Professionals should begin the year by assessing the potential for upward movement in their companies, which can be determined in part by examining how long peers and managers have remained in their positions. Also, make an effort to meet decision-makers in your firm and to schedule informational meetings with those who hold positions you're interested in, writes Hannah Morgan.

Sales skills aren't just for salespersons, as every professional can benefit from learning how to influence others and improve their communication skills. Professionals with sales training also know how to ask good questions and be resilient in the face of failure, writes Darren Marble.

Drivers for Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing services are using online forums to network, writes Alex Rosenblat. Drivers share tips on the forums and exchange thoughts on company policies.

Corporate wellness programs in 2018 will become more holistic and continue to tap into consumer technologies, such as wearables and virtual reality, to improve employee health, industry experts said. Some companies are offering DNA testing kits and more will use incentives and gamification to increase wellness program participation.

Job seekers who want quick results should spend the first few days of their search researching companies, tweaking their resumes and reconnecting with networking partners, writes Heather Huhman. Make sure you've cleaned up your social media accounts, and use Sundays to set goals for the next week.

Marine biologist Nan Hauser thinks a 25-ton humpback whale that steered her through water and occasionally lifted her out in the South Pacific was shielding her from a tiger shark. Although Hauser says she has never heard of a whale engaging in such behavior with a human, whales are known to shield seals from sharks with their pectoral fins.