From your perspective, whether 'profits' in the above title means more money, more influence, more respect, more attention or more customers and clients, there is a basic formula you must follow. It's the foundation of all my relationship marketing work:

It's unlikely someone is going to come to you or call you up and say 'Hey, you don't know me but here's a six figure sum - can I retain you for a few months?' More likely, you'll have courted them over time to the point where you've built the relationship, uncovered the need, made the pitch and won the business. 

Great questions will usually bring you great conversations. And that almost always leads to great relationships. Once you have those, it's inevitable you'll create great opportunities, which ultimately leads to great business!

It's a long term thing, not a one night stand. And every step readies you for the one after it. So get out there and ask some questions - you don't know where it might lead! If you want the very best resource with over 300 of the best questions you can ask, check out the Great Questions Bible!