My current method:

1. Search Google for a related example
2. Search Google for keywords that might be similar
3. Search here for a tutorial or example
4. Search perl books
5. Consider posting code here for help

Frankly, I hesitate to post problems or new topics here. There seems to be a strong reaction to posts deemed "trivial" or a waste of time. That makes me wonder if any question I'm considering is actually "trivial" and not worthy of posting.