“Who do I know?”

This was the pre-connection economy question when we needed help.

The new world question is – “Who do I need to know?”

Once you understand who you need to know, reach out to them. There are many ways of reaching people you want to know – Twitter, their own website, email, Facebook, etc., etc.. They are around and, if you play nice and persistent, pretty open to being of help. One of the truths that’s emerged thanks to the internet is that you can reach out to whoever you want. So, use it. Kill the “who do I know” question and stop using it to build your network. It is obsolete.

An added note – when you do take their help, find a nice, creative way to express your gratitude. A handwritten thank you note, for example.