Having influential friends like Elsie, Lacie and Tillie? (4-9)
I believe the answer is:
well-connected
'having influential friends' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
(Other definitions for well-connected that I've seen before include "Having friends in high places" , "With eminent contacts" , "Having influential associates" , "Closely associated with top people" , "Knowing influential people" .)