[ajkessler]

>>No one really wants to help you unless there is something in it for them or it fits into their larger plan.<<

Some good points, but I've found this one to be wildly untrue. Almost universally, I've found really successful people want to help other people become really successful. Like his other points, you'll have to initiate and ask for their help, but I've never met anyone successful who isn't willing to give to just about anyone.

[maigret]

Science seems to agree with you [1]. The human race is so successful because from almost birth on, humans are collaborating. Some patterns can be seen where small children are much more willing to collaborate and after success to share the result of work with others than apes with similar individual problem solving capabilities.

[1] http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&...

[sachitgupta]

Whats in it for them? Largely based on experiences, one way to get successful people on your side and helping you - ask them for advice. But more importantly, follow through and actually do something with it. And then keep them updated.

Most people won't take action, and doing something is a very easy way to separate yourself from everyone else.

[joelrunyon]

Exactly. But those people don't want to help you until you start asking them for something and do something to separate yourself from the crowd.

[samstave]

Steve Jobs agrees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkTf0LmDqKI