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.

Michael Werner

STANDARD-WHAT-YOU-SEE-EVERYWHERE BIO:

My name is Michael Werner and I'm a writer, publisher, entrepreneur, business owner, traveler, and lifelong learner. I'm the CEO and Chief Schemer of InfoSource, Inc., an American company that develops online learning for schools and organizations throughout the world. I'm also the Publisher of Dream Jobs To Go, an e-book company that creates guidebooks to interesting, different, and just-plain-old fun careers and jobs. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with my wife, daughters, and mutt.

MY MISSION HERE AT DREAM JOBS DIALOG:

During the course of my work, I've had the opportunity to interview thousands of people, hire hundreds, fire a few dozen, and work with most of them -- in one fashion or another -- to help them grow in their careers, and sometimes in their lives as well.

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with what people do for work, and why. I have no real idea how this interest developed -- although, I do come from teacher stock, so curiosity is in my blood -- and I'm not sure it really matters. I'm fascinated by career publications, placement offices on college campuses, and, of course, dream jobs.

I'm especially intrigued with people who've made severe breaks from traditional careers to pursue a strong passion in a completely different field.

As I've grown older, if not wiser, I've come to believe that my mission in life is to help other people achieve their own.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT LIFE:

Wandering Wondering Travel -- especially living in a different place Movies -- especially discovering an old one I'd missed All of the fortunate things that have come my way Places: Lugano, Switzerland; Positano, Italy, Santa Fe, New Mexico; London Reading Chiles, while roasting Walking, especially in cities Shorelines -- river, lake, or ocean Watching my daughters grow up My personal quest for the perfect red (as in chili, not wine) Business ideas, entreprenuers Funny, witty, and odd people World Cup Football and England (a new passion) Thunderstorms in the tropics Helping my wife understand me Living in the only state in the country with an official state question Mountains Writing, as a profession and for self-discovery