What do you do if your networking efforts in the sustainability industry are falling flat?

1 Assess your goals

The first step to improve your networking is to clarify what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a job, a mentor, a partner, a client, or something else? What kind of people do you need to connect with to reach your goal? How can you offer value to them and build trust? Having a clear and realistic goal will help you focus your efforts and measure your progress.

3 Follow up and stay in touch

The third step is to maintain and nurture your relationships. Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. After you meet someone, make sure to follow up with a personalized and timely message. Express your appreciation, remind them of your conversation, and suggest a next step. For example, you can ask for their feedback, advice, or referral, or offer your help, resources, or insights. Keep the communication going and check in regularly, but don't be pushy or spammy. Show genuine interest and respect, and try to add value to each interaction.

4 Showcase your expertise

The fourth step is to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the sustainability industry. Networking is not only about who you know, but also about what you know and what you can do. You want to establish yourself as a credible and competent professional who can contribute to the field. One way to do this is to create and share content that showcases your expertise. For example, you can write articles, blogs, reports, or case studies on sustainability topics or projects that you are involved in or passionate about. You can also participate in discussions, debates, or Q&A sessions on social media, forums, or podcasts. By sharing your insights and opinions, you can attract attention, build authority, and spark engagement.

6 Evaluate and improve

The sixth step is to review and refine your networking strategy. Networking is not a static or linear process, but a dynamic and cyclical one. You need to constantly monitor and assess your results and feedback, and adjust your actions accordingly. You can do this by setting and tracking your networking goals, metrics, and outcomes. For example, you can measure how many people you have contacted, how many responses you have received, how many meetings you have arranged, how many referrals you have generated, or how many opportunities you have created or seized. You can also ask for feedback from your contacts, mentors, or peers, and learn from their experiences and suggestions. By evaluating and improving, you can optimize your networking skills and results, and achieve your sustainability career goals.

7 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?