My job opens so many doors for me to give back to my community. In this ever-changing, fast-paced, interconnected world we are living in, it's more important than ever to recognize the importance of personal connections. It's about more than business. Yes, getting out into the community gives exposure to your business and allows you to network with prospects and clients. But, more importantly, it helps you understand the needs of your community and the people that live in it.

My husband and I are active in the United Way and serve as members of the Peaks Development Committee. Through our involvement I have seen the struggles that people in my community go through, and I've seen the incredible good that occurs when we come together to give back and take care of one another. There also is so much fun to be had when taking part in community functions. Recently, I was asked to walk in a fashion show that was a benefit to save a local park! Through this event I was able to meet 30 new people and the amazing thing is that you already have common ground – you are there to support the same cause.

As insurance agents, it's our jobs to be there for people in tough times whether they are involved in a car accident, have a home fire, even to help them carry on with their business after a claim. There is such a human element to the work we do. I truly believe that we need to carry this mission even further by getting involved outside of our industry. There are so many different organizations to get involved with from United Way's to environmental issues to food banks. The list is endless.

I am in sales and marketing and I'm also a young agent. It is such a cool and challenging time to be in this industry and also in the larger spectrum of the business world. Even with technology and social media, it's more important than ever to have an actual relationship with your clients and to know what is going on in their lives and in their community. Giving back is one of my absolute top priorities and I encourage all agents whether you are in sales, a CSR, or in management to get involved and make it an agency and company priority!

Become involved in your communities through these groups:

United Way
Chambers of Commerce
Young professional groups
Trade associations
Civic organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, soup kitchens, shelters

Special Reports /

nGInsights: Giving Back Offers More Than Networking

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