Being good at what you do amplifies the utility of your connections. Absolutely, as well as initiative and passion. Perhaps the lesson here is to a) to the be

Being good at what you do amplifies the utility of your connections. Absolutely, as well as initiative and passion. Perhaps the lesson here is to a) to the best you can to put yourself into a situation where you can succeed, and b) act on every chance you get. Sounds cliché, but that is the path to success. edit: anigbrowl beat me to it.