{OK, the title is a stretch.}

But holiday parties and get-togethers are great times to make clear your career plans, your business aspirations, your need for a referral to an expert who can help you, to ask those you meet (and already know too!). No matter the audience, the same advice applies to all you come in contact with.

It’s a festive period and a time of giving, so if you have a need, the other person you are speaking to may just have someone to offer to you to make your holiday dreams come true.

But if you don’t ask, they will never know.

Remind them to think of you when they hear about a great job, an opportunity to meet a great new colleague they treasure, to bid on some new business via a referral, in sum, anything you need that they can help you go after.

And it’s perfectly appropriate for you to ask them to introduce you to others in their circle: to whom can they introduce you? It’s not always who you know, but who your connections know.

The fireplace and one-to-one conversaiton add so much warmth at holiday gatherings.

Work your network. All your career! Especially in a venue where there is friendship and open conversation.

Network up. Be amazing-er. Get in touch with your “why.”