If the client is a corporation, check out the corporation's Web site to find information.

From a number of sources, you can look up an individual's name, address and phone number.

If it is a business client, go to Yahoo and see if there is an industry association page on the particular business the client is in.

Do a Google Usenet search to see if the client has made any posts of interest there (be careful of duplicate names).

Access FindLaw or LEXIS-NEXIS via the Internet and do a search of their news library to see if the client or the client's company has been mentioned in any news articles or has written any articles.

Use various regulation searches during conversations, especially environmental issues.

If a client calls with a new product concept, ask for the proposed name early in the conversation. During follow on conversation, do an on-line review of existing trademark registrations.