Anyone starting a new role or working in a new area knows that connecting with colleagues and organizations in your community is easier said than done. We all know networking is important, and there are countless articles on how to do it well, but cultivating genuine connection takes more than a good icebreaker and exchange of business cards.

When I joined our Holmes Murphy Dallas office, I was eager to connect not only with my colleagues and leaders in the office, but also those in the surrounding business and insurance community. In a city as large as Dallas, it was important to be intentional about connecting with organizations that not only made sense for my industry, but also resonated with my own interests and experiences as a Black insurance professional.

Fortunately, I found two great organizations that did exactly that – the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and the National African American Insurance Association.

Find Professional Organizations in Your Area

For those who aren’t familiar with their work, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and the National African American Insurance Association both provide opportunities for networking and professional growth for Black business and insurance professionals. The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for the creation, growth, and overall welfare of African American businesses in the Dallas community, while the National African American Insurance Association serves as a network for people of color in the insurance industry across the country.

Connecting with these organizations gave me the opportunity to meet new people, learn about the business community in Dallas, and grow as a professional. I’ve been proud to share what we do at Holmes Murphy with the great people in the groups and learn more about their companies. Whether a business is large or small, we’re all striving to succeed and serve our clients here in Dallas and beyond, and fostering these connections enriches each of us personally and professionally.

If you’re unsure where to start looking for professional organizations to join, start in your own backyard! Not literally – what I mean is to look in your neighborhood, specific region of your city, or even in your county. There are numerous professional organizations and associations looking to grow and impact more of their community, and making connections with these groups can help you build bridges between your company and clients you might not have connected with otherwise. I’ve been fortunate to have several awesome opportunities and connections arise from my work with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and National African American Insurance Association, and I’m confident that nurturing these relationships will yield even more authentic partnerships.

Supportive Leaders Champion Connection

Your participation and contribution to professional organizations reflects not only on your own character, but also on the mission and values of your company.

I chose Holmes Murphy because of the opportunity for unlimited growth, amazing people, and supportive culture that makes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) a priority. We embrace our differences and share our unique perspectives and experiences to support each other and our clients with intentionality and care. Whether you’re a member of one of our Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or taking part in educational and volunteering opportunities that uplift our communities, knowing that DE&I is fundamental to our culture and success is one of the many reasons we love what we do and who we do it with at Holmes Murphy.

I also knew Holmes Murphy was the place for me because of the supportive leadership. Marc Pinney, Vice President for Employee Benefits on our Dallas team, encouraged me from day one to be active in our community and shine a light on ways we could be more intentional about developing relationships with new businesses and clients who may not know what Holmes Murphy can offer. His support illustrates our culture of care, which includes how we treat each other and our clients.

Our Purpose is Your Unique Potential

We say it a lot around here, and it’s pretty cheesy, but there really is no place like Holmes. Whether you’re looking to transition to a new role or connect with an insurance broker who truly cares about your unique needs, Holmes Murphy is the place for you. If you have any questions about my experience or want to learn more about the Holmes Murphy difference, reach out today and let’s chat!