7 Secrets to Building Up Your Network in Sustainability

The right professional network can be invaluable when it comes to elevating your career to the next level. But how can you strike up meaningful relationships that go beyond the conference circuit? 

Networking might fill you with  a sense of dread.

 If so, I don’t blame you.

After all, who wants to walk into a room full of strangers and shoehorn their way into a conversation?

Who likes the idea of making their way around a conference hall, desperately trying to hand out business cards?

Hardly anyone.

That feeling doesn’t dissipate the more senior you become either. I’ve worked with many clients at the top levels of major organizations who still put their head in their hands when I ask whether they’re fitting in enough time to network.

But if the traditional approach to networking feels awkward and forced, that’s because it is.

More to the point, it doesn’t work.

How often have you dug out a frayed business card from the bottom of your office drawer and actually reached out to that person? Never, I imagine.

Effective networking isn’t about quantity. It isn’t about circling a room at top speed speaking to as many people as possible. It’s about the quality of relationships you’re building.

The right professional relationships can transform your career. A network can let you know of upcoming opportunities before they’re even advertised, share their own experiences, act as a sounding board and broaden your horizons with new viewpoints and experiences.

It’s a resource you need in sustainability in order to be able to navigate constantly evolving processes, regulations and even job titles.

So how can you network the right way?

Be Strategic:

The size of your network doesn’t matter nearly half as much as its relevance to you and your current area of focus. Though serendipitous connections can be brilliant, make sure you’re also growing your network intentionally. First identify what it is you’re looking for. Is it career opportunities? Is it industry peers with whom you can swap ideas and share challenges? Are you hoping to forge new partnerships to drive your sustainability programs going forward? Do your research and identify people that best align with these aims. Be proactive about creating the chance to connect with them, be it through a simple LinkedIn request or a one-to-one at an upcoming conference.

Do Your Homework:

A little background knowledge on the individuals you’re hoping to connect with can be worth its weight in gold when you make that first approach. Do a little research in advance about any recent projects or career wins they’ve shared. Make sure you understand a little about their current role and organization. You’d be amazed at the difference even a little prior knowledge can make, creating the foundations for a far more engaging conversation for both sides.

Champion that Inner Critic:

No matter how senior, we’ve all walked into a room and felt like an imposter. The secret is to use that inner critic, rather than attempt to silence it. If you’ve wandered into a networking room and immediately felt awkward or uncomfortable then, rather than feeling sorry for yourself or hovering around the coffee table, turn your attention outwards and look for someone that looks just as lost as you feel. Go up to them and strike up a conversation. You’ll immediately feel a boost to your confidence – and so will they.

Ask Great Questions:

This will follow on naturally if you’re approaching the conversation well prepared. But when in doubt, ask the other person about themselves, their organization and what they’re focused on right now. How has that sustainability initiative they posted about online panned out? How are they finding the new role? What part of their work is exciting them the most right now? The right questions can help you move past the small talk quickly and lay the foundations for a great first conversation.

Ensure the Value is Reciprocal:

Sustainability is full of people that are passionate about driving change, whether inside or outside their organization. That means it’s also full of people that can be incredibly generous with their time. But truly long-term connections in your network can’t be one-sided. If they’re to last the distance, they need to have reciprocal value for both people involved. Make sure you’ve thought about what you can offer them in return before you reach out. Have you had a shared experience? Have you read a helpful article or report that may be relevant to their role? Or can you put them in touch with a contact they may be desperate to connect with? The aim is to build mutually beneficial relationships, rather than ones that only serve you and your aims.

Don’t Make It All About Work:

There’s a reason that some of the most productive conversations happen at conference Happy Hour. As with all relationships, building up your professional network means knowing when to share the personal side of yourself too. That doesn’t mean either of you baring your soul. Ask about their family or their plans for a trip away over the holidays. Tell a joke or promise to share that incredible recipe you rustle up for dinner parties. Whatever it is, ensure that you build a connection that doesn’t solely revolve around the 9-5.  

Follow Up:

This is the most important step in creating a professional network – and the one that is most often skipped too. No matter how insightful the initial conversation, a relationship is formed over time with consistent check-ins. So, when you’re back from that event or that coffee drop them an email to reiterate how much you valued meeting them. Make sure you’re connected on platforms like LinkedIn and engage with their content when they post. Share useful articles or initiatives you come across that may be relevant for them.

Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself cultivating a professional network that you can draw on for years to come. 

Shannon Houde is an ICF-certified coach with over 20 years as a recruiter and trusted advisor to evolving change leaders from Managers to CSOs. She has mentored and trained 1500 change leaders over 4000 hours in ESG and corporate sustainability and is the author of Good Work: How to Build a Career That Makes a Difference in the World. Apply for a trial coaching session here!