• Aspiring Pioneers - People fall into this group when they want to play a role in the green economy, but their finances mean that they must put their need for employment above their desire to transition into the green economy.

If you are in this group, take heart. There are many others experiencing this cross current of wanting to make a difference and needing to bring in an income as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that transitioning into a green career often requires time for training, building a new network, and gaining visibility in a new field. Time you may not be able to spare at the moment.  Find a job first, then come back to focus on figuring out your green career direction.

• Pioneers - Those in this group know they want to use their professional talents and expertise to make a difference. They may want to combat climate change, decrease greenhouse gases, decrease waste,  enhance sustainability, or increase biodiversity. Generally speaking pioneers want to work within an organization (as an employee or business owner) to implement innovative ideas. In some cases it's the first time these changes are being attempted within their organization. Pioneers must have resilience and creativity as they are likely to face changing circumstances as their industry and organization evolve.

To step into your role as a pioneer, it's important to identify the industry and function that allow you to leverage your past experience and tap into your passions. Generally speaking your target will involve weaving together threads of your prior work experience.

• Aspiring Trailblazers - The individuals in this group are called to innovate, to bring a new solution to their organization or industry. They dream of making a big impact...the only trouble is they haven't defined their focus or gained the expertise in their field to achieve their goal. Their calling, dream, and vision motivate them to continue to dive deep!

If you resonate with this group, begin by identifying the contribution you'd like to make. Then use that focus to make strategic decisions about your activities, projects, jobs, and network contacts. Each action you take begins to build the knowledge, experience, and visibility you need to make the mark you are here to make. By recognizing yourself as an Aspiring Trailblazers you prepare, very consciously, for your future role, building your trailblazer persona layer by layer...having fun and making a difference along the way.

• Trailblazer - The members of this group are often at the cutting edge (or growing edge, as I like to say) of their field. As they move through their world they constantly see new connections, opportunities, alliances, systems, and ways to streamline. Their unique expertise and knowledge gives them a different perspective than others. Trailblazers hear the same call as Aspiring Trailblazers. They know they are meant to do something...and they have an idea, however vague and amorphous, they are working on. Their dedication and commitment means they are always looking at their idea from different angles, finding new solutions, trying to plot out their next moves.

If you know you are a Trailblazer you may be having a hard time finding a "job" that allows you to do what you want to do. You may have already discovered that there's no "there" there--no industry association, few colleagues who see what you see, and certainly no job titles that match what you are up to. As a result, the traditional job search scenario isn't working for you.

If you resonate with this scenario, it's likely you are so ahead of the pack that they are stepping beyond the normal bounds of your industry or profession. You ARE the future of your industry.

Typically Trailblazers play a multi-faceted role as they move their idea/vision forward. They may work in house, as a consultant, in a role within their profession, or on a board at a non-profit--sometime simultaneously. The form/structure of their work really isn't the point, it's whether and how they can impact the unfolding future. When you need to find a way to pay the bills you'll feel best when you can work on projects, consulting gigs, or positions that are in alignment with your ultimate vision while also providing you with new skills, knowledge, and connections that take you closer to your goal of bringing innovations into form.

1)Find your focus...when you have a clear focus your actions become more strategic and guided.

2)Your journey to your green career begins no matter how small or significant your actions are. Be mindful, deliberate and strategic and you'll begin to feel the momentum building.

3)Your ultimate destination will evolve as you meet people, learn about new aspects of your industry, and discover innovations. Don't wait until you have a clear vision of your endpoint before you begin your journey. It's in taking actions that align with your focus that the opportunities you are looking for open up.