I believe it is possible to have an edge by having a multifaceted interaction with a company. It is not enough to have access to Microsoft executives and briefings, it is important to use its products, phones, databases, get a sense of its integration, how it is perceived not only by business colleagues but also by GenY users, Boomers and others.
Do not invest in retail and commodities unless you do the grocery shopping and feel the cycles and trends like the price of apples or cheese. I Believe the multifaceted view can provide an edge.