As someone who owns, operates, or works for an environmentally responsible business, you may not be too keen on traditional methods of networking (like handing out business cards, for example). Or perhaps you simply don't have a clear idea of how to create the network contacts you covet within your industry. Luckily, there are several ways that you can meet other eco-minded professionals that share your passion for environmental pursuits in order to do find and create opportunities for the continued growth of your green business. Here are just a few avenues that you'll definitely want to explore in order to expand your eco-network.

1. Cold call (or email). This old-school method of making contacts got a modern update with the advent of the internet. But it still requires you to approach people that have no idea who you are. This can be a daunting and challenging task, especially if you're not particularly outgoing. However, a little flattery can go a long way, and since there are probably reasons why you want to network with specific people or organizations, you should have no problem expressing your admiration, as well as the reasons you think you might work well together (or at least why it could be beneficial to both parties to remain in contact).

2. Volunteer. The world of environmentalism and conservation is rife with opportunities to volunteer your time, money, and/or expertise to worthy causes. And whether you're doing so for personal reasons or on behalf of your business (or both), it's a great way to meet like-minded professionals, enhance interpersonal relationships, and seek ways that your businesses can work together in the future for the betterment of the planet.

3. Webinars. Industry seminars provide a fantastic opportunity to meet not only prominent business people (those delivering speeches and running groups), but also colleagues from related or adjacent fields. However, with all the travel and setup involved, you might wonder how green these events really are (even though they're for environmental industries). So instead of spreading rampant pollution for the chance to network, consider seeking out webinars. You'll have access to all of the same content (online rather than in person) and in most cases they are set up for live streaming and real-time interaction (Q&A, and so on). They may even provide group chats or other opportunities to discuss presentations with attendees.

4. LinkedIn (and other social networking). LinkedIn is a social networking site specifically geared at garnering professional contacts. It allows you to build a list of friends and expand your contact list through them (with various degrees of separation requiring introductions). Along with other types of social networking (accounts on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Foursquare, and even Pinterest, just to name a few) this can be a heavy-hitting tool in your arsenal when it comes to professional networking.

5. Forums. Some people join forums seeking work while others are looking for invoice factoring opportunities. But probably the best reason to join is to meet contemporaries. You can not only get (and give) advice, but you can also greatly enhance your opportunities to network with other professionals in your industry and potentially even team up or get some work tossed your way.