> don't have any professional connections, and don't know who to talk to... Search HN posts, news stories, blog posts, and Linkedin for potentially interesting

> don't have any professional connections, and don't know who to talk to... Search HN posts, news stories, blog posts, and Linkedin for potentially interesting contacts working in and around your space. Reach out to them on a professional networking basis. You'll be surprised how many folks will be receptive to your call/email.