Q&A: Green business social scene
Your eco-questions answered:
Question: Dear Siel, I came across your blog and found it very informative about local "green" happenings. I am involved in starting a new [eco-business] in Los Angeles area. I was hoping to see if you can be helpful in guiding me to get involved socially in local green business scene. Thanks, Khurram
Answer: You're in luck, Khurram, because LA green business people really love socializing -- or networking, as they call it. Some events and organizations where you can shmooze eco-style:
* Green Business Networking: This monthly event's has the noble goal of "serving our city's green business community by providing the owners and decision makers of socially- and environmentally-consciousness businesses a time and place for connecting, sharing, deal-making and networking."
Described in a less flowery manner, basically GBN's a place anyone with 10 bucks an interest in the green biz can go to meet the like-minded. Inside, there's free wine, free organic snacks, and lots of mingling and swapping of business cards. The networking event happens at the Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica on the second Tues. of each month -- meaning the next one happens Jan. 8. Downside: GNB starts at 6 pm, when most working stiffs are stuck in traffic, and ends ridiculously early at 9 pm. I don't like that curfew.
* Sustainable Business Council. A nonprofit that was founded just last year by some green biz execs, SBC's goal is to "serve LA-area “businesses and individuals working with sustainable products, services and processes.”
Events happen sporadically every two to three months or so. They usually have a $20 cover that includes drinks and snacks, showcase a panel on a specific sustainable topic, allow for shmoozing before and after the panel, have a few green companies tabling to promote their products or services, and draw a good crowd. The September fashion event was a nice time; check the website -- or this blog -- to hear about future events.
* Los Angeles Green Drinks: While not specifically business-oriented, many a green biz person's made connections at these low key social events. GD happens at each of four LA-area locations once a month. Come, drink, make connections, and make friends. And say hello -- I'm at the west side GD most months.
Then there are a couple orgs that I know exist, but don't seem to be doing much right now. That said, maybe they will in the future:
Happy networking!
Got a question? Ask me: greenlagirl@gmail.com.
