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Join for freePosted: Fri 7th Aug 2026
Networking doesn't have to mean working the room, making endless small talk, or pretending to be someone you're not.
This practical webinar is designed for introverts who want to build meaningful professional relationships with confidence and authenticity.
You'll learn simple ways to start conversations, overcome networking anxiety, make lasting connections and use your natural strengths to grow your career or business.
Whether you're attending networking events for the first time or looking to improve your confidence, this session will help you network in a way that feels genuine and effective.
How to build your confidence before attending events
Ways to start and maintain meaningful conversations
How to network without feeling like an impostor
With over 20 years of experience as a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Falguni Patel is now a TEDx and a sought-after keynote speaker, a business start-up mentor and a personal transformation strategist.
She has been in business since her 20s and has successfully launched businesses in the beauty, wedding, recruitment, education, and now mentoring industry.
Her vast experience and industry knowledge have allowed her to mentor and transform business owners into successful entrepreneurs and influential leaders.
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Lightly edited for clarity.
Caitriona: Hello, everyone, and welcome to today's Lunch and Learn. My name is Caitriona, and I'll be your host today.
For those of you attending a Lunch and Learn for the first time, Enterprise Nation is a vibrant community platform for start-ups and small businesses.
I'm pleased to introduce Falguni Patel, who is a business mentor. In this session, Falguni will discuss strategies for introverts who want to build meaningful professional relationships with confidence and authority.
If you have any questions throughout the webinar, please post them in the chat, and we'll do our best to answer them at the end of the session.
Today's webinar will be recorded, and we will send a follow-up email with the recording and further resources later today. Over to you, Falguni.
Falguni: Hi there. Thank you. Thank you everyone for joining this Friday lunchtime.
We're going to get started, but just a quick question.
A few weeks ago, I held a webinar called "The art of networking". If you were in that webinar, it would be nice to know. If you can drop a yes in the chat, that would be great, so I know how many people were there.
I'll be referring back to it, so at least I know how many people can relate to what we're talking about.
Also, if Caitriona can possibly put the link up to that webinar, it is available on Enterprise Nation, so feel free to go and watch that too. That's just a general look at how to prepare for a good networking event.
Today's webinar is all about an introvert's guide to networking.
Last time, we discovered that many people who set up businesses, entrepreneurs and business owners tend to be introverts. So we thought, let's see how we can help.
By the way, that LinkedIn code goes directly to my LinkedIn page, where you can connect with me. You've got all my social details there, so please do connect. That would be great.
My name is Falguni Patel, and I am a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, a TEDx and keynote speaker, a business start-up mentor, a transformation coach and an introvert.
Now I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking: "She's doing a webinar. She's been on stage. Is she sure she's an introvert?"
I'm going to talk us through it because there's a misconception people have about introverts.
What most people assume about an introvert is that we're shy, quiet, reserved, awkward, alone, lacking confidence, antisocial or boring.
These are the most common perceptions people have about introverts, and I can tell you now that's not always the case.
Some of it may apply because I know some of those actually apply to me. I want you to take a moment and think: which one of those applies to you as well?
Not all of them will, but some of them do. All of these then sum up to the idea that we aren't good at networking.
Because if we're shy and quiet, and we're feeling a little bit awkward and reserved, we're not going to want to connect or talk to people.
This is the biggest misconception people have. I want us to identify what people assume and what we actually are.
For example, I can be a little bit reserved. I can be a bit quiet. You put me in unknown situations with groups of people I'm not very comfortable with or I've never met before, and I can be a little bit reserved.
I wouldn't say I'm shy. I don't think I'm shy. I can sometimes lack a little bit of confidence depending on where I am.
I'm not antisocial, but I sometimes am, again depending on situations. It varies.
So it's entirely up to you to identify what particular type of introvert you would label yourself as.
Most people think we're not good at networking. I'm going to turn that around and ask: why are introverts great at networking?
Because we're often great listeners. We don't overly talk, so we're going to be listening to whoever is talking to us very carefully. We ask thoughtful questions.
