There Can Only Be Two Mistakes.

What works will depend on your destination. You may work hard on a path that may end up going nowhere. That's okay. Reduce the risk by talking to people who know the way, read a lot, and try stuff out. You won't fail for long.

Moreover, you may know the path, but ignore it...

• Consider reaching out to someone with different 'touches', such as a phone call, email, written letter, or an appropriate gift. 
• Pace your follow-ups. Every two weeks is a good starting place, and if they don't respond, try a monthly follow-up. 
• Give them an 'out' if they nee...

They can be goal-oriented (i.e. earning more money), or theme-related (a travel destination) or intuitive (you're not sure what you want so you just tear out pictures that appeal to you). 

Spend a few minutes sitting still and thinking abou...