Just to clarify my remark on Green being elite.. I was referring to the larger perception by many that it is a "fad" or the provenance of those who can "afford" to do such "things". As I am an active volunteer within the community I try to educate those in lesser circumstances the advantages of pursuing green choices... that it is not "buying" something labeled green but doing things that may be as simple as ride a bus, walk to the store or change a light bulb, wear a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat, etc

I am participating in Green Jobs Now Day on 9/27 which is to educate home owners in lesser advantaged areas to the "advantages" of going green. And so when I see Conrad mention the idea of a company simply volunteering as a statement of greeness.. I applaud it... as long as Green is thought of as something akin to wearing the latest in shoes or carrying a handbag (and yes to some that is a reality) we will not be successful in making the world a healthier and more sustainable place. Green has to come from the streets I believe for those at the top to see how important it is... and if companies can make the push too then there is no excuse for governments to follow suit.

So by making Green a part of the mass lexicon it will not be the new black it will be the all green.

Wow... I honestly did not know of this.. I had an idea when I worked with my coach on my plan on Life's Work three years ago. A plan that has undergone many changes since. And I realize why because of this Innerpreneur idea.

I never wanted to change the world only my place within it by doing something of "service" that was in line with my passions, my beliefs and with the hope someone would "get it." It wasn't about being rich or being innovative but just being there doing more than I was doing. I didn't need my shingle, I was willing to do it beneath someone else's but I realized that I had to for it to work.

I just blogged on this issue about being Passionate and finding those of like minds who share it.. its not easy and well that may well be the point. Your passion is just that yours and that may be enough.

This was one of the most honest and raw stories and experiences I have had the opportunity to read and I appreciate it.

I was at an SBA event recently and I thought, "wow there is little here about the psychology and isolation of the budding solopreneur" and yet I could tell that is really what is on everyone's mind.. the economy, how to survive, the loneliness, etc as you struggle to be a Jack of All Trades.... its exhausting and when you have a personal life that cannot be separated it becomes even more challenging.

I think we miss out just supporting each other emotionally in our zeal to promote ourselves professionally. With healthy emotions and support networks that are not just "work oriented" that only benefits our growth and potential not hinder it.

I am no longer a contractor.. I am pending my LEED AP and right now working on getting my NAHB 3rd party verifier.. as I believe they are more affordable and easier to work with than LEED.. I find LEED more targeted to Commercial build and I am interested in affordable homes. I use LEED as the "King" of Green guides but as anything in green build its a matter of trade offs and that is why I moved into consulting so I could spend my energies researching and finding the appropriate ones.

In this economy I worry when I see Green Homes out of reach of the average consumer.. it has to be accessible in order to become affordable. I don't believe being Green is being elite.. its being smart.

As a Green Consultant I understand exactly what you are speaking but as I work with the smaller companies and home owners they struggle with what it means to be green when times are tough and green often means "green" in expense.

Just understanding the nature and complexities of green can be overwhelming. I like to think of all people and businesses finding their right shade of green. And it can be done in an affordable and approachable manner.

Its great to remind anyone that it is not a significant financial commitment it can be a simple gesture and act that from that seed a tree grows.

One voice, one step, one improvement will make a world of difference.

For those interested Sept 27th is Green Jobs day..

The link for further info is this..

www.greenforall.org

They embrace a philosophy and approach which I very much encourage especially now with the first LEED house hitting the market at 770K. The message makes green seem challenging if not un-attainable and that is not what green is or should be about.

Please check them out and participate if you can.

Lynn, exactly. I blog a lot about the Politics of Green and I find myself fielding many calls from people who want to go green but spend their resources and time not understanding what that really means.

Being green is I think a larger picture than given credit for and should be something thought driven rather than market driven.

Jessie,

I changed my company's focus to Consulting as that is where I felt my expertise and passion lay. I could not in good conscious continue to do the work I was doing.. home repairs and remodeling that had not one green element. It felt dishonest and smacked of greenwashing. It was change the focus of my business and say we are simply an "eco friendly encourager of green build" or we turn away business because it wasn't green and then what.. make no green?

It was a matter of ethics and accountability to why I went into contracting for others as opposed to myself. When I was my own client it did not matter what I did or why but being accountable to others I felt an obligation to encourage green use. That being said there are GC's who do nothing but green (some soley for their own self some for others) but they did so over time and built a reputation prior to doing so and I believe a great many are going green but in fits and starts and some kicking and screaming. And it that regard I thought I would do better helping those wanting to go green at a level and manner that is approachable and realistic for their business.

I also want to help home owners become better versed in being green as it is more than a trip to EcoHaus to buy the "right" products. Better informed Contractors and Home Owners I believe are better advocates for the green movement than just those who are already preaching to the choir so to speak.

And in response to that as well I want to become a third party verifier to further my mission.. from starting right now with NAHB, then onto Energy Star and getting my LEED AP next year. I feel that again further adding to my education plan for those wanting green build as the norm vs the option.

I really do believe there are many shades of green and finding one that matches your needs is better serving my business, the client and the world at large.

Its great to see like minds connecting. I am a great advocate of educating what it means to be green but I feel there is much to be done to find those who are intimidated, frustrated or feel confused as to what it means to be green.

I try to in my business work with both professionals and non in finding their right shade of green. Being green should be something that is neither political nor financial but "organic" in the spirit of what that fully means.

I hope people flow to the green movement in that spirit and find ways to make their lives and others greener however they pursue that goal.

So keep up the good work and share your knowledge with someone who is trying to find that green balance.

I have found my best "networking" at the local coffee shop or dog park. The pressure to present is non-existent, the opportunity to connect and learn from another is invaluable. Each time I meet someone in that environment I have found life long friends, great business acquaintances or amazing resources which are all beneficial to me be it business or pleasure.

Talking business in an "organic" way to me seems more natural and with less expectations or pressure I can build the relationships I need for my business while possibly helping someone else do the same.

Be it a contact or insight I find that if I learn something that may be the most valuable tool. And in 5 minutes I met someone who gave me great advice and that is always something well appreciated and it was free! That is the best thing about bizniks the willingness to give their insight.

It was great. It lead me to a new an useful resource the book Endless Referrals by Bob Burg. I am glad I found both the book and Zita.