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During the holiday season it is important to network with professionals in your industry, or the industry that you are interested in, in order to advance your career. Networking during the holidays shows that you are conscientious of your career. With so much going on in preparation for Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and other holiday festivities it is easy for job seekers to become passive in their job search or career advancement. However, the month of December is the time to do as much networking as possible. It is not the time to take off from networking and meeting influential people who can make a difference in your life.

There are several different ways to network during the holidays including:

1. Holiday card giving. Each year working professionals should have a card list which includes influential people they have met throughout the year, whether those people are currently affiliated in their daily work lives or not. Clients who have given you their business cards, job recruiters, colleagues and other career people should have some kind of card with a brief note wishing them a happy Holiday season. It's a quick and simple way to keep your name fresh on their minds.

2.Chamber of Commerce events. All the major chambers of commerce have holiday events. As a working professional it is essential to attend those events and to be a regular chamber participant throughout the year. People are more receptive to great conversations during the holidays at these events. It is a festive time of year and a great conversation with an influential person can go a long way toward enhancing one's career.

3. Office events. If one's place of employment is having a Holiday dinner, party or other event it is paramount that the working professional attends. One does not have to be the life of the party or drink; however, it is essential to mingle, to talk to colleagues as well as upper-level management. When one is away from work one may be more willing to share important tips and ideas that will help a working professional's career.

4. Family and friends' events. Rather than just sit around the holiday table and make small talk, one can network at a personal holiday gathering. If a career transition is in order, a working professional can talk to someone at the gathering who is in that industry. For example, a working professional thinking of teaching children in school may find out a wealth of information and contact phone numbers just by talking to an aunt or uncle who has had

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