How to Make Networking Enjoyable, Even If You're Autistic or Struggle with Social Interaction

Networking is often described as a vital part of business, but let’s face it: few people actually enjoy it. For many, especially those who are autistic or those who struggle with social interactions, networking can feel like an overwhelming, uncomfortable, and exhausting task.

The good news? Networking doesn’t have to be daunting, and with the right approach, it can even become an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you are autistic or simply find social interactions draining, there are practical strategies to make networking less stressful and more meaningful.

Here’s how to do it.

The Challenges of Networking for Autistic Individuals

For autistic people, social interactions often come with additional challenges. The pressure to make small talk, pick up on irony, sarcasm, and hidden meanings can make networking feel exhausting, or even frustrating.

However, these challenges don’t mean you have to avoid networking. With the right mindset and strategies, networking can be a great opportunity to connect with others in a way that feels comfortable and authentic.

The Common Struggles of Networking

For many people, whether autistic or not, networking often boils down to everyone trying to sell something. People tend to focus on talking about what they can offer in hopes of making a connection or closing a deal. This transactional mindset can make it hard to engage in meaningful conversations, especially if you’re not interested in what the other person has to offer.

This can create stilted, awkward exchanges that may make anyone, especially someone with social anxiety and/or who is autistic, feel like leaving the conversation. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Power of Listening and Asking Questions

Here’s the trick: most people love talking about themselves. When you show genuine interest in what someone else has to say, it naturally encourages them to ask about you in return. This is the foundation of any good conversation and relationship building.

For those who struggle with social interactions, this shift from focusing on yourself to focusing on the other person can significantly reduce the pressure of “selling” yourself or trying to steer the conversation.

A Simple Networking Solution for Everyone

Whether you’re autistic, introverted, or simply don’t feel confident in social settings, there’s one simple strategy that can make networking much easier: prepare three open-ended questions before the event. These questions should encourage the other person to talk about themselves, their business, or their experiences.

Questions like:

1. “What’s been the most exciting part of your business lately?”
2. “How did you get started in this industry?”
3. “What are some challenges you’re currently facing in your field?”

These questions will get the conversation flowing and take the pressure off you to constantly keep the chat going. Plus, by learning more about the other person’s thoughts and experiences, you will gain valuable knowledge, which can be helpful for market research or future opportunities.

Once the other person has shared their thoughts, they will often turn the conversation back to you. This shift makes the exchange feel more balanced and natural, creating a sense of mutual interest and understanding.

Why This Works for Autistic Individuals

If you’re autistic or you struggle with social interactions, the idea of spontaneous conversation can feel intimidating. Preparing in advance and focusing on the other person’s experiences means you will reduce that pressure and create a more predictable and comfortable experience.

In addition, this method helps to establish a pattern: ask questions, listen, and wait for the other person to respond. It removes the need for constant back-and-forth on your end, which can be mentally exhausting, and instead places the focus on the other person’s story. It creates a structure and makes the conversation about information rather than chat thus simplifying the interaction.

This simple technique can be applied by anyone and can make the difference between enjoying networking and hating it, even if you are not good at social interaction.

Making Networking Work for You

Next time you find yourself at a networking event, try this approach. Prepare three thoughtful questions in advance, listen actively, and let the conversation flow naturally. With this technique, you can make networking less about “selling” and more about building relationships that are both enjoyable and valuable.

Conclusion: Networking Can Be Enjoyable, Even If You’re Autistic

Networking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or stressful. By focusing on others, preparing questions in advance, and letting the conversation flow naturally, anyone, whether autistic or not, can make the experience much more enjoyable and even fulfilling.