How can you build a strong ESG network?
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— The LinkedIn Team
If you are interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, you need to build a strong ESG network. ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance, and it refers to the criteria that measure the performance and impact of businesses and organizations on these aspects. A strong ESG network can help you access opportunities, learn from experts, and collaborate with peers who share your passion and vision. In this article, you will learn how to build a strong ESG network in four steps.
Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you can contribute to the ESG field. Do you want to work in a specific sector, such as renewable energy, social justice, or corporate governance? Do you want to develop a particular skill, such as data analysis, communication, or advocacy? Do you want to join or create a project, initiative, or organization that aligns with your values and interests? Having a clear and realistic goal will help you focus your networking efforts and communicate your value proposition to others.
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Sarah Whale
Strengthening SME’s long term impact on their people, planet and profit | FCCA | B Leader
In my experience you need to gain a deep understanding of yourself. What are your strengths, and how can you contribute to make the world a better place. There are many paths to choose and there is space for all skills. If you are a perfectionist and not good with ambiguity you’ll need to carefully consider whether this is right for you. The sustainability results achieved are imperfect. Reporting is complex and challenging. You need to be able to adapt to that. Working with corporates will bring a bigger budget but slower change. Working with SMEs, charities and local governments will be more rewarding but budgets are low. Calculate your long term personal budget and balance that with your desired outcomes.
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Zoi Kontodimou
Corporate Sustainability Management & ESG PhD Researcher | Chair - CQI Sustainability SIG
Focusing on the aspects of ESG that are relevant to you, can help you find people who can share great insights. Following people who share useful news and updates will assist you in staying up-to-date with new publications, legislative changes, technology, and trends. And this is a sector that has many. Finally, in case you have something important to share that is part of your expertise, remember that it might help someone make this a better place for our kids!
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Once you have identified your goal, you need to research the different options and opportunities that are available in the ESG field. You can use various sources, such as online platforms, publications, podcasts, events, courses, and programs, to learn more about the trends, challenges, best practices, and innovations in ESG. You can also look for role models, mentors, influencers, and leaders who inspire you and who have achieved similar or related goals to yours. You can follow them on social media, read their blogs, listen to their interviews, or reach out to them via email or LinkedIn.
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Yonnel Pérez (he/him)
Certified Expert Sustainable Finance | Student MA in Leadership in Sustainable Finance @Frankfurt School
I like to call this ”doing the homework“. Many people fail in achieving their goals due to lack of information/lack of personal work. Once you know what you really want to achieve in the ESG field, is up to you to put enough effort and intention in finding the resources and enablers that will help you succeed. I strongly advise enrolling in a mentorship program. Having an open mind and a learning attitude is crucial.
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Jeroen Bolluijt
Founder | Environmental Sustainability Consultant | Biodiversity | Climate Change | Natural Capital
It can help to be specific about what sector you want to focus on (e.g., nature positive business) and then research people and organisations working in that sector who have similar values and goals as you. This allows you to network more strategically and unlock possible partnerships and collaborations to help scale the work you're doing. Strategic networking also helps you learn from experts and find opportunities. Networking on LinkedIn has been a really valuable experience for me.
After you have done your research, you need to engage with your community and start building relationships with people who can support your ESG career. You can join online or offline groups, forums, clubs, or associations that are relevant to your goal and interest. You can also attend events, webinars, workshops, or conferences that offer opportunities to network with other ESG professionals and enthusiasts. You can also create your own content, such as articles, podcasts, videos, or infographics, that showcase your expertise, insights, or opinions on ESG topics. You can also comment on, share, or like other people's content to show your appreciation and interest.
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Jeroen Bolluijt
Founder | Environmental Sustainability Consultant | Biodiversity | Climate Change | Natural Capital
There are numerous ways to engage with your network. Personally, I find having a website, being active on social business networks like LinkedIn, and creating a monthly LinkedIn newsletter are effective ways to connect with people involved in similar ESG projects and initiatives. What excites me the most is the potential for deep engagement on topics such as business sustainability, natural capital, and nature- and climate-positive initiatives. This engagement is a foundational principle of radical collaboration, which I advocate. Additionally, attending business and sustainability conferences and workshops provides invaluable opportunities to interact face-to-face with the ESG community.
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Yonnel Pérez (he/him)
Certified Expert Sustainable Finance | Student MA in Leadership in Sustainable Finance @Frankfurt School
Reach out as much as you can. We can always learn from others. Engage, even if rejections will come your way. Participating in forums and groups is a great way to put ESG in practice, and an accurate manner of spreading the scientific approach to the business community.
Finally, you need to nurture your connections and maintain your ESG network over time. You can do this by following up with the people you meet or interact with, sending them thank-you notes, feedback, referrals, or resources. You can also ask them for advice, guidance, feedback, or referrals, or offer them the same. You can also invite them to join or collaborate on projects, initiatives, or organizations that are relevant to your goal and interest. You can also celebrate their achievements, congratulate them on their milestones, or acknowledge their contributions to the ESG field.
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Yonnel Pérez (he/him)
Certified Expert Sustainable Finance | Student MA in Leadership in Sustainable Finance @Frankfurt School
Stay in touch, genuinely. As a good practice, when connecting with your ESG network, in LinkedIn for example, I suggest sending a thank you and brief introduction message. Not only will develop your EQ, but will nurture the professional relationship to a different level.
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Yonnel Pérez (he/him)
Certified Expert Sustainable Finance | Student MA in Leadership in Sustainable Finance @Frankfurt School
ESG is a constant developing science with deep implications in our economical and societal models. Is vital that ESG and Sustainability professionals know their value and key role in the decarbonisation of the market. Be brave, be bold and own it!
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