Imagine knowing someone in 2009 who could get you in early on uber or airbnb. or in 2006 get you in on Facebook. you need to know the right people, combined with luck (choosing to invest in uber isntead of quora) and some risk taking.
All of my 'successes' (granted they are very small but hey you gotta take some wins from time to time) have come from opportunities which arose from conversation.