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Networking on the Introvert's side of the Room

by Michele Marut

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These days, networking is essential. It's how employers fill 70 percent of their job openings, and well-connected UX professionals earn higher incomes. ...

These days, networking is essential. It's how employers fill 70 percent of their job openings, and well-connected UX professionals earn higher incomes.

But with most networking activities geared towards extroverts, what are Introverts—who often find being around other people draining—to do?

It turns out that many characteristics that define an introvert also make them wonderful networkers. Introverts are comfortable making one-on-one connections, they know how to develop meaningful relationships and they're excellent listeners. Introverts just need to align their networking activities with their innate strengths.

In this session, I'll share the tools that have enabled me to grow my network without changing my introverted personality. If you're intimidated by our extroverted world, this session will guide you toward your own networking success.

This talk will help UX professionals:

leverage existing communication skills that work well for an introvert
learn how to choose appropriate networking events
maintain the network by focusing on helping others

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Networking on the Introvert’s side of the Room Presentation Transcript

Networking on the introvert’s side of the room Michele Marut Senior User Researcher, Intuit@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/interlace-invent/3554085872/sizes/l/in/photosA typical networking event@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Introverts• Are everywhere• Prefer small groups• Recharge alone@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Credits: UX Stencil © Todd Zazelenchuk & Elizabeth Bo@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Networking• Relies on relationships other 30%• Many uses networking 70% Methods of finding jobs - Bureau of Labor Statistics@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Dunbar’snumber150 = Maximumnumber of people withwhich we can maintainrelationships@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

FOUR WAYS INTROVERTS CAN BUILDTHEIR NETWORK@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

1. Engage in online communities@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

1. Engage in online communities• Jump in• Share your knowledge• Engage@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

2. Attend low key events Credits: AIGA Philly@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

2. Attend low key events• Go casual• Bring your favorite people• Step away (if you need to recharge)@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

3. Attend activity-based events Credits: @UKUPA@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

3. Attend activity-based events• Pick fun things• Act early@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

4. Volunteer at the event Credits: @nycupa@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

4. Volunteer• Work the sign-in table• Chat with volunteers• “Stalk” attendees• Use your backstage pass@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

NOT DONE YET ….REMEMBER TO MAINTAIN THE NETWORK@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Offer your resourcesThe more you trade, thebetter your chances ofvictory. Even if it is notyour turn, you shouldoffer trades to thecurrent player!Settlers of Catan game rules Credit: http://engtech.wordpress.com/2007/01/15/settlers-of-catan-board-game-is-coming-to-xbox-liv@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Do…• Engage in on-line communities• Attend more low-key events• Choose events with activities• Volunteer at the eventRemember!• Offer your resources• Always feel free to step away from the group and take breaks or go home@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Challenge• Try one technique a month for four months• Tweet me @michelemarut with #uxintroverts tag and your progress@michelemarut | #uxintroverts

Resources• Articles/sites – Introverts and Networking stack - http://www.delicious.com/stacks/view/SGARzn – The Power of Introverts http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/community/resources/• Book – Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz• UX Organizations – Interaction Design Association (IxDA) http://www.ixda.org/local/network – Usability Professionals Association (UPA) http://www.upassoc.org/chapters/index.html• UX events on Twitter – @finduxevents – @UX_NYC@michelemarut | #uxintroverts