Networking events are tough with ADHD—too many conversations happening at once, too much noise, and way too many names to remember. At a recent work event, I completely blanked on someone’s name mid-conversation—even though we’d just met five minutes earlier. It was embarrassing, and I left feeling more drained than connected. I want to build relationships in my field, but these environments just don’t work for my brain. Anyone else struggle with this? Any tips for making networking feel less overwhelming and more ADHD-friendly?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

And sometimes being honest is okay. "I'm sorry, I know you told me your name a few minutes ago, but could you remind me again?" "There is so much happening around us right now, and it's so exciting, but my senses are a little overloaded. Would you mind if we stepped over to the side of the room where it looks a little quieter? I'm enjoying this conversation, and I'd really like to make surei don't miss anything you have to say. *Move to a less intense area* Ahh this is better. Couldyou tell me your name one more time?" if you're uncomfortable asking for their name again, ask if they have a business card they could share with you. I agree with the person who said to take notes on your phone--business cards are a great thing to take notes on too.

helpfullike

I totally get it—what helps me is prepping a few go-to questions ahead of time and jotting notes in my phone right after meeting someone. I also try to schedule follow-up one-on-ones, where the environment is quieter and easier to manage. It takes extra effort, but the quality of connections tends to be better.

like

I prep questions to ask someone else about what they do, and ask if they mind if I take notes in a small notepad. I just tell them it helps me remember, and no one has objected yet. In fact, I think they like how engaged I am to listen carefully and write down what they say, versus most conversations where everyone is waiting to talk instead of listening.

I think it helps to go into the situation with clear goals—so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Example: at a 4-hr networking event, I will only stay for 3 hrs and can leave sooner if I get 3 solid new connections where I get a number and/or email and share a meaningful story, connection moment.

The key here is:

- Finite Commitment—reduce it down to what you can handle, which starts off less burdensome and overwhelming to limit the anxiety of a “marathon” endurance test.

- Energy Directed to Meaning—a focus on quality connection vs quantity connection. With a limited time frame make your effort count, push yourself out of comfort a few times vs the whole time. Be observant, bold, use humor, in opening lines with certain folks you WANT to engage with. Be picky, have openers prepared and be yourself.

Precious energy will go toward networking in a way that works best for you. It may relax you a bit which always helps with performance. And best of all, you’ll be acknowledging who you are vs forcing yourself to be something you aren’t.

Doing it “your way” may deplete you less than you’d expect and might increase your confidence and optimism for the next networking opportunity.

Thanks for sharing this and can totally relate. Agree with some of the other folks here that having a few, targeted questions you can ask help. If people are comfortable sharing something about their personal life too (e.g., a hobby, an upcoming event) that helps makes things more personal and is an easier way to remember them. It's also a nice way to re-connect with them and them about it in the future.

Related Posts

Anyone else a landlord on a condo unit? Any recommendations for landlord condo insurance? Do I need to look specifically for an insurer that provides this specific plan or do most insurers have an option for landlord condo?

like

Has anyone every heard or use iLit ELL in their classroom? What is your take?

like

Refering to the history of compensation release dates

Post Photo
like

Guys please suggest any good hotel(no need hifi, just for night stay) to stay in kharadi, Pune or near by.
I have 2 days working office in a week. Need for 2-3 days only.
If you have any idea please suggest.

like

Hi please advise

can join client organisation; will their be any conflicts with current company?

like

Anyone got a place in Philly?

Hi Fishes,
My LWD in Wipro (my previous employer) was on 21 Aug, 2021. I was waiting to receive my outstanding due and experience certificate, as part of F&F, ever since. However, I received an email from the offboarding team today stating that my Final Settlement is on on hold due to security concerns (DLP: data leakage). How is this going to play out? And much longer will it take before my F&F process is completed and I get my outstanding due and my experience certificate? Pls advice.

like
like

One of my friend was asked to resign because she got pregnant . They specifically told her that they have strict policies and need complete commitment and you are not fit for the current role owing to your health. They have a king rule from management side and treat their employees as daily wage labor . Very bad HR and management

likehelpful

People of Color, how do you deal with an all-white team who doesn't acknowledge your (worthy) accomplishments while pats all incompetent employees?

likefunny

Hi all, is anyone hiring a senior or a lead recruiter, I have a really good reference

like

DM your EmailID with JobTitle to Apply in LTI- Larsen and Toubro Infotech.

