Networking Tips for Dyslexic Individuals

Build meaningful professional relationships.

Networking isn’t about being the most confident person in the room. It’s about building relationships that matter, relationships that help you grow, feel seen, and open doors.

If you're dyslexic, you might’ve been told to “sell yourself” or “just put yourself out there.” But that advice often ignores how differently we process information, how overwhelming certain settings can be, or how unnatural those moments can feel.

The good news? You don’t need to network like everyone else. You just need to find your way, and when you do, networking can actually become something you enjoy.

Here’s how to make networking work for you and build professional relationships that are genuine, strategic, and sustainable.

1. Stop Treating Networking Like a Sales Event

This is the shift that changed everything for me. Once I stopped approaching networking like a performance and started seeing it as a chance to meet interesting people, I relaxed. And when I relaxed, I connected better.

People don’t want a pitch. They want a conversation.

So lead with curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions. Focus less on proving yourself and more on understanding the person in front of you.

Because people remember how you made them feel, not your job title.

2. Start With Something That Matters to Them

Too many people open with work. But real connection starts with what they care about.

If you’ve seen them support a charity, launch a creative project, or speak about something with passion, mention that.

Why? Because if it stood out, it probably means something to them. And starting there shows that you’ve paid attention.

Examples:

“I saw your post about the community garden. That looked amazing. What made you get involved?” “I noticed your work with [charity name]. That’s something I care about too.”

From there, the conversation naturally flows toward what you do.

3. Play to Your Communication Strengths

You don’t need to pitch. You need to connect.

If you're more confident speaking than writing, voice notes and conversations may suit you better. If you're visual, share diagrams or one-pagers. If you're a storyteller, use stories to make your work memorable.

Your job isn’t to fit a format, it’s to express yourself clearly and comfortably.

Try:

• Sending voice notes instead of long messages

• Telling a short story to explain what you do

• Using analogies to help people “get it” fast

4. Follow Up With Focus

Following up doesn’t mean being pushy; it means being thoughtful.

If you’ve had a good conversation, send a short message afterwards:

“Thanks for the chat earlier, really enjoyed hearing about your work on X. Let’s stay in touch.”

You can also reconnect later with a simple:

“Saw this and thought of our conversation, hope things are going well!”

Small touchpoints like this keep relationships alive without pressure.

Pro tip: Use a simple notes app to keep track of who you’ve spoken to and what stood out. That way, following up feels personal, not forced.

5. Know What You’re Looking For

You don’t need to turn every contact into a job lead. But you do need to know why you’re connecting.

Are you exploring a new industry? Looking for collaborators? Trying to raise your profile?

Knowing your purpose keeps conversations focused and helps you recognise when you’ve made the right connection.

And it works both ways, being clear about your goals helps others support you better.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

Networking isn’t about scripts or spotlight moments. It’s about building professional relationships that feel human, honest, and aligned with your values.

As a dyslexic professional, you bring unique strengths, creativity, insight, and emotional intelligence, which make you a natural connector.

At Pro Dyslexic, we help you build the confidence and clarity to network your way. The kind of networking that leads to jobs, collaborations, and career growth, not just contacts.

💬 Want help growing your network with purpose? Book a free 30-minute session and let’s shape a strategy that plays to your strengths.