Getting your green job or launching your green business is really just the beginning of a much longer journey.

It's likely you'll have the opportunity to change positions, and possibly even change career directions, several times during your career. In fact, Department of Labor studies indicate that we'll each have six to ten careers (yes, that's careers, not jobs).

So rather than turning off the network and events you've used to find your recent green career, keep those activities going. Here are ten strategies you can use to position yourself to advance your green career when the time comes.

1) Attend or, better yet, volunteer at green events in your area on a regular basis. Those that value green and sustainable practices tend to participate in a number of local groups and causes. By participating you'll be able to plug into this network and stay connected with that's happening in your region.

2) Join your professional association. If you are in a new profession or updating your skills from a prior profession, joining your professional association can give you an up-to-date picture of what's happening in your field. The meetings, conferences and newsletters can be a valuable source of information and contacts.

3) Have one-on-one meetings with others in the green world. When you meet someone who has a green job or who is active in the green movement in your area, schedule a time to meet with them. A face-to-face meeting over coffee or on a walk can provide you with insights about yourself and your new contact. You never know what connections can come out of a meeting like this. Even though it may feel a bit strange to invite someone to meet in person, take a chance. You may be amazed at what transpired!

4) Mentor others. If your career is stable at the moment, reach out to mentor others who are trying to transition into a green position. Although you may give quite a bit to them, they will give in return. Perhaps your paths will cross in a future company, perhaps they know someone you'd love to meet, perhaps their knowledge from a previous field is what you need. If nothing else, you receive the satisfaction of knowing you've helped someone do what they love.

5) Build your expertise. As the green economy shifts and new technology takes hold, staying current in your field is going to be a critical strategy for your long term success. Be strategic in the committees you work on, the projects you lead, and the classes you take. Choose to act on the opportunities that enhance the skills you love. Then when the time is right you'll be able to use those skills to step into your new role.

6) Green LinkedIn network. As part of your Green Career Central™ membership you are a member of Green LinkedIn network. Learn to use the LinkedIn site to meet other professionals, research companies, and share your expertise. If you click on the LinkedIn link on the right side of the home page, you'll find a series of articles to help you make the most of your LinkedIn connection.

7) Read current and future trends – newsletters, blogs, RSS. Staying current is both a challenge and an opportunity. First you must figure out the best way to stay on the cutting edge of your field. Is it best to participate in a newsgroup, read a particular blog, or receive the professional association newsletter. Think about including a few resources to cover a broader perspective or a perspective from a complimentary profession. Second you must find a way to make this kind of reaching a natural part of your routine. Whether you read up on your field daily, once a week, or once a month depends on your situation and the state of your field. If things are unfolding rapidly, we encourage you to stay on top of things. Current news and future trends can provide you with an inside look at where the opportunities are in your field.

8) Stay connected with your Advisory Team. Some people advocate recreating a team of people who all come from a slightly different background so that you can bounce your ideas off of them to get feedback, advice and guidance. See the networking articles in Step 5 for articles about how to strengthen your network.

9) Pay attention to what draws you. As you move forward in your current position, pay close attention to the elements of your job and the elements of your life that intrigue you and interest you most. By being aware of your passions and interest you may find ways to steer your life in direction that suits you both personally and professionally.

10) Watch for opportunities to apply your skills to solve problems. As you go about your day – both personally and professionally – watch for situations where you can use your talents to solve someone's problem. As you see patterns developing, begin to include this insight into your description of what you do and what you want to do. What you discover could be the kernel of passion that grows an entirely new career.

Note from the Managing Editor:

At Live Earth on July 7, 2007, a writer who was interested in doing more projects in the green world over heard me talking about my work with people searching for green careers. She introduced herself, we had a couple of face-to-face meetings, and then I contracted her to be the editor for this site. I was one step closer to creating this site, and she was one step closer to greening her editorial business. A win for both of us that wouldn't have happened unless we were at a green event, networking, and meeting people face-to-face.

Don't underestimate the power of networking!