You have some excellent social and career connections, but you cannot rely on them too much right now. It's much wiser to pursue your current goals by yourself. Not only will it help you strengthen your own skills, but it will help show these folks that you don't always need them for everything: and that will improve your stature in their eyes. It's time for you to flesh out your reputation as a mover and a shaker. Looking like a follower is not going to be good for you now.