Can I introduce myself to NIW?

Dear all,

I plan to do NIW. However, my PhD advisor refuses to introduce me to outside people to write recommendation letters for me. Although I told him that I need letters from people who do not personally know me, my advisor said he can only ask the professors in my department.

So my question is, is it workable that I introduce myself to some outside people? Is it too aggressive or mission impossible? Thanks a lot.

-cry55555