What are the biggest networking mistakes for sustainability professionals?

Entenda que networking é um relacionamento, então deve se buscar uma interação colaborativa e participativa. Realize a escuta ativa e não espere receber uma resposta ou solução pronta "magica". Mostre interesse pelas conquistas e também pelos aprendizados das situações que não deram certo, sempre buscando oportunidades para contribuir.

💡 Having a clear idea of my goals can help me to focus and stay on track during the interaction. let’s say I am working on a sustainable design project with my team. I define my goals as follows: 🚀 Goal 1: Reduce energy consumption in the building by 20% within the next 6 months. 🚀 Goal 2: Increase the use of renewable energy sources in the building by 30% within the next year. 🚀 Goal 3: Improve indoor air quality in the building by 50% within the next 3 months. 🔄I then communicate these goals to my team members and encourage them to provide feedback. I collaborate with them to develop a plan to achieve these goals, and track progress using measurable metrics and timelines.

I would like to add something, Before you reach out to someone, thorough research about the person's background & work should be must.

The biggest networking mistakes for sustainability professionals are using conventional networking methods that conform or adhere to accepted standards. On one hand, it is crucial to have a clear vision and goals to initiate a healthy networking, on another hand, sustainability is of such complexity that pre-planning or knowing exactly "What", "Who" and "How" to network become it own Achilles heel. There are so much interconnectedness between fields, often outside of what a sustainability professional may know, it makes sense to plan, but be open also for branching out. Sustainability professionals should not consider an unfruitful network opportunity a waste of time but rather an exchange that may expand and enrich future networking.

If you can’t communicate the “why” and the “what for” of your own approach …consider DOING NOTHING ELSE in that endeavor until you can come to the table prepared.

Pessoas com sinergias pelas temáticas ou ambientes que atua são o primeiro nível para o networking, pois possibilitará ter experiência em comum para estabelecer um diálogo. Desses relacionamentos, construa laços de ligação com as pessoas da rede de relacionamento com as que está estabelecendo o networking, assim elas falaram sobre vc e proporcionaram pontes para um relacionamento real e com propósito.

Sustainability professionals often try to connect with everyone interested in sustainability, leading to a scattered and ineffective approach. Instead, they should focus on identifying their specific niche and target their networking efforts accordingly. This could be based on their area of expertise, such as renewable energy, sustainable building design, or environmental policy.

Do: be prepared and proactive. Networking is not something that happens by chance, but by choice. Networking is not something that you do once, but continuously. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, or rely on your existing network. Instead, create your own opportunities, and expand your network. Do your research and homework, and identify your goals and targets. Attend events and activities related to sustainability, and reach out to people who share your interests and values. Don’t: be vague or unfocused. Networking is not about having casual chats or random conversations. Networking is about having meaningful exchanges and productive outcomes.

One of the mistakes of professionals in the field of architecture is ignoring the target audience. Failure to understand and meet the specific needs and interests of the target audience can be a mistake. Sustainability professionals must tailor their content and communications to align with their target audience. For example, for me, as an architect, the content presented should be suitable for sustainable architecture and should be of interest to architects, designers, or draw the public's attention to sustainable architecture.

As a cardboard artist committed to sustainability, knowing your craft isn't enough. Stay updated on the latest trends in eco-friendly art. Research potential collaborators and events before engaging. It shows dedication and makes conversations more meaningful.

Overlooking Relationship Building: Focusing solely on transactions without building meaningful, long-term relationships with stakeholders. Neglecting Diverse Connections: Failing to engage with a diverse network, limiting exposure to varied perspectives and opportunities. Ignoring Continuous Learning: Not staying updated on industry trends, innovations, and evolving sustainability practices, hindering professional growth and relevance.

Sustainable collaborations require commitment. In my art projects, following up and following through is vital to ensure that sustainable practices are integrated seamlessly. Similarly, in professional networking, maintaining consistent communication fosters stronger relationships and ensures that sustainability goals are actively pursued.

Have a meaningful professional conversation on shared values and belief systems provide support and guidance on issues of common interests.

One of the important points about this is to seek guidance. Connect with experienced sustainability professionals who can provide guidance and direction. In addition to helping you navigate the industry and expand your network, their insight and advice will help others grow.

Compartilhe eventos, artigos e materiais sobre as temáticas que te une a pessoa que está buscando construir essa relação. Assim, será fácil estar na memória da pessoa e construir oportunidades para encontros presenciais e que proporcionem a expansão da rede de relacionamento.

