This week, I'm in Dallas, TX at the August Capella University Colloquium. This is my final residency for my Psychology PhD program, and collquium is a great time to get re-energized, learn some great new things, and exchange ideas with new people.
For me, that's where the problem can often set in.
I'm not a naturally social guy. With small groups or close friends, I can interact well, but I'm still shy and not-so-good at the whole networking thing. The prospect of spending a week with a few thousand folks is something I admit that I don't always relish.
Here's the rub: Failing to network and meet new people could put my future goals at risk, and is therefore unacceptable.
Hmmm. What's a shy guy to do? I can't simply not be a bit on the shy side. It wouldn't be terribly helpful to just pretend that I'm naturally gregarious. Still, I need to do a better job of opening up and meeting some new folks. Sharing ideas, stories, support, business cards, and a meal or two may really help me today and tomorrow.
I decided to give myself a constructive personal challenge. My micro-goal is to have substantive conversations with three new people every ...