When you're listening, you're going to understand what the other person is saying, and you're going to be able to ask better questions.
I think that's a very good point because, in our last webinar, I mentioned that we need to build connections. We need to build rapport with the person we're networking with, and asking thoughtful questions is the best way to do it.
We build quality over quantity. We're not going to dash around. We're not going to try to speak to everybody and rush about. We're going to speak to a few people we feel comfortable with and build a quality connection.
We're going to observe before we engage. We want to listen. We want to make sure that we're in the right space, talking to the right people.
We remember details. How many of us are detail-orientated? I'm not particularly detail-orientated, but when we're listening and asking thoughtful questions, we're going to start remembering information.
This is very key when we want to build a solid connection with somebody.
I remember connecting with somebody, and they told me about their pet dog who was going to the vet and having some surgery.
When I connected with them again, I remembered and I asked them, and they were very pleased that I remembered that information. These little things make a big difference.
We can be empathetic. Like I just showed, when you ask about personal situations that they've shared, you're showing a little bit of your empathetic side. We don't need to go into too much detail, but there is that empathetic element to it.
We're excellent in one-to-one or online networking. I love one-to-one connections. I think that's the best way I perform because it allows me to understand the person I'm speaking to and build a better relationship and rapport.
And I think this one is key: we do more preparation. Introverts go into any networking event prepared. They know who they want to speak to and what the event is about.
Why? Because it just makes us feel comfortable. Generally, introverts tend to be a bit more prepared, and not just in networking events, but in any situation.
There's a wonderful saying by Stephen Hawking: "Quiet people have the loudest minds."
Just because we may not be loud in public or we don't talk a lot, we do think. We think about things. We think about our connections.
This is a recap from last time.
Not all networking events are the same. You have to do your research. You can't just blindly go into every networking event and expect the same result. You won't.
There are lots of different types of events, and I think you need to figure out which one works best for you. That comes from trial and error.
If you're somebody who's extremely reserved and new to networking, don't go to an event where there are 100-odd people and it's very buzzy, because it's going to be draining and overwhelming.
I particularly do not like speed networking. It becomes overwhelming for me. I feel like I'm being rushed around. It's draining.
Some people might love it, even though they're introverts, because it's one-to-one. When you're speed networking, you're doing it one-to-one.
So find your own perfect event, and you can decide which one works best for you.
Why is preparation key? I said this last time, and I'm going to say it again.
Preparation makes us feel confident. We are comfortable. We are in control. You know what to expect and what to say. It helps prevent overwhelm, and you're more productive.
This is exactly why I think preparation is key, not just for introverts, but for anybody entering any kind of networking event.
It shows that you've taken time to understand the event, understand who is going to be there and do your research.
You mean business, and you want to go in there feeling authoritative, confident and comfortable. That is very key.
The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in a situation and not enjoy it. As a business owner, networking is a very vital aspect of it for many of us, so it's very important that we do that.
This is something I came up with: preparation prevents impostor syndrome.
I want you to think about the number of events you've been to where you felt like an impostor, where you felt that you didn't belong there.
You don't know who to talk to, who anybody is or what the event is about. The only way to avoid impostor syndrome is to go in prepared and do your research.
That will allow you to feel comfortable in that environment.
So what preparation is required? This is very important.
Ask the organisers who will be there. Who would I like to meet? What do I want to learn? How can I help someone else? Because you're not just there for yourself. You're also there to help others.
Research the speakers because you immediately have a connection. You can find them in the audience and say: "I heard your talk" or "I heard your speech."
Research the attendees. Who are they? Try to link with them as well. It's so easy. Most professionals do have a LinkedIn profile, so it's very important to take that on.
Personal preparation is important in any networking event, whether you're an introvert or extrovert, because this is going to allow you to feel comfortable and confident.
I think that is one of the key things to approaching a networking event.
Have your 30-second elevator pitch down. We don't want to go on too long.
Some people ask me, why is it not a minute? Because imagine yourself in a situation where you've met somebody and you're talking. You're not going to be talking for one minute continuously.