In MENA's sustainability sphere, networking transcends one-sided gains; it's about mutual contribution. Amid corrupted gender equality agendas and a lack of qualified leaders, respectful, professional communication is key. Avoiding pushiness or rudeness is crucial, respecting boundaries within this challenging landscape. Immediate responses may not align with leadership deficiencies. Communicate with a tone fitting these critical issues, steering clear of expressions detracting from addressing them effectively.

People often mix up the terms “networking” with “pitching / business development”. This is the biggest error in judgement especially for founders of companies who sell a service or product to clients with lot of decision makers per deal. Networking in my experience is to connect with peers, competitors, colleagues, bosses, mentors, scholars etc. to identify what commonalities exist and how to improve oneself by sharing experiences. It is more often the people you least expect to network you to a larger goal. Also, talk slightly less (don’t stay quiet) than the other person. Keeps engagement high with quality content.

Networking should be better packaged as "customer relations". Imagine approaching a potential associate, client, or even mentor, as you would a dear friend. Many people do approach networking as transacational using people together ahead. People see through those motives quickly and will be reluctant to give advice. However, being warm, open, and even patient (as you most likely did meeting your now dear friend) will strengthen the bond and open the door for allyship (especially in a rapidly evolving industry like sustainable design) and a much deeper connection than just being "all about business".

Professionalism is my mantra. Treat everyone with respect, from fellow artists to event organizers. Your reputation matters. Being courteous opens doors to new opportunities and establishes you as a reliable and respected artist.

Imagine like you are talking to a new client. Keep in mind the tone of voice and language you use. Some people prefer informal style of communication, but it is better to start on the polite side

You need to build you network with sustainability experts from many fields... sustainability is invoved with many science and industries and if all complementary, you will get the great sustainability benefits

One important points is to be inclusive and diverse, Embrace diversity and inclusivity in your networking efforts. Seek out connections from different backgrounds, cultures, and expertise areas. Respect and value the contributions of individuals from diverse communities and perspectives.

Diversity and inclusion in business are vital for understanding clients' diverse needs. Teams with varied backgrounds offer a wealth of perspectives, crucial for grasping the multifaceted demands of a global customer base. A Harvard Business Review study found that companies with higher diversity levels are 70% likelier to capture new markets, owing to their deeper client empathy and tailored solutions. McKinsey's research also supports this, showing ethnically diverse teams are 33% more likely to outperform in profitability due to better customer alignment.Boston Consulting Group revealed that diverse management teams see a 19% revenue increase from innovation, driven by their nuanced understanding of varied consumer preferences.

Embracing diversity is intrinsic to sustainability. As an artist, I celebrate diverse perspectives through my work. In the professional realm, actively seeking diversity and inclusion ensures a richer tapestry of ideas and solutions. Collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds amplifies the impact of sustainable initiatives.

Some common networking mistakes for sustainability professionals include neglecting to stay updated on industry trends, focusing solely on personal gain rather than collaboration for collective impact, and underestimating the importance of building diverse and meaningful connections within and beyond the sustainability sector. It’s crucial for professionals in this field to foster relationships that contribute to broader sustainability goals.

In my experience as a sustainability professional, it's crucial to avoid some common networking pitfalls. Clearly communicating our environmental goals is paramount, ensuring that our passion for sustainability shines through. Additionally, actively seeking collaboration opportunities and staying updated on industry trends are key elements that should not be overlooked. Let's strive for effective networking to drive positive change together.

Seek out reliable energy models, especially at schematic design. We see many teams rely on energy models that aren’t calibrated to low load buildings. This leaves design opportunities off the radar and leads to focus on active systems instead of passive choices. Use more than one energy model!

In my experience as a sustainability professional, it's crucial to avoid some common networking pitfalls. Clearly communicating our environmental goals is paramount, ensuring that our passion for sustainability shines through. Additionally, actively seeking collaboration opportunities and staying updated on industry trends are key elements that should not be overlooked. Let's strive for effective networking to drive positive change together.

Being open to ALL sides of any discussion and researching thoroughly, especially insights or opinions contrary to the mainstream. There’s becoming too much group think and not enough true problem solving. Failures are much more common than we want to consider. It’s time to start learning from the unintended consequences of seemingly good ideas.

For artists like me, knowledge is power. Stay informed about sustainable art trends, techniques, and environmental regulations. Attend events, like conferences and webinars, to meet like-minded artists.