做了很多年高管，我的建议是，不要问我这样的管理层那些基础建议或者信息。并不是我不想帮你，而是管理层实在是太忙，没有时间。而且职场新人和高管讲话的时候都会比较紧张，通常会不知道要说什么。所以要记住一点，普通职场人也知道很多东西。

如果你初入职场，那么已经工作4、5年的那些前辈可以告诉你关于这个行业和这份工作的很多信息，他们每天都要面对来自这份工作、行业的挑战，所以可以教给你很多有用的东西。
 
比如说，我们公司新进来的猎头们想要了解一个新的行业的话，我们就教他们去找那些中、低层的经理，问他们行业的基本信息。举个例子，要想了解最近手机app的发展，就找手机软件公司的产品经理。如果要了解特定的产品或服务，就去找那个行业的销售或者市场人员。不一定要找部门主管或者是总裁的。

但找那些企业中、低层人员的原因是，他们比起高管来更容易接触到，也更加愿意花时间跟你聊。你可以邀请他们一起喝一杯，不用那么正式，让他们提前知道你只是想要了解他们掌握的信息。我从开始工作之后就做了无数次这种事了。从我的经验来看，很少有人会拒绝你。如果是那些二十几岁或者三十出头的人，当你表示你非常欣赏他们的工作经历想要取经的时候，他们会很开心的。我就是这样的。

Here’s my advice as an experienced executive. Don’t approach people like me for basic advice and information. It’s not that I don’t want to help you, I’m just too busy. I don’t have the time. In addition, you’ll likely be very nervous when you talk to me, and won’t know what to ask or say to me. So instead, remember this. The average person knows a lot.
 
If you’re starting your career, anyone who’s done something for 4-5 years can tell you much of what you want to know about the industry or job that’s new to you. They face the realities and challenges in their industry and job every day, so they can tell you what will be helpful to you about these. 

For instance, when our young recruiters want to understand an industry that’s new to them, we teach them to approach low- to mid-level managers to get the basic information they need. For example, for the latest mobile application developments, talk to a product manager in a mobile app company. To understand a particular consumer product or service, talk to sales and marketing people in that industry. They don’t have to be a department head or VP.
 
But the biggest reason to approach people at lower levels is that they’re much easier to reach and are more willing to talk to you. You can just invite them for coffee or drinks, and keep it informal. Let them know upfront that your purpose is to “pick their brain” for information. I’ve done this 100s of times, ever since I started my business career. In my experience, people will rarely decline you. If they’re in their 20s or early 30s, they’re flattered that you recognize and value their experience and knowledge. Which I actually do.