I’ve always built my businesses on relationships. Today, those relationships are built online and off. With today’s technology it is possible to create quality business relationships with people you have never met in person. I must say, based on my experience, those relationships do become stronger when you eventually meet in person.
Non-the-less you need to respect all methods of networking and relationship building. No mater your style you can’t grow a business without people. People are needed to support your business and buy your product or service. Always start with this core idea in mind.
Here is a good article about how Daymond John created his clothing empire with relationship building.