There's no way you're going to be talking for 60 seconds non-stop because it doesn't sound natural.
So you want a 30-second elevator pitch, and then, as you're having a conversation, you can bring in your ideas, your views, what you're selling and other parts of your business.
Have a business card or a QR code ready. I have my business card photo on my phone. I give it to them and say: "Please take a picture of my screen", and my business card details are on there.
That sets me apart because now they have my details and my picture on their phone.
The picture you saw of me on the front page is what I use as a business card. My photo is on there because, to be honest, how many times have we met people, come home 24 hours later and thought, what does that person look like? Who was it? I can't remember.
If there's a photo, perfect. When they're looking for you on LinkedIn or on your socials, they can connect you.
Here's a key important thing, and this is something that recently happened to me.
I met somebody at a networking event. It was a great connection. They gave me a card, and I'm trying to look them up on LinkedIn, but the card didn't have a photo, and I couldn't remember what they looked like.
I'm trying to find them, and I just couldn't find them for the life of me because nothing was adding up with their business details. So I had to end up emailing them separately.
If you are going to have a photo, make sure it matches the one on your LinkedIn or your social media profiles.
I've had one where they had a photo and it was completely different from their social media, and again, I couldn't match the two identities together. You don't want that.
Remember, if the person has to do more than one or two things, they're not going to do it. So make it easy for them.
QR codes are great. However, I had an issue where the individual couldn't scan the QR code because the Wi-Fi connection wasn't great.
They can take a picture, but what's the likelihood that, if they've got a picture of your QR code on their phone, they will go back to it?
Again, that preparation needs to be done.
What are you going to wear? People say to me: "What's that got to do with anything?"
Trust me. If you have an outfit, and I think most of us do, where you feel the most comfortable and confident, and you show up at a networking event in that best outfit of yours, automatically you're in your comfort zone.
That automatically, for us introverts, makes it much better because we're feeling comfortable.
It's already an awkward situation. We're already way out of our comfort zones, so why not bring a little bit of comfort with us?
Your earrings, bracelet, watch, tie, anything that makes you feel a bit more confident or comfortable, take it.
But be mindful of the weather and the dress code if they have one. It's always worth finding out.
If you need to take any leaflets or samples, please do so. You don't want to be caught out where somebody is saying: "Do you have a sample?" or "Do you have a leaflet?"
If that's something you use as promotional material, have it. Again, it's a conversation starter for yourself. It makes it easy.
Let's look at how we can start the conversation.
How do we have conversation openers? To be honest, it can be anything.
But if you go in prepared with a few of your favourites, and you can repeat them again and again, it just makes life easier.
These are easy and natural conversation starters.
"Have you been to one of these events before?" "How are you finding this event so far?" "What made you decide to come along today?" "Have you heard any interesting conversations or ideas so far?"
These are just natural, easy conversation starters. Pick one or two that you enjoy and use them. Keep them, and you can use them with every single person you meet.
You don't need a new conversation starter for every new person. Just have a few that you like to start off with.
Then there are a few business and career questions.
"What are you working on at the moment that you're excited about?" "How long have you been in this industry?" "What brought you into this industry?" "What's the biggest challenge you're working on right now?"
These ones tend to help you continue that conversation.
Once you've started talking to somebody and you've opened a conversation, you do want to continue it.
You want to make sure that you're able to have at least a good five or 10-minute conversation about yourself, and also ask the other person for their information.
Don't just ask them questions. Make sure that you drop in your business, your ideas, your views, what you are selling or sharing, and who or what you're looking for.
Sometimes, as introverts, we're great listeners, and we may not prompt ourselves to speak up.
But you are there to network, so make sure you do share your views, your ideas and your details as well.
Now, after the event.
What most people do, and I think I'm guilty of it too, is not taking action straight away.
If you don't take action straight away, everything you've done beforehand, all the preparation that's happened beforehand, is going to be a waste.
All the preparation that happened beforehand will go to waste if you don't take action within the 24 to 48-hour window, because then something else is going to take over.
Contact all those people you wish to build a connection with. Arrange to meet up. Send them a LinkedIn request.
