I've got one of those “blindingly obvious but all too easy to forget” tips today.

I'm always looking to renew and update the products and services I offer to clients.

My challenge is that out of all the things I could do to help professionals get more clients, which would be the most valuable to them? Which are the ones they'd want to hire me for or buy a product on?

Years ago I found myself stuck trying to logically deduce whether “using Linkedin to win clients” or “systematic follow up” or one of another dozen or so options would hit the right buttons.

And then it struck me. The easiest way to find out the answer was to ask my potential clients themselves.

Now I was initially a bit reticent. For the high-end products I was thinking of I would need to talk to very senior people and essentially ask them about their challenges and issues. Why would these people help me?

Well it turns out I had nothing to worry about.

Everyone I asked was more than happy to help. I crammed a day full of coffees with partners and marketing directors, asked a bunch of questions and sat back and listened.

And ended up with real clarity and insight into what it was my potential clients really wanted from me.

So here's how to get what you want…

Step 1: Build trusting relationships with people who can help you. Help them whenever you can.

Step 2: Ask for help when you need it.

As I said, blindingly obvious – but rarely done.

I see plenty of people asking, but who haven't built the relationships first that mean they'll get help.

And I see plenty of people…probably people like you…the good guys…the ones who help others a lot…who hesitate to ask.

You don't want to impose. You feel embarrassed to ask for a favour.

But here's the truth. The people who like you would love to help you.

They'll go out of their way to do it and they'll feel good about it.

But only if you ask.