How do you find new customers and clients, or even a new job? That’s a question I’ve been asked many times over the years. And to be honest, I’m always asking other people how they do it.

Of course many of them haven’t a clue. Some people will tell you it’s all about “word of mouth” or that you need to do lots of advertising and promotional work, or that you need to build a massive mailing list. But what it all comes down to is – relationships!

Some years ago on Christmas Eve, when I still believed in Santa Clause, I met a neighbour of mine in a local bar. We didn’t know each other very well at that time, other than that he was a manager in a telecom company and I was a professional speaker.

That conversation, over a couple of beers, led to a big contract for me with his company, delivering customer service and management seminars. That in turn led me into another telecoms company (I was now an “expert” in that industry) and that led me into a contract with an international bank.

So my tip for 2015 for both your business and personal life is – build relationships!

I’ve always liked this comment from Seth Godin – ‘Don’t try to turn strangers into customers. Turn strangers into friends and friends into customers.’

I’ve just received this news letter from Michael Katz, and he says it better than me – but he’s not better looking!