I can’t say I agree. I started freelancing in a brand new (to me) industry just 2 years ago with zero contacts and have been doing alright. I think a lot depends on your attitude, work ethic, desire to learn and self improve. Being nice and authentic with everyone you engage with is probably helpful too. I didn’t know anyone in the states and I certainly don’t know anyone in my country and it hasn’t been a deal breaker.

What was your sales strategy to get started?

Still you are probably male, white, born in Western Europe or US, etc.

I found even some little things like how people style their hair, if they use face masks to keep their face clean, if they paid for teeth whitening/straightening in the past, can make a difference. In some regards that is attitute, true. But the kind you can't really learn growing up in the countryside for instance, or can't afford from the pay you get in some countries.

One of the best programmers I know has even some black teeth. He'll never be invited to a meeting where financially sound contracts are made.