A leader finds out what’s important to their followers. A leader also empowers others to become leaders in their own right. As a woman with a green business, you are a leader in your community. Remember that you have an opportunity to create a lasting legacy through your efforts.

As you’re establishing a base of readers, clients, connections, volunteers, and supporters, consider what you will do to help those who need your assistance. Consider these ways to help others in your network:

• Pass along articles, advice, links, and leads.
• Offer links to white papers, news, or information that directly has an impact on people, such as new litigation or regulation.
• Forward specific articles to people who will be interested in them.
• Establish a forum (like a discussion group, e- mail newsletter, or social network) where you reach out to those who have expressed an interest in your work.
• Incorporate the spirt of sharing into your corporate mission statement.
• Adopt a local community organization, nonprofit, or charity that aligns with your mission.
• Host others in an ongoing brunch or coffee gathering focused on a topical area.
• Create a lending library of helpful books, CDs, and other resources.
• Teach a class in your subject area.
• Volunteer as a board member.
• Mentor a young person.
• Get active with your local alumni group.
• Get involved with the local schools: these are great places to meet parents in your community.
• Encourage your staff to volunteer: offer bonuses or points to those who work at a local community-based organization.

Connect with other green business owners in your community and do one of the following to focus on the sustainable aspects of your business:

• On your website, create a list of resources to green companies, recycling services, and relevant community-based organizations.
• Sponsor a booth at the local Earth Day celebration.
• Encourage a local elementary school to take on a class project around sustainability.
• Use biodegradable utensils instead of plastic at your next company function.
• Host a Saturday recycling drive.
• Do a beach cleanup.
• Participate in Bike-to-Work day.
• Organize carpooling lists for your company.
• Start a tree-planting day.
• Offer a swap meet and invite your customers to participate with gently used items.
• Host an event to introduce your eco-friendly vendors and suppliers to each other.
• Plant a vegetable garden on the grounds.
• Make positive memories that sustain you and your teammates.

As you communicate and connect with those in your community, you increase your opportunities and you share in the bounty that your business brings you. By spreading a message of sustainability, you increase your triple bottom line of accountability to people, profits, and the planet.

For additional ideas, join a local group where you swap stories on a regular basis. You can learn from others and teach from your own experience.