoughts into cyberspace can be a scary thing, much like putting yourself out there on a first date. However, reassurance is such a sweet thing, especially in that getting-to-know you phase.
3. Giving. I love that feeling of giving on par with receiving. Especially love notes. However, it seems it’s just a take, take, take world…. especially in the vapid media world where we are encouraged to consume media on our iPad… on the TV at the gym… on Twitter. Happy Hour is no different, consume this, cheap that. It seems 10% of photographers actually share tips and tricks on their blog to help others.  (Confession: I can’t stand photographer blogs that serve up little value… especially blogs that serve as bragging grounds for cute kids or the ones showcasing only their latest awesome shoot. What’s in it for everyone else?)

A friend commented I’ve been an open book lately. Yes, I have, thank you much.

I ask myself: Why?

Because I want to improve as a photographer, an instructor, and a writer.

• To become a better writer, write more! In the last 3 months, I’ve managed to publish over 50 posts. That’s twice my ‘normal’ rate. The added effort has improved my confidence as a writer. Writer’s block seems a thing of the past (knock on wood). Blog topics get born from a simple email to my Mom or Twitter update (yes, I Tweet).
• Patience is the most important trait of a good teacher. Patience is a virtue that can be learned.
• You learn 90% of what you teach. As a photographer, that’s a more effective than just “doing.” Try it!  The better you can learn and teach yourself now, the easier learning becomes in the future. This applies to learning a foreign language, learning to snowboard or fly (foreign languages to many, including Rio the bird).

When positive blog comments appear on a consistent basis, I feel like all this tedious hard work is paying off. (Thank you, readers!). My readership has grown 80% over last year!! (Again, Thank you Thank you, readers!!!!).

Words of affirmation are HUGE for me. That’s my love language (a foreign language to some women). To learn your Love Language, take this quiz.

Making Google happy means lots of giving with little expect in return… at least for the short term (90-days). The end result? A special call might ring from someone that likes what I do, likes my work, and pays me for what I enjoy: making creative portraits. It’s part of my Happiness Project.

Resistance, look out.

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Geese are social creatures and mate for life. Which is why I thought this goose looked out of place:

We worry too much about being judged. Judging from this goose, I’d say he’s basking in his 15-minutes of limelight sunlight. Solo for the moment, he appears confident, warm, happy.

Be the [Silly] Goose.

Photo taken via Hipstamatic on my Verizon iPhone 4, proof the best camera is the one that is with you.