Networking as an introvert

It is hard to tell, but I am an introvert. Some days, I feel so shy that I find ordering food at a drive-through hard. I feel awkward talking to a stranger, even when ordering french fries, which is great if I want to reduce carbs, but not so much if the UX profession demands constant meeting new people, networking and collaboration.

Networking can be challenging for introverts regardless of their professional experience, but there are strategies to help us engage effectively in a networking event. You can start by attending smaller events; building a few meaningful relationships is more valuable than many shallow connections, and with practice and persistence, networking can become less intimidating.

One day, it will click.

I knew my shyness was an obstacle in my career, but I did not know how to overcome it until, one day, I saw social interactions in a different light. This idea came to me while looking for a quiet place to sit in a crowded conference room. Please think about this:

Everything you need, somebody else has it.

Everything you have, somebody else needs it.

This may feel transactional; we are more than the exchanges we make, we are remembered by the people we help. This mantra did not change my behaviour right away and suddenly became the life of the party, it helped me to see social interactions from a different perspective and be aware that I can take small steps to improve my networking skills.

We exist in a delicate balance of interconnected wants and needs where everyone can help each other. When I opt to sit in an empty row, trying to stray away from people, I am acting in denial of my necessities. I need other people to progress in my career.

It also reminds me, that regardless of my level of expertise. I am required, can be helpful to other people, and those french fries will not eat themselves.

Who you are is not how you feel at the moment.

I started by saying I am an introvert and sometimes feel shy. This phrase shows a contrast between two different scales of permanence. Our identity and feelings set the boundaries of how we decide to act. Feelings come and go.

If I am in a networking event and shyness starts crawling up my spine, I remind myself that there will be a moment when I will feel grateful I connected with a new person, let’s see how we get there.

Communities for networking and belonging

The benefits of belonging to a UX community are tremendous. With time a community reduces friction in networking, knowledge sharing, getting feedback, mentorship, finding inspiration, career and professional development, advocacy, emotional support, and ethical guidance.

There are multiple communities online that offer a platform for personal and professional growth, skill enhancement, and addressing the specific challenges of designing for user experiences. Think about an obscure topic in UX, I am sure you will find a like-minded group of people already talking about it.

If you are looking for suggestions, Calgary UX is a community open to anybody, introverts and extroverts if you feel like learning more about us, visit https://calgaryux.com/test/