I think the key word in that sentence is ask. A lot of people try to consult their local orthodox rabbi, but are not successful because they forget to ask.
For example, suppose you want to know if it is muttar to use the internet. So you go to your local orthodox rabbi, and say, “the internet, azei.” And he has no idea what you want, so he just answers “the internet, azoi.” If you want to know, you have to ask.