040. How To Network as a Neurodivergent

“Every time I'm recognized in public, I'm super grateful and appreciative, but I also get hot and nervous.” —Issa Rae

Welcome to The Unconventional Founder, where we dive deep into the unpolished, real, and often wild journey of building a startup from scratch. Forget the glossy stories of Ivy League diplomas and cushy Wall Street gigs – my story is about grit, hustle, and the occasional hip-hop playlist to keep the energy high.

Shit can be hard when it comes to networking as a neurodivergent founder in the tech world. Let’s face it, the traditional paths to networking often cater to neurotypical behaviors: schmoozing at crowded events, small talk, and the pressure to make the "right" first impression. But guess what? Social media offers a game-changing alternative for all of us who don’t thrive in those environments — especially if you're neurodivergent and find networking a bit of a maze.

Looking back now, so many things make sense—why I always felt a bit out of sync growing up, and why certain things in my early professional days felt more difficult for me than for others. But back then, the information just wasn’t there, and I didn’t have the language to connect the dots.

These days, things are different. There are tools, strategies, and a growing awareness that helps us navigate the world in ways that truly work for us. It reminds me of Issa Rae 's "Awkward Black Girl" journey. She didn’t fit the mold, and instead of forcing herself into spaces that weren’t built for her, she built her own lane and thrived. That’s what neurodivergent founders are doing now — we're finding our own ways to succeed, rewriting the rules, and leveraging social media to build the connections we need.

Let’s dig into how you can harness the power of social media to build your network, get noticed by the tech community, and, yes, even investors, while staying true to yourself.

1. LinkedIn – The Professional Playground

LinkedIn is the go-to for all things professional. But for neurodivergent founders, it’s about more than just adding connections. It’s a space where you can build authentic relationships at your own pace.

• Engage Authentically: Don’t feel pressured to post just for the sake of it. Instead, comment on posts from people in your industry with genuine insights. Neurodivergent individuals often bring a fresh perspective, so embrace that! Comments that add value tend to get noticed quickly.
• Follow Hashtags: Stay updated by following hashtags like #neurodiversity, #techstartups, and #founderslife. This will give you curated content to engage with, helping you stay visible without needing to initiate every conversation.
• Create Thoughtful Content: Long posts with deep reflections on challenges or innovations in your space can resonate, especially if writing feels like a more natural medium than speaking. Try sharing personal stories about your founder journey — how your unique cognitive wiring is actually a superpower in your startup.

2. Twitter – Quickfire Conversations

Twitter is like the wild, wild west of networking — fast-paced but with huge potential for making connections.

• Join Threads: Don’t worry if small talk isn't your forte; Twitter threads are where you can jump in with opinions and insights. Look for conversations that align with your expertise and voice your thoughts in a structured way. Whether it's about a tech trend, startup struggles, or industry news, this is where you can make your voice heard.
• Follow the Right Circles: By following VCs, tech influencers, and even neurodivergent advocates, you can quickly dive into important conversations without needing to go to a networking event. Use lists to organize who you follow so you’re not overwhelmed by the noise.
• Host or Join Twitter Spaces: If public speaking isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Listening in on Twitter Spaces about tech or neurodivergence in business is a great way to learn and potentially DM the speakers afterward. These interactions can often lead to deeper connections without the face-to-face pressure.

3. Dedicated Platforms – Find Your Tribe

While mainstream social media platforms are great, sometimes it helps to be part of more niche communities that understand your experience.

• Neurodivergent Networks: Seek out platforms which focus specifically on neurodiverse professionals, as these are incredible places to meet others with shared experiences. There, you can network in environments designed for your comfort, exchange tips, and even connect with mentors and allies in the tech space.
• Tech Forums (Product Hunt, Indie Hackers): If you're more comfortable behind the screen than in front of a crowd, places like Product Hunt and Indie Hackers let you showcase your work in a way that speaks for itself. By contributing thoughtful posts, sharing your startup journey, or commenting on others’ projects, you can organically grow your network of investors, collaborators, and supporters.

4. Get Noticed without Being "On" All the Time

Social media isn't the only way to get noticed by investors or the tech community, but it's definitely the most approachable for those of us who find traditional networking draining. Here are some alternatives that keep you out of the spotlight:

• Press Features & Interviews: Being featured in startup blogs, podcasts, or even mainstream media can create a ripple effect. You don’t need to be front and center on social media if your name is buzzing around in articles or interviews. Pitch yourself to relevant publications, or better yet, reach out to PR folks in your network who can get you placed.
• Podcast Guesting: For the neurodivergent founder who’s more comfortable speaking in a controlled environment, guesting on podcasts can be a goldmine. You get to share your story on your terms. Plus, podcast hosts love unique perspectives, so your neurodivergence isn’t something to shy away from but rather embrace as part of your narrative.
• Collaborate with Others: Partner with influencers or creators in your space to share your expertise through guest posts or collaborations. Let them take the lead on promotion while you focus on contributing your strengths.

5. For the Introverted or Anxious Founder

If you're someone who prefers to avoid being front-facing or can’t handle the stress of constantly being "on" for social media, there are still ways to get your startup noticed.

• Automate Content Scheduling: Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite allow you to schedule posts across platforms without the pressure of being live. You can still share valuable content without needing to engage 24/7.
• Ghostwriting and Delegation: If you struggle with keeping up with posting, you can hire a social media manager or a ghostwriter to maintain a presence for you. They’ll represent your voice and brand without you having to manage the day-to-day.
• Leverage Written Content: Writing blog posts, long-form LinkedIn articles, or Medium stories can also help you build a following without the need for video content or high-pressure engagement. These pieces work for you, circulating long after you’ve published them.

Build Your Network Your Way

Remember, there’s no "right" way to network as a founder — especially when you’re navigating the world with a neurodivergent brain. Social media allows you to redefine the rules and use the platforms that play to your strengths. Whether you're in the comments or behind a microphone, there are endless ways to get noticed and build a meaningful network that aligns with your unique personality.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and let’s rewrite the startup playbook together. Subscribe now and join the journey. #TheTakeover