Post Photo
like

Anyone know a company that will provide annuities to non-US citizens, non-US residents?
If so, would they have to be expats of their country?

likefunny

So what’s the best agency right now, in terms of culture, work/life balance (lol), and work?

likefunny

Anyone from Deloitte SCNO here ?

hi fishes I have 4 offers eastman 13 Verizon 17.9 coforg 18 brillio 19 fixed which will be better Infosys Verizon please help me with your suggestion also tell me like Verizon is sending laptop to the employees home town or they calling directly to office to recive the laptop

like

What is IT Due Dilligence? Is it more IT Audit? Better? Worse?

like

Hi Everyone, Can someone tell me about the background & employment history Check at JP Morgan Chase? How far do they go and what do they ask for? As an immigrant, I want to know what they may need from my country Thanks.

like

Hello! 👋 PwC people, what’s the actual work for Sales Transformation Consulting? I have an interview so it will be helpful 😊 thanks

like

my stress level peaks when there is so much work to do and the filing day is only 2 weeks away 🙃

like

Additional Posts in ADHD Professionals

I just started meds yesterday and the change in my focus and attention to detail is mind blowing. My only concern is, just yesterday I had a tough feedback session with my manager around how I’m taking too long to complete my work, giving them anxiety around close deadlines. I’m new in the job (3 months in). Should I explain anything about my adhd to my manager or just wait for them to notice the change in me?

like

How do you get out of the burnout cycle? I’ve felt overwhelmed for a while and now I’m in the “can’t function at all” stage. It’s so hard explaining this to my manager because I already have a workload that’s lighter than others (not because of performance or my request). Any tips on how to get re-engaged, since the overwhelming feeling will come back?

like

My boss assigns projects with unclear expectations and provides no guidance on how to achieve them.

I've asked for help, and, to avoid a long post, she expects me to figure it out. Perhaps you go through this too, but when I don't have a clear guide on completing big projects, it paralyzes me because I don't know where to start. On top of that, I have anxiety, so "it has to be perfect".

How do you approach projects when your boss plays the "guess what's in my head" game?

like

When it is not an urgent or time bound task, I tend to not finish tasks but my mind wanders to some other tasks. How do you stay on task ? Would love to hear your suggestions. Thank you!

like

I work in sales as a coordinator and do a bunch of paperwork with customers online. I LOVE PEOPLE but dread going to work everyday (wfh 3x a week) because the environment is toxic. I just found out that the only positive manager on my team is leaving. I am spiraling. I have a BS in Health Science (no chemistry classes taken and minimal biology education). Where are people happy in their careers? What careers are best for young women with ADHD? Who’s hiring?

like

Been thinking about the other post about ADHD jobs. Any other job hoppers here or people with non linear careers? Or maybe you got a specific degree and are now doing something completely different? This has been a decade-long struggle for me.

like

For anyone who has a consistent exercise routine can you explain if it has helped you manage your ADHD symptoms and all the different ways it has helped?

like

Anyone had luck finding a good therapist who actually understands ADHD? Getting advice like "try taking a walk every day" and "practice these breathing exercises" is driving me crazy. I need actual solutions and shit, not just platitudes and internet worksheets.

like

Strat consultants: work performance Remote vs In-Office. Do you find you are able to perform better in an office as there are less ways you can procrastinate or relax than at home?

like

Anyone here going/gone to Harvard? Curious to know how tough Harvard (mainly MBA) is with ADHD?

like

Does anyone have a list of the things (food, drink, other OTC meds) that make adderall less effective? I know I can simple google search and ask my doctor but want to hear other peoples thoughts…I love drinking my coffee to wake me up in the morning but I’m afraid it’s making my meds less bc of its acidic nature 😵

like

Just joined, I'm curious how often you've been a high performer but are told you're not consistent enough? But you haven't missed deadlines or anything, so what's consistency mean for you?

like

Just here to say I’m so thankful we have this safe space. People who aren’t diagnosed generally have misconceptions about ADHD and its symptoms, and I’m so grateful we have this bowl to seek help, learn from one another, and sometimes just vent! With all the negativity in the world, this bowl is that one ray of sunshine I so desperately need, so thank you everyone for what you have done and what you’ll continue to do!

likeupliftinghelpful

It’s looking like my job is gonna start asking us to return to the office. We have an open office plan and before we wfh FT I would save all my work for my telework days bc I can’t get shit done in the office. I’m having major anxiety about them making this decision. I know I’m not alone that people don’t want to return to the office. My ADHD and the open office just makes working from the office a nightmare and I’m feeling really nervous and kind of resentful.

like

Has anyone else tried Strattera, had success, and a few months later felt like work was a struggle again? Am I imagining it? There are reasons why I should not take stimulants, but I miss that feeling of being a “regular” person at work and so am curious if others have had a similar journey and where you all ended up

like

Can you cut 18mg Delmosart (i.e. Concerta) to get 2x 9mg?

like

I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 12. My family did not opt to put me on medication. I illegally discovered Adderall in college. Worked incredible. Got diagnosed after college & after having been fired from my first job. Passed the CPA exams on Adderall. Went off of it again. I do everything well at my job except for attention to detail within my excel files & emails. Will taking ADHD medication really fix this? Does anyone else have this issue and was it resolved by taking medication?

like

Anyone a manager? I’m recently diagnosed (26F) and I can’t help but beat myself up everytime I fall short of my to do list. Makes me feel like a huge disservice to my team. I’ve been trying vitamin D and working out, but it makes my “highs” and “low” SO extreme. The simplest things are so complex in my mind.

If anyone feels similar, how do you manage these feelings? I’m personally considering switching to an individual contributor role, but can’t help but feel like a disappointment if I do.

like

Hi everyone! What remote jobs are you working that you feel is good for your ADHD?

like

Looking for a good playlist to keep me motivated this morning :( I usually listen to Ava Max or something #ADHD is real!!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal