Small Networks, Large Career Impact
Hi Reader,
During a recent Q&A Group Session, the topic of networking came up once again. It’s a common struggle for many of us in UX, particularly introverted people. Even extroverted UX designers often hold back, fearing they might be perceived as ‘sales bros ‘.
Throughout my career and in my work with other UX professionals, I have come to understand how impactful networks and communities have been in growing skills and reaching career goals. Without my network of supportive peers around me, I would have missed many opportunities, from transitioning into UX to being offered leadership positions.
You might say, Marvin, I don’t want to become an influencer; I want to do UX.
I think that’s perfectly fine, and neither do I. So, let me share a few thoughts about networking, focusing more on real connections than audience building.
It’s not always about the size of the network.
Your network doesn’t have to be big to be impactful. Have you ever heard of the concept of Masterminds?
They are a (usually) small group of people in similar situations committed to helping each other grow professionally by sharing experiences, giving advice, and holding each other accountable. Regular meetings and rituals ensure the group stays on track and everyone benefits fairly. I only recently realized that some of my best managers were active mastermind group members. But I’m sure this method shouldn’t be reserved for managers only.
Don’t go on a Guru Hunt.
Yes, it’s true. Experience matters, and many more senior UX professionals are supportive by sharing advice with those who come after them. But the UX field is changing so rapidly that you may encounter challenges that the wise old UX Guru never faced (AI, anyone?). That’s where sharing perspectives with someone at a similar level as you come in. As a coach, I believe we hold the answers to many challenges within ourselves, but it is often too difficult to change perspectives to see them. Discussing your challenges with a peer and exchanging experiences can offer necessary perspective switches and new approaches to problems you are both facing.
Another upside is that it is way more comfortable to reach out to someone at a similar level than to ask Yoda for a lesson in UX force.
Run from the echo “chambers of despair.”
When more than a few UX designers are in a room, topics like the lack of UX maturity, UX resources on a shoestring budget, and the dreaded job application test exercises quickly arise as everyone opens up about their frustrations. Now, a good vent and rant is occasionally cleansing and healthy. We have to be careful that those conversations don’t turn into negative reinforcement. Just complaining about something hardly ever offers a solution. Instead, turn the conversation around by providing constructive ideas. How about offering an ideation session? If that doesn’t work and you feel dragged down, maybe it’s time to look for a new crowd.
Don’t scream into the void of Slack Channels.
As someone who seeks out UX communities and connections, I am a member of many UX-related Slack channels. But they never seem to work for me. Any comment I make or question I ask feels lost in a sea of posts. It even gets worse the larger the channel. So, instead, I find that attending or hosting online group sessions where you can directly interact with people in real-time is a much better use of my time. If you speak with someone online or share a real-life experience, it is much easier to follow up and keep the conversation going.
Related Resources
Here is a Forbes article about running a mastermind group
9 Things To Know Before You Start Your Own Mastermind
Learn about peer mentoring as a source of support without a guru.
Peer Mentoring
Are you looking for a Slack community that offers support despite my little rant? Here are some channels where you can find me (sometimes).
uxdesigncommunity.slack.com
uxmastery.slack.com
userexperiencedesign.slack.com
Need help setting up your peer networking?
I am assembling a coaching group in a small cohort of supportive Senior UX professionals.
With me as your coach, the group will discuss the challenges of keeping your portfolio up to date so you are always ready for the next job opportunity, moving from Senior level into management and leadership roles, and building cross-functional relationships for impactful UX practices.
Connect with 5 Senior UX professionals in my group coaching cohort and benefit from coaching support while building a network of trusted supporters.
Have a great day!
Marvin
|
|
|
Marvin Olukayode Hassan
UX Design Manager & Career Coach
|
|