By Kelly Caldwell
Everyone agrees that networking is a critical piece of the business development puzzle, but social activities can be extremely challenging for those of us who are neurodivergent.
As professionals, we all recognize the need to be “out there,” but the conventional notion that everyone can just “push through” social discomfort and come out victorious on the other side… well, it’s an outdated concept.
We now realize that a good portion of the population identifies as neurodivergent. What works for neurotypical people is wonderful – for them. Others of us need different strategies.
When I’m coaching neurodiverse people, I don’t talk about pushing through age-old business development and networking techniques. Instead, I help them identify unique opportunities and strategies that make sense to them.
Here are a few networking-related tips that may be of help to fellow neurodivergent individuals.
Understand Your Strengths
First things first, it’s important to recognize and embrace the unique strengths you possess as a neurodivergent individual. I mean, we are quite a diverse and interesting bunch!
Some possess heightened attention to detail, creative thinking, or the ability to focus intensely on specific tasks. These—or any number of other interesting traits—can be a veritable business development superpower… if properly harnessed.
Whatever your unique strengths are, gain a thorough understanding of them and more importantly… embrace them. They will help you confidently navigate many of the challenges that coincide with building your business.
Set Clear Goals
The big, scary unknown looms so large for some of us and that can include a common scenario like heading out to a networking event and not knowing exactly who or what to expect. For a confidence boost, I often encourage neurodivergent clients to plan prior to an event and set specific goals. Doing so has a way of bringing a bit of order into something that might otherwise feel chaotic.
With clear goals in mind, it’s like you’ve got a road map that can help guide your interactions throughout the event. If you identify the outcomes you hope to accomplish (i.e. make a certain number of new connections, meet a particular person, etc.) you can approach the event more confidently and with a much clearer sense of purpose. Doing so will increase your likelihood of achieving meaningful outcomes from your networking efforts.
Prepare in Advance
Another way to make social situations less overwhelming is to prepare for them in advance. To help neurodivergent individuals network with confidence, I often suggest a second layer of planning. Social situations can be overwhelming, but preparation helps.
Prior to any planned networking event, my advice is to take some time and research the event and – ideally – some of the people you might be meeting. This can provide you with valuable information to aid your conversations and interactions. And, often, just by knowing what to expect you’ll find your uncertainty and anxiety eases. If you’re more confident and relaxed, you will approach the event with greater confidence and ease.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Being prepared to talk about your business in a concise and engaging way is essential for successful networking. Call it an Elevator Pitch or whatever you like—a business introduction of sorts.
Your Elevator Pitch should be an authentic, interesting, and memorable way for you to briefly explain to someone what it is you do—and what your unique value proposition and service offerings are. These take time to refine, so if you haven’t started doing so, now is a great time to work on this. Then, practice it over and over, until it rolls off your tongue with ease. A smooth and well-thought-out Elevator Pitch will make a positive and memorable impression on those you meet during networking events.
Focus on Listening
Of course, networking isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. For we neurodivergent individuals, active listening can be a challenge—due to differences in the way we process information. For this reason, it’s important to practice active listening skills.
Active listening involves not only hearing what someone says, but also paying attention to their body language and tone of voice. By practicing active listening, you can demonstrate your interest in others, build rapport, and create more meaningful networking opportunities.
Find a Networking Buddy
Next up, consider attending networking events with a friend or colleague who can provide support and help you navigate social interactions. Many neurodivergent individuals find social situations challenging and having a trusted companion can provide a sense of security and reassurance.
The right “wing man” or “wing woman” can boost your comfort level and confidence, allowing you to focus on networking. They can also assist by interpreting social cues or navigating unfamiliar situations.
Take Breaks When Needed
Even if you practice all the above, you may still find yourself overwhelmed during a networking event. Just remember that it’s perfectly okay to take breaks! For many of us, sensory overload and social fatigue are challenges. If either is something you’re struggling with, try stepping outside for some fresh air or even find a quiet spot to regroup. Often, these short breaks are effective in helping you recharge your batteries, so to speak. Bottom line: remember to prioritize your well-being and comfort in social settings.
Think Outside the Networking Box
Lastly, don’t limit your networking efforts to business events, association gatherings, firm get-together, or other industry functions. Think outside the box.
Networking can happen anywhere—not just at a corporate event. One neurodivergent client of mine cannot bring himself to attend things like chamber events, association meetings, etc. Through our coaching conversations, we identified a unique hobby of his—building model trains. We agreed that he should investigate that, and sure enough he found and joined a model train club. Now, he’s “out there” – having a great time and being his authentic self while he spends time with like-minded folks. Eventually, the personal connections he builds through these interactions will lead to business. For now, he’s just having fun and meeting cool people.
Whatever your ‘thing’ is… see if you can parlay it into more than a hobby and leverage to make new connections.
Yes, you can navigate the world of networking as a neurodivergent professional with confidence and success. This was by no means a comprehensive list, but I hope these tips have been helpful.
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