The novice photographer

I thought I'd write a blog aimed at new photographers for a change to my usual photo posts.
There's two things, budding self employed photographers need to know and it's not anything to do with taking photos as this type of work is 90% business and 10% photography.
First is photographers - other photographers that is. Photographers don't like other photographers. Fact. I have no idea why! This will mean any budding photographers will need to be strong in their own convictions. Learn as much as you can from where you can but NEVER share you hints and tips with other photographers as they won't help you back and most likely use it against you to steal your business.
Second point is customers. I read recently that you're not a professional until you've had a difficult customer. People are not always going to like your product but don't let them think you're a bad photographer. Most likely, they just don't understand your style or want you to make them look better, thinner, younger etc etc which unless you're an expert in this field, isn't going to happen.
I remember once speaking to a staff member at the big high street photographers Venture, and she told me more often than not the customers do not like their photos. Venture have a unique style (compared to the old sit and pose photography studios) yet some people question why they are overexposed, missing part of the heads etc etc. You'd think the customers would look at the style before booking a shoot but this doesnt always happen and so Venture have sales staff to help the customer understand (and thus buy) the product afterwards. As a newbie, you're likely not to have this facility and unless you're great at sales, will need to discuss the clients expectations fully before the shoot.
You may still get difficult customers though and you'll need to learn how to deal with these people and how to deal with your emotions afterwards. Try not to take it as a personal insult. For everyone difficult customer you'll have lots more nice ones who do appreciate your work. For every bad experience, you will come out with a learning experience and will likely change your working styles appropriately.
I'm lucky as I have had, in the most, fabulous customers who have since gone on to be great friends but just in case, I keep my best photographs on flickr so if I do get someone trying to trash my work I can look back at all the previous work that made happy customers and rejoice! In fact, a recent customer gave me a bonus as they had such a great shoot. Happy days.