Think of how you can help them and get in touch. What is it that you're looking for? How are you going to continue that connection?
It's easy to have one meeting, have a conversation, say hi and hello, and then move on and forget all about it.
The whole idea, as we mentioned in the previous webinar, is that you're building a relationship. You're building a network of connections, and it's very difficult if you don't maintain that relationship.
Two to four weeks on, arrange to meet up if you haven't already done so. Send them an email about something that might help them.
I was working with a lady who works in HR for small businesses. I found an article on HR, which she probably already had, but it was my way of continuing to build that relationship. It's just easy to do.
This has got nothing to do with us being an introvert or not. We're online. These are things we can do, and we're good at them.
So it's very good to maintain it. Whatever few connections you have built up, you want to make sure that you make the most of them.
Mention anything exciting that's happening with you.
When I was doing my TEDx talk, I contacted all the people in my network. I may not have spoken to them in a while, but I invited them.
Some of them were far away and they weren't going to come, but finally everybody messaged to say: "Congratulations, proud of you, do share the link, sorry we can't come and watch you in person."
Brilliant. Again, back to the front of their mind.
Then obviously when I did the TEDx and it came out, I shared my link. So think about how you will continue that connection.
The presentation part of this webinar has come to an end. So here's the next step.
We are again here to network. There's my QR code. Now I can't have access to you, but you have access to all my details.
I want all of you to send me a connection request, either via LinkedIn, say hello, send me a message on my socials or send me an email.
Tell me you saw the webinar, and just introduce yourself.
The whole idea is that these are also networking events. This is also your opportunity to make connections.
If you haven't already done so, you should have shared your details in the chat so people can see, connect and share your socials.
We are also, in partnership with Enterprise Nation, holding a one-hour free workshop on Friday 21 August at 11am.
This workshop is designed so you can walk away with an action plan.
In 30 minutes of me talking, there's only so much I can cover. But the workshop allows you to interact, where you can see me, I can see you, we can talk and you can ask questions.
We create an action plan for how you can overcome being an introvert, not just for networking, but in your business, your social circle and your personal life as well.
It's also open to people who are in jobs, because I think this holds us down. It stops progression.
Make sure you register for the event on Enterprise Nation. Caitriona will send you the link as well.
Head over to Enterprise Nation and you can register there. You can follow me on all my socials. I will be sharing about the event.
Any questions? I can see them coming in.
Caitriona: Thank you so much. We've had some good engagement in the chat with people sharing their LinkedIn and prompting others to connect. That's fantastic.
We had a question earlier in the chat. I can't seem to see it now, but maybe it was addressed in the context of this. It was asking for advice on how to start a conversation with somebody, but I think you did cover that in your presentation.
Falguni: I'll go back to that.
These are the conversation openers. You can literally open with anything. As you know, in Britain, we love talking about the weather.
"God, it's hot today." "God, it's cold today." "We haven't had rain." We love it.
If that's how you want to open a conversation, go for it. It does not matter.
I met this lady who had a very sparkly skirt, and I spotted her at the train station first. Then I met her at the networking event, and I said: "Oh my gosh, you were just at the train station, and I remember your skirt."
We've become pretty good friends. You just never know. Spot these little things.
Caitriona: Thank you. I've got a question here. How do you mentally prepare yourself when you're feeling anxious about networking?
Falguni: It's a difficult one because the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be in the situation. It's repetition.
We're going to cover this in the workshop a little bit more, the activities and tasks you can do beforehand to reduce that anxiety.
That anxiety is not just going to be linked with networking. It will be linked to other situations too.
So the question is how do we overcome that anxiety? We will be covering that in the workshop.
But you can do small things. On a daily basis, put yourself out of your comfort zone.
Start a conversation with somebody random, in the park for instance. Stop and say hello. Say "I like your dog" or "nice outfit". Ask "What's today's special on your menu?" or "Where's the coffee coming from?"
I do this on a regular basis. I ask my local barista: "Where are the coffee beans from?" or "Where do you get your tea supply?"
