Networking for Introverts (or if you'd rather not)
Schedule
Fri Feb 20 2026 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park | Exeter, EN
About this Event
" Definitely the best networking event I've been to and will be the first I go to for a second time! " R Symns
" I absolutely loved Friday, it was exactly what I needed on so many levels ... I loved it I am looking forward to the next one. You have a awesome way with people, I love the way you approached and I thought is was brill." A Blythe
(Attendee testimonials from our first event in January)
Start your 2026 networking game strong! Welcome to a brand new type of networking designed specifically for people who don't love walking into a room full of strangers and making small talk.
Most networking events require a high degree of confidence to attend. They require you to rock up to a venue, waltz in exuding confidence and charm and launch into perfect conversation starters.
"What do you do?" Is usually the first question you are faced with and then you are immediately under pressure to push out the perfect pitch. It can feel awkward and forced.
While you may not necessarily call yourself introverted, nevertheless walking into a loud room full of strangers and making small talk isn't usually the most energising experience, yet at the same time you need to expand your network, connect with aligned new potential clients or maybe just have some really great aligned conversations.
Introducing, a brand new business community, Like Hearted Introverts, LHI for short. Networking will never be the same again :)
Who's faciliating this?
Claire Perry-Louise, the creative mind behind this new in person networking series has run an online community for nearly six years called the Like Hearted Leaders and she is an advocate for creating welcoming spaces for humans to connect.
Her online community began as a direct response to small business owners needing a curated space to regularly connect and have deeper conversations. To build a network of supportive relationships to explore not only what it is to run a business alone but also to explore the inner mindset game.
However, while she is happy to host events, talk on stage or run a business retreat she nevertheless has still not found a networking event that leaves her feeling energised and connected. So she decided to create her own!
Claire believes that just because you don't feel super confident walking into a networking event shouldn't leave you either making excuses not to go or out in the cold without a pipeline of new leads or aligned connections.
She also knows that networking attendees often have a wide set of motivations behind going and it's not always to pitch your business. Perhaps you are hoping to transition from one career to another, set up your own business or maybe you are even looking for a business partner but the format of most networking events just doesn't help with these types of conversations.
Claire decided it was time for a new approach.
Networking for Introverts is a facilitated, in-person networking experience designed specifically for people who would like to leave a networking event feeling energised and not drained and demotivated.
This isn't a learn and leave workshop. You won't go home to practice, although of course you will learn new skills. Instead, Claire will guide you to have meaningful conversations with real people in a way that feels calm, structured and human.
How It Works
Claire leads the entire relational process.You don’t have to figure out how to start, what to say, or when to move on. Across a series of gentle, paced rounds you will:
- move from standing on the edge of the room to feeling settled and engaged
- follow clear prompts and structure so conversations aren’t guesswork
- build connections without forcing anything
- go deeper without draining yourself
- leave with people you genuinely want to stay in touch with
Who It’s For
- Introverts
- People who don’t feel confident yet
- Anyone who avoids traditional networking because it feels overwhelming
- Those who want structure, calm and meaningful interactions
- Professionals who prefer real conversations over forced small talk
What You’ll Leave With
- real connections made in the room
- clarity and confidence in how to open and navigate conversations
- a sense of belonging
- relief from the pressure to perform
- a community designed around your pace, not someone else’s
About Claire
Claire is an experienced facilitator skilled in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and at ease. Her approach removes the pressure of performance and replaces it with guided, steady, meaningful connection.
Testimonials:-
I recently attended a workshop for 30 people, facilitated by Claire. We were a room full of strangers with big ambitions as a group. Claire immediately made us feel welcome and part of something brilliant. She has a energetic yet vulnerable approach to her work. As an introvert it helped me open up and connect with the rest of the group. She had a good structure, but with flex for the ideas to flow. She helped ask the right questions, to enable the creativity but also helping with focus to ensure we left the day with a plan. She was engaging, funny, inspiring and thoughtful and set the right tone for the day. Thank you Claire, I hope we get the chance to work together again soon. - J Andrews
If you are seeking a facilitator, then look no further than Claire. She has the rare ability to let everyone in a group be themselves, yet providing the trust, support and humour to encourage collective action in the truest sense. A calm and creative person that will ensure we all thrive. Go Claire 🙌🙌🙌 - Jonathan B
I had the pleasure of attending a workshop facilitated by Claire, and it was truly a remarkable experience. She brought together a group of people who had never met, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness from the very start. Claire has a rare ability to make everyone feel seen and heard, weaving personal stories into the session that made it not only insightful but deeply meaningful. Her authenticity and dedication to making the day special were evident in every detail. Thank you, Claire, for your incredible energy, thoughtfulness, and skill in fostering such a powerful and memorable experience. Anyone looking for a facilitator who truly understands the power of connection should look no further! Karen P
All testimonials can be verified via Claire's LinkedIn profile, where you can read more :)
Practical Details
- Please be on time to start.
- Claire's speciality is creating safe spaces for connection so you'll be well looked after and you’ll never be put on the spot.
- This is our first event, all attendees will be invited to become a Founder member of this community with ongoing perks and discounts as a thank you.
If you have any other questions please do email Claire @ [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park, Sandy Park Way, Exeter, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 37.00 to GBP 47.00
