I always say to our people to ask clients if, in the worst of all possible conditions, will they be a buyer or a seller.

These days, for example, she might ask clients if they can stomach gyrations in technology stocks.

Ask clients not just whether they were happy but, more important, whether the job was done on time and on budget.

You should also ask clients whether they have paid a deposit to the estate agent.

Call a few of the references and ask previous clients about their experiences with the agent.

Ask clients why they hired you and solicit suggestions for improvement.

Ask clients what you can do to help them.

She asks clients who come in person to bring pictures of their pets, "so that I can get to know them," she said.

I kept asking clients to repeat what they just told me on the phone.

Ask existing clients for a written testimonial to use in sales appointments.