At last week's NAWBO San Diego's BRAVO! event receiving "Member of the Year" award.

I admit it, I am a bit of a volunteering evangelist (AKA crazy freak).  I have become such a proponent of volunteering because I have seen the dramatic and positive difference I have seen not only in my own, but in the personal and professional lives of those around me.  Volunteering is the coolest thing - You get into it to help others, but you take away so much in return for yourself. 

For me, it has been the addition of new skills (like leadership, knowledge on marketing and public relations, etc.), the strengthening of weaknesses (like overcoming a fear of public speaking), and the ability to meet tons and tons of really cool people - industry contacts, customers, vendors, and friends. 

If you have recently moved to a new area, you need to volunteer!  You will quickly meet lots of new people and lessen the time required to get connected.  Want to learn a new skill?  The easiest and most cost-effective way is to...you guessed it, find a professional organization or other nonprofit and volunteer!  The list of benefits is endless. 

What have YOU received in your life as a result of becoming a volunteer?