Flyer: Right on the mark about connections. And darn nearly every one of your posts.

If I may add, you don’t have to be born into a ‘connected’ family for this to work. Just get out there and meet people. All types. Volunteer, donate your services, seek out the movers and shakers and meet them. Most are receptive and know the game. And if you can make them money, trustworthly, sharp, etc …. doors open. Learn to be friendly and even your geekiest cubical dweller will soon have a network of diverse people who tend to help one another.