Our global environmental crisis requires we align our thoughts and actions with the furthering of renewable, sustainable, eco-friendly solutions at work, home and play. With green career opportunities growing at an ever increasing rate, it’s an opportune time to stand up and stand out as a leader in your niche.
Businesses will be looking to hire and partner with those authentically engaged with the green movement. Those who are knowledgeable about eco-friendly alternatives, actively integrating green lifestyle changes, and demonstrating leadership in these areas, through speaking and writing, will be setting a positive and beneficial example for others, not to mention gaining a competitive advantage.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or careerist, you can increase your visibility and credibility by showcasing your talents and your understanding of what it means to incorporate a green-mindset into your area of expertise. Here are some easy ways to distinguish yourself:
1. Be authentic. To be a green leader in your niche, you need to “walk the talk.” How are you living a green life? Why is this important to you and the work you do? What contributions do you hope to make as a result?
2. Expand your knowledge. Actively educate yourself about green initiatives, products, services, companies, and global issues by reading relevant periodicals and books, skimming blogs, attending seminars, and connecting with other thought leaders.
3. Express your expertise. Write articles and post them to your blog and to other online article sites. Join the conversation by actively commenting and contributing to relevant green blogs and podcasts. Interview book authors, founders of green companies, and leaders of environmental causes. Consider writing a whitepaper, ebook, or even a short self-published book that ties your industry expertise to all things green.
Be green. Be authentic. Make a difference.
Tara Kachaturoff is the creator, producer and host of Michigan Entrepreneur TV, a weekly television talk show featuring business leaders and businesses from start-up to stellar. With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance in the tech sector, she now coaches executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs on leadership, management, productivity, and marketing issues. Tara is also the author of 21 Qualities of a Leader from which this article is excerpted.
