Let's start with one of those glib statements. ‘You have to think creatively'. It's true at all times but especially in a recession. The problem is that thinking both laterally and outside the box is a skill that few of us have. Incidentally, that's not a bad thing - if everybody was busy being creative the world would cease to function.

A journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step. The same can be said for finding new customers. How successfully you take those first steps will define how many new accounts you open. If your new business approach is dull or haphazard it's not going to make you rich. By contrast, if you develop an effective technique for kicking open those doors - no matter how simple - you can work it to death and it will lead to more sales.