Seriously. In the current economy you need to have connections, or be really, really good, like Merlyn, Abigail, et al.

Funny, I know alot of really really really (yes 3 'really's) good people who are having a hard time finding work. Skill and talent are only part of the game, connections (as you point out) are very important, but visibility is key to the success of all of them. As merlyn points out in his response above, if your not getting the name out there people won't know to call you. Abigail-ll is a well known and respected voice because alot of what he says is right on the money, but the odds work for him cause he posts a lot here! Not all of them are gems, but that doesnt matter, as we all have our our good days and bad days, the point is he is out there and making himself visible and memorable. Talent is (unfortuantely) just not enough, you have to get the word out. This is Marketing 101, and the reason why we listen to flat records (Edisons cylindricals were superior, but he sucked at marketing) , watch VHS tapes (*sigh* poor BETA-MAX) and use Windows (Nuff Said). Because they had the louder voice, not the better product.