Franchise Money Maker

Finding the People You Need to Know in the Green Economy - Part 2
This article is written and owned by Green Career Expert Carol McClelland, PhD

In this article I share four ways you can use networking events to connect with other green professionals.

One note before you begin evaluating networking options. I realize it’s often uncomfortable to show up at a new event, when you aren’t likely to know anyone. Here are a couple of strategies I’ve used over the years when I’ve shown up at new networking events.

- Invite a friend to go to the meeting with you.

- Introduce yourself to the person at the registration desk. Let them know you are there for the first time. It’s likely they will introduce you to one or two people.

- When in doubt, listen! Ask a few questions of each person you meet. You might think of these questions before you even arrive at the event. Here are a few examples: What do you do? What’s your background? What kind of education do you have? What trends are you seeing in the industry?

- Attend the meeting several times before you decide it’s a waste of time. The first time your nervousness may color your feelings about the meeting. The next times you attend the meeting it’s likely you’ll know a couple of people at the event. Over time, as you meet more and more people, the discomfort you feel at the beginning will fade a bit.

Green Networking Opportunities

- Green Drinks - Are you looking for networking groups in your area? Green Drinks (http://www.greendrinks.org/)may be the answer. Every month people in the environmental/green field come together for informal networking/social gatherings. People from all kinds of organizations from NGOs, academia, government and businesses connect during these meetings. If you think there can’t possibly be a meeting in your area, take a moment to check out the list of Green Drinks meetings (http://www.greendrinks.org/) that occur in 41 countries throughout the world and 46 states in the United States.

- Eco Tuesday - The Sustainable Business Leaders Networking Forums meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month, hence the name, EcoTuesday (http://www.ecotuesday.com/).
Currently these meetings are taking place in Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Washington DC. Although specifically founded for business leaders to network and learn about current issues from speakers and other attendees, job seekers and career changers attend as well. Be sure to arrive in time for the introduction circle where all participants share one sentence about their business and a passion or interest around sustainability. This is how you learn who you want to talk to during the networking portion of the meeting.

- Net Impact - According to their website, Net Impact is “a global network of leaders who are changing the world through business.” This nonprofit offers an array of programs to inspire and educate more than 10,000 members “dedicated to using business for positive social and environmental good” in the schools, organizations, and communities. This network is made up of MBAs, graduate students, and professionals who are interested in corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international development, and environmental sustainability. Find the International Chapter (http://www.netimpact.org/associations/4342/int_chapters.cfm
) or a US Chapter
(http://netimpact.org/associations/4342/usa_chapters.cfm)
that’s closest to you. To make the most of the benefits of this organization, you must become a paid member.
(http://www.netimpact.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=8)

- Professional Association Chapters - As you identify your green niche and find professional associations that match your interests, check to see if they have local chapters or conferences. If you discover a possible event, put it on your calendar and plan to attend a couple of times before you decide whether you want to continue attending.

I realize it’s possible that none of these websites point you to networking groups in your area. Rather than seeing this as a major setback, see it as an opportunity to step up and show your leadership skills. Why not start your own Green Drinks meeting or offer to be an Ambassador for Eco Tuesday.

Taking a leadership role will give you a powerful experience to add to your resume. Taking a group from nothing to something demonstrates that you have initiative, team building skills, perseverance, and more. Think of the people you will meet as you build your own network…
literally!

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Green Career Expert Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book Green Careers For Dummies and founder of Green Career Central, a membership website with useful programs, 400+ pages of effective, targeted information to help you identify your green niche, find a green job, start a business or further your education. Visit http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com to request our free report - “Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career”

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