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12-Week Live, Interactive Professional Development Experience
Your Next Breakthrough Starts Here.
Become a more confident networker, build stronger relationships, and discover new possibilities for your business, career, and life.
The Networking Breakthrough Academy is a 12-week experiential professional development program designed to help you challenge your thinking, discover new perspectives, and develop skills you can put into practice immediately.
Through interactive experiences, self-discovery, real conversations, and a supportive community, you'll have opportunities for personal and professional breakthroughs that extend far beyond networking.
- Mondays
- 7:00–9:00 PM Eastern Time
- Live Virtual Sessions · 12 Weeks
It's Not the Networking Training Academy. It's the Networking Breakthrough Academy.
There's a reason we call it the Networking Breakthrough Academy.
Knowing what to do doesn't always mean you'll do it.
Sometimes what holds us back isn't a lack of knowledge. It's our confidence, assumptions, habits, fears, or the way we see ourselves and others.
That's why every Academy session is intentionally designed to create opportunities for personal and professional breakthroughs.
Not a Lecture
You won't spend two hours listening to a lecture about networking do's and don'ts.
An Experience
You'll participate in experiences that challenge your thinking, encourage self-discovery, and help you recognize new possibilities.
- Experience It.
- Discover It.
- Practice It.
- Apply It.
And you'll do it alongside professionals who bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Each week builds on the last, helping you develop new skills, strengthen relationships, and approach familiar challenges in new ways.
What Does a Breakthrough Look Like?
It might be recognizing a belief that's been limiting your confidence.
Discovering that your greatest networking strength is something you've overlooked.
Learning to see a difficult conversation from another person's perspective.
Or realizing that the relationships and opportunities you've been looking for may already be closer than you think.
A breakthrough doesn't have to be dramatic.
Sometimes a seemingly insignificant shift in perspective changes what you're willing to do next.
Every session is designed to create those opportunities for discovery. What you do with them is where personal growth begins.
Hear From People Who Have Experienced the Academy.
Over the past four years, professionals from different industries, backgrounds, and experience levels have participated in the Networking Breakthrough Academy.
Each entered with different goals and challenges. Their experiences, discoveries, and takeaways are as individual as they are.
- Personal Discovery
- Practical Application
- Relationships & Community
The class really helped to teach me to become a networker. Before the class, I was always nervous about going to networking events, and would never know what to say.
With this class and Chris's help, it breaks networking down so that anyone can do it. He helped me to develop a clear elevator speech with helping to describe who I am and what I do.
He also not just gives us a class with a bunch of slides and notes, but we have breakout sessions where we can meet with other students to put into practice what we are learning right there on the spot! Not only do we learn how to network but we also get to practice what we learn in the same session!
Chris really has a way of making networking fun, easy to learn and easy to understand! I would recommend this class to anyone, especially someone who is introverted like me and who was terrified at networking events!
Chris Borja’s “Become a Better Networker” class was a great opportunity to build stronger connections, grow confidence, and develop practical networking skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. Each week focused on a different topic, including social media, personal branding, calendars and CRMs, elevator speeches, and other tools and strategies that can be applied to both our personal and professional lives.
What I enjoyed most was how practical and engaging the class was. Chris created an environment where everyone felt comfortable participating, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. I walked away with a better understanding of how to present myself, build meaningful relationships, stay organized, and approach networking with more confidence and intention.
I would highly recommend this class to anyone looking to strengthen their networking skills, expand their professional network, and become more confident in building genuine connections.
I enrolled in the program to further hone my networking skills. One of my big takeaways is to forget the sales pitch. In this day and age, networking is very much a popularity contest and no one likes being sold anything. A sales pitch poisons the well. I met and forged new relationships with more than a dozen people. Chris creates a terrific environment to practice your networking skills and highly recommend going through Chris’ program.
12 Weeks. 12 Opportunities for Breakthroughs.
Each two-hour session introduces a foundational concept and interactive experiences designed to help you discover something new, challenge your thinking, and develop practical skills.
You'll learn through conversations, activities, group discussions, and shared experiences with other professionals.
Every week builds on the previous one, giving you opportunities to develop greater confidence, stronger relationships, and a more intentional approach to networking.
What You'll Develop
Greater Confidence & Self-Awareness
Understand your strengths, recognize limiting beliefs, and become more comfortable connecting with others.
Stronger Communication Skills
Improve your introductions, develop meaningful conversations, and communicate your value with greater clarity.
More Intentional Relationships
Learn how to develop trust, stay connected, follow up consistently, and recognize opportunities for mutual support.
A Stronger Professional Presence
Develop your personal brand and become more intentional about how others know, recognize, and remember you.
Better Networking Habits & Systems
Use practical methods and modern tools to manage connections, maintain relationships, and make networking part of your professional life.
Greater Awareness of Opportunities
Recognize possibilities for introductions, referrals, collaborations, and partnerships.
We know you already have a full schedule.
The Academy is designed around manageable, bite-sized lessons that build on one another.
Apply what you learn in your own business, career, and everyday interactions.
In classExperience and practice the lessons.
Throughout the weekApply them in your work and life.
