Holiday luncheons, family dinners, work parties, neighborhood get-togethers and festive feasts! 'Tis the season for gatherings, so why not use them to your benefit? Networking opportunities are all around you during the busy holiday season.

After-hours business mixers are not the only avenues available for networking opportunities. As you attend holiday festivities, be sure to have your business cards in hand!That's right, take advantage of the family gatherings chat with your relatives about what you do and how they can help your business. Give away a few business cards to each of your family members and ask if they would be so kind as to pass them along.Plan to attend as many functions during the season as possible. This will open up your network of contacts as you meet new people and plan for the new year. Be a good listener and ask a lot of questions as you get to know your new contacts and plan to follow up.Most people love to share information about themselves, and this will allow you to get to know them on a personal level. Remember, people like to do businesses with people they know and trust. Building relationships is the key to connecting with new clients. Don't be afraid to ask your friends, family members and co-workers for introductions to a few new contacts.Take the opportunity to send holiday cards, emails and special notes to old and new acquaintances it lets them know you are thinking about them. A handwritten note is especially nice to receive in this day and age of the text and email messages. Pick up the phone and make some calls as well this is a nice way to share holiday greetings.Volunteer this is a great time of year to give back to your community. Reach out to the local soup kitchens, libraries, schools and churches in your area to lend a helping hand. You will meet new people while helping others.Last, but certainly not least, be grateful. Concentrate on everything in your life that brings you joy and happiness. When others see you are grateful and happy, they will most likely connect with a smiling face.On behalf of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, have a fun and safe holiday season. Check out our website for upcoming holiday events at

www.carboncountychamber.org.Happy networking!