Dad's Quick Take
Networking is relationships, not transactions. Be curious, offer help before you ask for it, follow up, and stay in light touch. Most opportunities come through people who know and like you — so focus on being someone worth knowing.
How to actually do it
- Be curious — ask people about their work and actually listen.
- Give first — share an article, make an intro, offer a hand.
- Follow up — a short note after you meet someone goes a long way.
- Stay in touch — a check-in a couple times a year keeps a connection warm.
The follow-up that works
Hi Sam — great talking at the meetup about getting into UX. Thanks for the book tip; I ordered it. Would love to stay in touch — and if I can ever be helpful, just say the word.
Dad's take
You're not using people. You're building a community. The goal is genuine relationships — the opportunities are a side effect of being a good one to know.
Common questions
I'm shy — is networking still possible?
Absolutely. One real conversation beats working a whole room. Introverts often build deeper, stronger networks precisely because they go one-on-one.