> more importantly sell yourself to them so they are willing to take you on?

Be a friendly person who’s fun to be around.

Be optimistic. Say yes more than no.

Learn a lot. Have interesting things to say. Listen more and ask more questions than you talk.

Get good at selling. Be curious about how people think and act.

Encourage others and make them feel appreciative when you offer them critical feedback.

Find something with high value that most people really dislike doing that you are willing to get really good at and actually do.