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5 Tips and Ideas for Community Involvement and Media Hits

Community Involvement Ideas

Give a Little - Gain a Lot

1. Networking Groups - Many cities, towns and counties have networking groups such as BNI, where you meet with professionals in a variety of fields and share leads and business tips. www.BNI.com
2. Chamber of Commerce - Become involved with your local Chamber of Commerce. You will be invited to networking events from lunch and learns to conventions. Be prepared to offer your services as a speaker or to volunteer to host an event. www.uschamber.com
3. Community Service Projects - By participating on a board or committee of a charity you are doing something wonderful for your community while representing your organization. If you are short on time, try volunteering for a fundraiser or golfing in a charity tournament.
4. Schools – InVEST, a program that educates high school and college students on the fundamentals of insurance has been providing the industry with talent for years. By becoming an InVEST liaison or guest speaker in your state or community, you are gaining recognition while perpetuating the independent agent systems. www.investprogram.org
5. Educate Consumers - By hosting free seminars on insurance products and the importance of insurance in your community, you are sure to put the Young Agents in the forefront of the industry.
   

Media Tips
Check the pulse of your area media

1. Letter to the editor - If you notice an article that you could have provided expert insight, write a letter to the editor stating your position on the topic. Use this as an opportunity to follow-up with the writer via phone call or e-mail.  Proactively write letters to editor/ opeds to promote young agents, and the importance of the younger generation to the industry.
2. Position yourself as an expert - By positioning yourself as an expert you can become a reliable source for your local papers, business and industry journals. Speak at events and making a presence at Chamber of Commerce or other local functions where media may be present.
3. Media invites - Invite the local media to charity events or other functions you host throughout the year.
4. Press releases - Distribute press releases with information about award winners upcoming consumer events and other information. Look to the Big “I” for newsworthy ideas and talking points.
5. Media partnership—Don’t forget that newspapers need to gain visibility as well. When pitching partnerships or sponsorship within your community; include your local media. Look to the director of advertising for information.
   

  Contact Us

For more information, please contact Katie Cosgrove, Manager of the National Young Agents program, at (703) 706-5455 or Bill Pierson, Agent Development Assistant Vice President, at (703) 706-5400.