Best Keyword Research Tool / Strategy / Approach?

[MichaelWeisbaum]

Currently, I list every root word (one word) I can think of for the client.  Then start a 2 word keyword section, making every possible connection with my root words.  Then move to 3 word, 4 word, and so on.  I do this all in a word document and by hand.  Does anybody have ANYTHING (tool/strategy) that does something similar?  I'm looking for anything that can expedite this process.  My manual method makes me feel like I'm always forgetting certain combinations of words.

[dittoeffect]

Here is a similar Q and A that I wrote a response to suggesting 4 tools which I have found immensely useful. Market Samurai also has some video tutorials that teach a really good strategy for finding great keywords.

http://www.seomoz.org/q/what-keyword-research-tools-do-you-recommend-to-help-with-seo

hope this helps.