2 How to find volunteering opportunities

There are many ways to find volunteering opportunities in the insurance industry, depending on your goals, availability, and preferences. You can start by researching local or national organizations that support causes or issues that you care about, such as health, education, environment, or social justice. You can also look for professional associations, networks, or groups that offer volunteering programs or events for their members or the public. For example, you can join the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), which connects insurance professionals with various community initiatives. Alternatively, you can create your own volunteering project or campaign, based on your skills, expertise, or passion.

3 How to network effectively

Once you have found a volunteering opportunity that suits you, you can start networking and building professional relationships with other volunteers, organizers, beneficiaries, or stakeholders. To network effectively, be genuine and respectful. Show interest in the cause and the people you meet and don't be pushy or self-centered. Additionally, be proactive and helpful: take initiative, offer your assistance, and follow through on your commitments. Demonstrate your value, skills, and reliability by seeking feedback and improving your performance. Finally, stay consistent and follow up: stay in touch with your contacts, update them on your progress, thank them for their support, invite them to connect on social media or phone, look for ways to add value such as sharing information or referrals, and seek opportunities to meet again.

4 How to build professional relationships

Networking is not enough to build lasting and meaningful professional relationships. You need to nurture and maintain your connections over time. To do this, be authentic and trustworthy in showing your personality, values, and goals while being honest, transparent, and ethical. Also, be supportive and collaborative by offering feedback, advice, or guidance. Additionally, be strategic and intentional in setting expectations, goals, and boundaries. Communicate regularly and respectfully while aligning interests, values, and vision. Finally, explore opportunities to collaborate or refer while seeking mutual benefits.

5 How to measure your results

Volunteering in the insurance industry can have positive outcomes for your network and your career, but it is important to measure your results to evaluate your progress and impact. To do this, you should track your activities, hours, and contributions. Record the objectives, tasks, outcomes, and feedback of your volunteering projects, as well as the time and resources you invested and the value and benefits you delivered or received. Additionally, track your contacts, interactions, and relationships. Note the names, roles, organizations, and contact information of those in your network, as well as the frequency, quality, and purpose of your interactions. Assess the strength, depth, and potential of your relationships. Lastly, track your opportunities, leads, and conversions. Record the source, type, stage, and outcome of opportunities. Track the number, value, and probability of leads you receive. Monitor the conversion rate as well as revenue and retention of clients or partners.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?