Networking is a great way to find out about new green ideas, products and jobs to help upgrade your life. The green blogger EcoFrenzy recently published a great article about green networking, and I decided to follow a few of her tips to meet some new like-minded people.

Tonight I headed out to my local Green Drinks meet up armed with my own home-made business cards that I had made right before heading over. By the end of the evening, my stash of cards was greatly diminished, and I had met several new people including a State Representative, the owner of an organic compost company, the owner of a local coffee shop, a nurse, and a solar energy salesmen, all interested in ways they can green their own lives and the lives of those around them. Not only were my business cards easy to make, but they were certainly a conversation piece- everyone loved them!

The business cards themselves are so simple: I just cut out pieces of cardboard from my recycling into business card size, and write my name, email, and phone number. The cards are home-made but not lacking in style: my current collection is made from a few leftover tissue boxes that had a flower print, some leftover card stock, and the remains of my iPod packaging. Occasionally I embellish the cards with doodles or stamps, but I find that leaving them simple is easiest (and slightly more professional). The best part is that you can easily make new ones when they run out or your information changes, and you can also customize them to your intended audiences.

This is a simple green upgrade that gets your name out, adds to the life cycle of a product, and is free!