Does it matter? No. But I ask because it helps me build my confidence. Those are little things you can do.
Caitriona: Thank you. When it comes to networking, should you focus on quantity or quality?
Falguni: Quality. You can have 20 business cards. I promise you, you're not going to contact all 20 people, and you're not going to maintain that relationship.
Whereas if you took away 10, you can contact them. The 10 will whittle down to five who you actually speak to or have a one-to-one with.
The five will whittle down to possibly two that you actually meet up with in person and build a relationship with. It's just a numbers game.
You don't want to overwhelm yourself. The more you have, the more overwhelming you are likely to feel, and then the more likely you won't do anything.
I've been there where I've collected so many cards, I've come home and I've forgotten who they are. There's no photo on them. I don't remember the conversation.
So quality, definitely.
Caitriona: Thank you. We had a question from Catherine, who is asking how do you follow up without seeming to pressure people?
Falguni: You want to make sure you have something about them that you're going to refer to, so they remember you.
For example, like I said, I remembered that one of the ladies' dogs was in the veterinary surgery, so I brought it up, and she remembered telling me. So it was a conversation starter.
Whenever you're having a conversation, drop something in that you can then bring up about yourself or about them to build that link.
You don't want to pressurise them. You've sent them an email. Most likely, they're going to respond. They're there for the same reason.
Nobody goes to a networking event just for the sake of it and then doesn't reply to any messages.
I would say do it within the 24 to 48-hour window so you don't forget, and you're still fresh in their mind.
Whether they do it or not, I do it. Get in there first. Take control. Then you look like you're somebody in charge, you're in control and you know what you're doing.
Caitriona: Thank you. If anyone has any other questions, please do pop them in the chat.
I have another question here. How do you recover after an awkward networking interaction?
Falguni: Sometimes you just accept that the person you're speaking with is not your person. They're not from your industry. They don't know.
I've met quite a few of them, and I'm just like, I don't know.
This guy was talking about fire safety in office blocks, and I work from home, so it was a bit of an awkward conversation.
But like I said, if you've gone prepared, you might just ask a question.
Ask: "Is there a particular type of client you're looking for, or a particular size or industry?"
Then just say: "If I know anybody or I come across anybody, I'll be sure to let you know."
Then that's it. Say: "Nice to meet you."
Caitriona: This next question ties into that as well.
Someone in the chat is asking: sometimes there are people who talk for ages. How do you professionally and respectfully let them know you would like to move on?
Falguni: Again, that comes from preparation. When you're asking questions, you're in control, because most people don't go in prepared to networking events.
If you come in with a few questions and you're prepared, then you take charge.
Also, just say to them, because everybody knows you're there to network: "It was so lovely meeting you."
Shake their hand, nice and firm, and say: "I'm going to carry on meeting new people." They're OK with it. Nobody gets offended.
I've done that many times, and people have done that to me. They say: "So lovely meeting you. We'll definitely be in touch. I'm going to go and carry on networking." That's it.
Caitriona: We have another question. They said, leading on from the previous question, what about people who talk about themselves and their business and don't ask you about your business?
Falguni: Can you see why it's so important to be prepared?
There are extroverts who can go on and on and on, and you need to know how to take charge.
If they are taking charge and control, let them. But make them fall. Ask them particular questions.
Ask them some things that you want to know about, and then drop in some of your own information.
You need to know what to add in.
I dropped into the conversation that I'm a TEDx speaker, so now you know I'm a speaker. I dropped in that I'm a mentor.
You can say: "My client does this, this and this. This is what I help them with." You want to have a practice conversation.
Again, practice makes perfect. If you go once a year, then it's going to be awkward every time. If you go once a month, it's a good start.
You don't want to overwhelm yourself. So the more practice you have, the better you will be. But preparation builds confidence and shows control.
Caitriona: Thank you. We're coming to the end of the session now, so I wanted to thank you for your presentation.
Thanks, everyone, for joining us today. We'll be sharing the recording and further resources in a follow-up email this afternoon. Thank you.
Falguni: Thank you.
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