I'm someone who is in a very small circle. But if you have a small group of connectors you're set. Somewhere along the line clearly Hush Puppies, probably by purest chance, ran into people who had this. The Tipping Point is Gladwell's first book. The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell is certain that his friend Ariel determines the popularity of Manhattan restaurants.
Mavens are also very important.
Mavens are the people who have specialized knowledge. It isn't everybody. I know all my restaurant recommendations come from one person, my friend Ariel. All of Ariel's friends get their restaurant recommendations from Ariel . If Phil tells you to go to a restaurant, you're never going to go.