You can’t escape it… no matter what business you’re in these days, you need to have an online presence to be successful. In every industry and in every niche, no matter what product you sell or service you provide… whether your business is bricks-and-mortar or completely on the Internet… prospects and customers need to be able to find you online. They’re already looking for you… so make sure you’re not “hiding.”

Truth is that people are on the Internet more than ever these days, for work and fun. There are 290 million Internet users in the United States alone. And they’re researching products and services when they’re surfing the web—and buying them too.

You can find pretty much anything online. However, it can be difficult to sort through the abundance of content. Luckily, with a few hacks, you’ll be on your way to find anything you’re looking for with Google.

Your first step should always be to use Google’s quick answers, the results that pop up in the outlined box at the top of a search results page. To get the most out of quick answers, be as specific as possible. For example, if you are searching for a flight update, type in the airline and flight number. Google’s quick answers will show that flight information at the top on the page. Tip: the more exact you are, the better.

It can be tempting to look at successful people and think they've been luckier than everyone else. Maybe. But more likely they're just better at creating opportunities and opening doors. Here's advice from more than a dozen high-achieving executives on how to do it.

1. Perfect your ask.

"Leading a startup accelerator, I can tell you there is no denying the power of a great pitch. No matter your industry, role or goals, good listening skills are a necessity, but it's critical to perfect your ask. Have a well-honed standard for what you're good at, what you love to do, and what you're looking for, and take advantage of every opportunity where you can share that narrative with people who can open doors. Fortune favors the bold."