Let’s confront the cold reality of just how “special” most workers are to a company. It won’t feel good at first, but it will empower you to take control of your career.

You’re probably replaceable. With the exception of highly specialized or talented individuals (e.g., select C-level execs or technical geniuses), most American workers can be replaced with minimal effect on a company. Most companies build in layers of redundancy so one broken cog doesn’t mess up the machine.

A more encouraging reality is that many companies would prefer not to replace adequate workers, or cogs that aren’t broken, because it costs time and money. But if they do need to, they want someone an employee knows is highly dependable and a top performer.

So if you want an exceptional job in this evolving economy, your power comes from:

1. Being a top performer in a necessary position

2. Being connected to people who recognize your ability and have influence

I can’t help you be good at your job, but most people don’t recognize the power of relationships until they’re desperately searching for a new job. When there’s a relatively unending supply of adequate talent for a role (competitive jobs often garner 250-500 online applications), how does a company decide who to hire? They want someone who feels like a “sure thing,” and they only get that feeling if a trusted employee can vouch for a candidate. Companies incentivize their employees to refer candidates, so your primary focus in the job search should be to get referred.

Relationships drive results in finding a new job, more than almost anything else. In fact, once screened, a referred candidate has a 20-fold higher chance of getting hired than someone who applied online for a critical job (registration required to download report). If you want to land a dream job, or any job, you need to be that candidate.

If you’re not looking for a job right this moment, do yourself a favor and dig your wells before you’re thirsty (i.e., cultivate your network before you need them for career help). Reconnect with past bosses and coworkers in a meaningful way. Check in on a personal level and see how you can support them professionally so, when the time comes, it’s comfortable to tell them you’re considering a career move and you’d like their perspective. If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, make the topic something that you know that person would enjoy talking about — usually something that makes that person feel like a helpful expert.

More tactically:

• Opt for coffee or a 30-45 minute chat

• If you’re having coffee, buy them coffee

• Have a specific topic in mind, with two to three insightful questions prepared in advance

• Focus on being interested in the other person, learning from them and discovering ways you can be helpful to them

A more passive approach is to be the helpful expert to others. Become a resource within your network by sharing and creating valuable content, and share it on whatever platform makes sense (LinkedIn is the default top option). You don’t need to post and share frequently or create something that’s going to go viral. Something is better than nothing. The point is to add value for other people. If you’re unsure what to post about, read the top five trending articles in your industry and share your informed opinion and insights.

In an economy where most talent is replaceable, relationships determine your success far more than performing incrementally better than someone else. Many people are good at their jobs, but few are meaningfully connected to their network. If you want a successful career, remember that relationships drive results.