How can you use your network to advance your sustainability impact?

1 Identify your sustainability goals

Before you reach out to your network, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve in terms of sustainability. Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint, improve your social responsibility, or create a circular economy? What are the specific outcomes and indicators that you want to measure and improve? Having a clear and realistic sustainability goal will help you communicate your purpose and value to your network and align your actions with your vision.

2 Map your network

Once you have your sustainability goal, you need to map your network and identify the key stakeholders and influencers who can help you achieve it. Your network can include internal and external contacts, such as colleagues, managers, clients, suppliers, partners, mentors, peers, industry associations, media, and NGOs. You can use tools like network analysis, stakeholder mapping, or social media platforms to visualize and categorize your network according to their relevance, interest, and power in relation to your sustainability goal.

3 Engage your network

After you have mapped your network, you need to engage them in a meaningful and strategic way. You can use different methods and channels to connect with your network, such as emails, calls, meetings, events, webinars, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or social media posts. The key is to tailor your message and approach to each segment of your network and offer them value and benefits. For example, you can share your sustainability vision and achievements, ask for feedback and advice, offer support and collaboration, invite them to join your initiatives, or showcase your impact stories and best practices.