Because nothing says “fun” like small talk with strangers while mentally cataloguing every escape route
If you’re an introverted marketer with ADHD, networking events are probably your personal version of “The Hunger Games”—except instead of fighting for survival, you’re fighting the urge to crawl under the catering table and pretend you’re a brand activation.
You know networking is important. You’ve read the articles. You’ve bookmarked the TED Talks. You’ve even bought the overpriced planner with “Intentional Relationships” tabs. And yet, every time you enter a room full of humans, your brain short-circuits somewhere between “Where’s the bar?” and “Do I make eye contact or pretend I’m checking my phone for the third time in 12 seconds?”
Fear not. You can be brilliant, awkward, and socially avoidant—and still network like a pro(ish).
- Rebrand It in Your Head: It’s Not “Networking,” It’s “Collecting Interesting Humans”
“Networking” sounds transactional, forced, and frankly like something people who use “synergy” unironically would enjoy. So don’t call it that.
Instead, think of it as “curating conversations” or “hunting for weirdos who get me.” You’re not trying to impress everyone—you’re trying to find the handful of people who speak fluent marketing chaos and won’t mind if you zone out mid-sentence.
- Prepare Like a Spy With a Mission Briefing
You know what helps ADHD brains and introverts alike? Knowing what to expect.
Before the event:
Google the attendee list (not creepy—strategic).
Prepare three solid questions (bonus points if they don’t involve asking someone what they “do”—ugh).
Script a few exit strategies like “Excuse me, I promised myself I’d say hi to three people, and you’re my favorite so far.”
Treat it like a covert op. Because honestly, it kind of is.
- Start With One Person. That’s It. Just One.
Don’t aim to “work the room.” You’re not running for office. You’re a gifted introvert with ADHD and a deep desire to escape the moment someone says “CRM integration.”
Set a manageable goal: talk to one human. If you vibe, great. If not, you’ve fulfilled your social contract and can sneak out and reward yourself with snacks in your car.
- Let People Talk. ADHD Hack: You Don’t Have to Remember It All
Here’s a fun trick: people love to talk about themselves. So let them. Ask questions. Nod meaningfully. Smile when appropriate.
Worried about forgetting what they said? Don’t. That’s what LinkedIn and follow-up emails are for. Just jot down “Sarah = works in sustainable e-comm, loves podcasts, green glasses” and pretend you have a photographic memory next time.
- The Bar, the Buffet, and the Bathroom: Your Trinity of Safe Zones
If you need a break, these three spots are your allies.
The bar = tactical stalling with a beverage shield.
The buffet = “Oops, I’m chewing” as an excuse for not talking.
The bathroom = the introvert’s Batcave.
Use liberally. Shame is for extroverts.
- Follow Up Before You Forget Who the Hell They Were
You met someone cool. You even had a real conversation. Hooray!
Now send a quick message within 48 hours or your ADHD brain will toss that memory into the mental landfill next to your 2023 tax login and the names of your primary school teachers.
Make it short. Make it genuine. No weird sales pitch. Just a “Hey, loved chatting about [that thing you vaguely remember], let’s connect.”
In Conclusion: You’re Not Bad at Networking, You’re Just Not a Robot
Let’s be honest: traditional networking is designed for people who enjoy speaking in complete sentences, tracking conversations linearly, and remembering names.
That’s not you. And that’s okay.
You bring the good stuff—creativity, energy, random tangents that turn into million-pound campaigns. You just need to survive the weird social rituals long enough to let your brilliance shine.
So go forth, dear introverted ADHD marketer. Channel your inner spy, trust your weirdness, and remember: the real networking was the awkward handshakes we made along the way.
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