Whether you're thinking about a new job or trying to make your current work role a little better or more interesting, it's all about who you know. I know, I know, you hate it when you hear somebody say that -- you wish you and others were evaluated, assessed, and helped based on your own skills, abilities, and desires. But, that simply isn't the way the real world works. Most things in life, whether its trying to find your dream job or your next business partnership, come about through personal connections -- people connecting to people.

As anyone whos involved in sales knows, people buy from people. And, whether you like it or not, its people who will put you in touch with other people who can help you.

Fortunately, if you're reading this, there are plenty of online tools (most free) to help you extend your range of connections. One tool, LinkedIn, stands out above all the others in my book. I've tried using other business networking tools, but LinkedIn is the easiest and most get-down-to-business networking tool I've come across. In a nutshell, you create your own network of trusted friends and colleagues. Then, they do the same. As each level of friend adds their own trusted associates, your friend-of-a-friend network increases exponentially.

I have 80 or so direct connections in my LinkedIn network. These are people I know or with whom I've worked. People I like and trust. Yet, just from this small crowd, and because of my connections' friends-of-friends, I now have access to over 1.8 million people with whom I can interact, find resources, get recommendations, or develop business relationships.

Make connections, check it out.

Michael Werner is the CEO of InfoSource, Inc., an elearning company, and the publisher of Dream Jobs Dialog, at http://www.DreamJobsDialog.com, dedicated to helping life seekers and those searching for their dream jobs.