If you didn’t send holiday cards this year, it’s not too late to still touch base with old classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and friends.

Keeping in touch with even your most distant contacts on at least a yearly basis is always a good idea. You never know when an old acquaintance will turn into a new trusted friend, or if that guy who sat next to you sophomore year is hiring for a position you’d be perfect for (or would be perfect candidate for the position you’re hiring for).

Send off short “Happy New Year” messages via email. You might also want to take the time to connect with them on Facebook or your social networking site of choice — after you’ve optimized your Facebook profile, that is!

Don’t wait until next year — send those messages now!