Twenty plus years ago I would call tv correspondents and producers at local news stations to ask if they needed an intern. Many of them said yes when can we meet? I finished college with nine internships in print, tv and radio (one at ABC News in NYC) all on my own accord and persistence. I graduated with multiple job prospects at major networks In NYC. I got those opps by being persistent and savvy. Knowing when to call decision makers before or after their assistants would be away from their desks. Or my classic move was a four week blitz of sending my CV to the same person leading to many interviews.

I have an unbelievable career because I have been persistent and take risks. If you have the courage to do what needs to be done to advance your career or business you will be fine. The people you approach that want to punch you in the nose as you say are not the type of people you want to deal in business with anyway. I'm here if you need more insights.