It means that economic success is not intuitive and what we need to do, often runs counter to what we want to do.
I've experienced it myself. When everyone "scattered" when there was COVID-19 a few years ago, I remained in my position with reduced income due to decreased sales. Many of us went out looking for something bigger out there.
I stayed, even though I really wanted to get out too. But some of the higher-ups there wanted me to stay because I had to stay, at the suggestion of some of their customers.
What I do is just maintain relationships with customers; I don't sell to anyone who needs something during COVID, except for that trash mouth mask. I only maintain communication with some customers, even just asking how they are and having some chats to strengthen them in dealing with this artificial epidemic.
But what happened after COVID was over was that they came looking for me, and even new customers came because of recommendations from old customers that I kept in touch with.
You're absolutely right that pipelines can go anywhere and always connect to all areas, even when there's nothing in them. But in time, when the pipes are flowing with something, it will easily get to wherever you want.