The Kleinpell Stratagem

I've been reading a little about Robert Kleinpell, whose career was a prime part of California's success as an oil-producing state. His painstaking work in California biostratigraphy (mapping rocks through microfossils) gave drillers a framework of knowledge that allows them to know, from just a few scrapings in a deep well, exactly where they are. In a biographical note, William B. N. Berry points out one of the keys to Kleinpell's success, and it wasn't writing papers:

"Kleinpell exercised considerable influence on those involved in California's petroleum business. His influence was unnoticed by all but his associates because so much of it was promoted orally through lengthy discussions. That influence was enhanced through conferences with colleagues at professional meetings and through lengthy discussions in "Doc's" office. "Doc's" practice at professional meetings was to ensconse himself at a prominent table in the most noted bar in the area and, in essence, hold court. He would be visited by numbers of people, all seeking advice on how to solve some problem encountered in the search for oil." (from Classic Cordilleran Concepts, GSA Spec Paper 338)

This seems like an efficient practice; the only thing you need to do first is become a prominent expert, then do "talk shows."