Where advisers come from
- Former coworkers and managers
- People one or two steps ahead of you
- Local trade groups and meetups
- Instructors from courses you took
Ask well
- Ask a specific question, not 'can I pick your brain'
- Share what you already tried
- Respect their time: offer a short call or an email
- Follow up with what you did
Give back
Answer questions from people behind you. Networks stay alive when advice flows both ways.