You can have every gadget, every bit of proper schooling and all the proper protocols – but nothing trumps connections.
Jerry Weintraub is the type of mogul who looked for opportunities in whatever field – Broadway, music, film, TV etc. He found John Denver, produced the Oceans movies, and booked Led Zeppelin and a million other things – this is a guy you want to share a steak and martini with. He works the phones – trading favors for favors and getting stuff made.
Your relationships are your currency.
Foster them, nurture them and build off them.