Throw a party. Host an event. Invite all your clients and ask that each bring along an ideal prospect. At party, offer samples of your product or demos of your service, but don't make it a hard sell. Instead, focus on getting to know each guest. Also, keep in mind as you're meeting people that each of people at your party likely knows at least one person who needs your service. Now make kind of impression that encourages people to say, "I met nicest person this weekend who does exactly what you need!"

Follow-up on every referral in two ways. First, make sure you follow-up immediately with prospect. This will show both prospect and referrer that you're trustworthy and that business is as important to you as you say it is. Second, make sure you send a hand-written thank you note to person who sent a referral your way (even if prospect doesn't become a client). Always let your clients know how grateful you are for their referrals. And one more thing, when you write that note, focus on generosity of your client, not how happy you are or how referrals are lifeblood of your business.

When you finish cycle, you'll need to keep sending your newsletter, soliciting feedback and following up on referrals. Pretty soon, you'll find your clients are not just your best source of new business, but also your best source for new business ideas. In short, your clients will be magically transformed into partners.

3. Tie your response to needs of hiring organization. Don't assume that interviewer will be able to connect all dots. It is your job as interviewee to make sure interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to position they are seeking to fill.

Sample tie-in: Because of my proven experience in leading sales teams, Craig Brown suggested I contact you regarding your need for a sales manager. Craig filled me in on challenges your sales department is facing.

4. Ask an insightful question. By asking a question you gain control of interview. Don't ask a question for sake of asking. Be sure that question will engage interviewer in a conversation. Doing so will alleviate stress you may feel to perform.

Sample question: What strategies are currently underway to increase sales and morale within sales department?

There you have it - a response that meets needs of interviewer AND supports your agenda.

When broken down into manageable pieces, question, "So, tell me about yourself?" isn't overwhelming. In fact, answering question effectively gives you opportunity to talk about your strengths, achievements, and qualifications for position. So take this golden opportunity and run with it!