Build visibility. Skip the spiral.
Forget networking, build real relationships
Ever felt like networking is a performance? That's because, for a lot of us, it is.
But it doesn't have to be.
Truth is—real connection doesn’t start with a pitch.
It starts with presence.
Why it feels fake
We've been told to "network" our way into jobs, growth, opportunity.
So we show up trying to sound smart, say the right things, and keep the small talk going long enough to maybe get a second conversation.
If you have ADHD, that kind of energy burns fast.
It's hard to be present when you're stuck wondering if you're doing it right.
And that's the problem.
It stops feeling like connection—and starts feeling like a test.
But real relationships don't work like that.
Real connection starts before you speak
It doesn't begin with a message or a meeting. It starts way earlier—with being visible.
Here's the real path to connection:
Visibility → Familiarity → Trust
Most people try to jump straight to trust.
They reach out cold.
They drop into strangers' DMs.
They hope for a fast-track connection.
But trust doesn't work that way.
Not online.
Not in your job search.
And definitely not with strangers.
You need a runway.
And one of the best ways to build that runway is simple. Show up in the comments.
How commenting builds connection
(even if it feels awkward)
This is where most job seekers with ADHD freeze.
They know they should be "engaging on LinkedIn." But when it's time to actually comment?
They spiral.
They second-guess it.
They rewrite it 5 times but never post.
Here's what I tell my clients:
“Commenting isn't a performance. It's a presence.”
And the ones who grow fastest treat visibility like part of the job—not something to overthink.
They pick their spots. They comment. They move on.
No spirals. Just rhythm.
Here's how it really works:
🔍 Visibility: build a list of 20–30 people across 3 key groups
Split your list between:
People in the job you want next
Recruiters or internal talent teams in your field
Hiring managers or company pages at places you'd like to work
Here's the catch: you can only engage with people who are actually active on LinkedIn. If someone's not posting or commenting regularly, there's not much to engage with yet—and that's okay.
But if they still seem aligned with your future niche, follow them and tap the notification bell on their profile. Then select “All posts” (the double bell icon).
That way, if they ever post something—a job, a company update, an industry insight—you'll be first in line to see it.
Don't waste energy trying to warm up cold profiles. Focus on the people already in motion.
💬 Familiarity: stay consistent in the same places
People start recognizing names before faces.
When someone sees your name pop up a few times in the comments, they start to remember you. They feel like they know you—even if you've never spoken.
That's the power of quiet, steady presence.
🤝 Trust: reach out when it feels natural
By the time you DM someone or comment more personally, you're not a stranger anymore. You're someone they've seen show up with warmth and consistency.
That message lands softer.
That connection starts stronger.
Those who make the biggest leaps don't wait to feel confident. They treat visibility like brushing their teeth.
Not exciting.
Not glamorous.
Just something they do.
Connection doesn't need a pitch
You’re not behind because networking drains you.
You’re ahead when you build with presence, not pressure.
And it all starts with small, visible moments.
Not viral posts. Not big asks.
Just consistent, human signals that say: I'm here. I care. I show up.
Focus on showing up, not selling. See what shifts.
I'll make it easy for you:
Pick 3 names from that target list above.
Leave a real, short comment.
Then walk away.
Do it again tomorrow. Then the day after.
Watch what builds.
