Everyone knows the power of networking. Most importantly, it’s not necessarily having a lot of people in your network but the commitment you make to keep that relationship alive and viable down the road. As we approach the holiday season, many have not made it a practice to send out holiday cards but perhaps you should.

Having a good network of individuals is vital to staying abreast of the business you’re in but also as an opportunity to move up. As a college graduate, one should have a nice size network so you don’t have to pound the payment when it comes to looking for that first job.

Networking is an activity that requires on-going attention. Some ideas include sending articles of importance to someone in your network, going out to lunch, touching base regarding qualified prospective employees, and/or inviting them to an event that benefits their company. Another tool that is just as important is sending Christmas or holiday greeting cards. This is beneficial to keep in touch with friends as well as business associates. Some companies use the holidays to send a card and thank their clients. But as an individual it would be worth your wild to start sending holiday cards to those in your network.

Here are some tips for using this networking tool:

• Select cards that represent all the holidays that are present during this time of year. There is Kwanza, Hanukah and Christmas just to name a few. A card that mentions “best wishes for this holiday season” or “peace on earth” are suitable.
• The cards that you send your friends and your network may differ depending on the type of relationship you have with them. Your friends can receive a picture of you and the family while members of your network might get a more formal greeting card.
• Be timely. Send your holiday greetings BEFORE Christmas! Sending them after does not leave a good impression.
• Don’t expect a greeting card in return when sending cards to your network. This is a tool that you are employing to keep the relationship alive.
• If it’s easier, send your greeting via email but make sure that it is professional in nature. Again, the level of professionalism depends on the nature of your relationship with this or that member of your network.
• If you start to send holiday greetings to members of your network continue to do so in the coming years. On an annual basis, reevaluate members of your network regarding their relevance to your career goals. As your goals change members of your network will change.