Instead of leaving with pages of notes you never use, you'll have opportunities to experience and practice the lessons during class and apply them throughout the week.
The 7 Steps to Networking Success
Based on Chris Borja's book, Networking Essentials for Success, the Academy brings this practical framework to life through interactive learning and personal discovery.
Step 01 of 07
Seven foundational steps. Twelve weeks to experience, practice, and apply them.
Learn How AI Can Support Stronger Professional Relationships.
Technology continues to change how we work, communicate, and build businesses.
The Networking Breakthrough Academy incorporates practical AI training to help you become more effective and intentional with your networking.
Through real examples and guided activities, you'll discover how to use tools such as ChatGPT to:
- Strengthen your LinkedIn profile and professional messaging.
- Research potential connections and prepare for conversations.
- Develop personalized, thoughtful follow-up.
- Organize ideas and build a more consistent networking strategy.
Chris isn't teaching networking from a textbook alone.
He's actively building businesses, hosting networking experiences, developing professional relationships, and using AI and automation in his own work.
He brings those experiences and current tools into the Academy so participants can learn practical approaches that reflect how professionals connect and conduct business today.
AI can help you work more efficiently. The relationships you build remain genuinely human.
AI training and guided application are included in the program.The People You Meet Are Part of the Experience.
One of the most valuable parts of the Networking Breakthrough Academy is the opportunity to learn and grow alongside others.
Every cohort brings together people with different backgrounds, personalities, industries, and experiences.
Through breakout discussions, interactive exercises, and shared discoveries, you'll exchange perspectives, encourage one another, and have opportunities to develop meaningful relationships.
Some connections may become friendships, professional partnerships, referral relationships, or collaborations.
Others may simply give you a new perspective that helps you see what's possible.
The experience creates opportunities for relationships that can continue beyond graduation.
We are all connected.Diversity is our strength.And we are better together.
Your Instructor: Chris Borja
- Author
- Speaker
- Founder
- Business Builder
- Networking Educator
From Shy Introvert to Helping Others Discover What's Possible.
For the first 37 years of my life, I was a shy introvert.
Meeting new people, starting conversations, and putting myself out there didn't come naturally.
Those experiences changed the direction of my life.
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Emotional Intelligence
My background in psychology, sociology, and emotional intelligence helps shape the interactive experiences and activities I bring into the Academy.
-
Learning
I had to learn how to develop confidence, communicate more effectively, and build genuine relationships.
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A Turning Point
Those experiences changed the direction of my life.
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14+ Years
For more than 14 years, I've brought professionals together through networking events, training programs, and business communities, helping people connect, collaborate, and grow.
-
Today
I'm also an active networker, business builder, and practitioner. I continue developing relationships, working with businesses, and using emerging technologies in my own work.
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Why I Created the Academy
I created the Networking Breakthrough Academy to share these experiences and give others opportunities to discover new perspectives, develop practical skills, and create meaningful connections.
To create better networkers, stronger businesses, and connected communities.
I look forward to helping you discover what's possible.
Chris BorjaInvest in Your Next Breakthrough.
Applications Are Open for the February 2027 Cohort.The Networking Breakthrough Academy combines professional development, personal discovery, practical application, modern networking tools, and a supportive community in one 12-week interactive experience.
Your Enrollment Includes
- Twelve live, two-hour interactive virtual sessions.
- Instruction and facilitation with Chris Borja.
- The complete seven-step networking framework.
- Personal discovery and experiential learning activities.
- Small-group discussions and interactive exercises.
- Practical communication and relationship-building tools.
- AI training and guided application.
- Opportunities to connect with other professionals.
- Access to session recordings.
- Academy graduation experience.
- Mondays | 7:00–9:00 PM Eastern Time
- 12 Weeks | Live Virtual Sessions
Your tuition includes the complete 12-week Networking Breakthrough Academy experience, including live interactive sessions, experiential activities, practical AI training, and opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships.
We'll review tuition, payment arrangements, and program expectations with you during your enrollment conversation before any financial commitment.
Apply for the February CohortNo payment required to apply.
How Enrollment Works
We want every participant to understand the experience, expectations, and investment before making a commitment.
- 1
Complete Your Application
Tell us about your professional goals, networking experience, and what you hope to gain from the Academy.
- 2
Meet With Chris
We'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether the Academy is a good fit for you.
- 3
Review Your Enrollment Agreement
We'll review the program details, participation expectations, tuition, and payment arrangements together.
- 4
Finalize Your Enrollment
Once your agreement is signed and payment arrangements are completed, your enrollment is confirmed.
You'll then receive your program schedule, welcome information, and instructions for joining your cohort.
No payment required to apply.
Invest in Your Growth With Scholarship Support.
We believe financial circumstances shouldn't automatically prevent motivated professionals from pursuing meaningful professional development.
The Jack Salvato Memorial Scholarship FundThrough the Jack Salvato Memorial Scholarship Fund, qualifying applicants may receive financial assistance toward Academy tuition.
Our Scholarship Board reviews applications and determines individual awards. Approved applicants then meet with Chris to discuss their award, remaining tuition, and enrollment options.
How the Scholarship Process Works
- 1
Submit Your Scholarship Application
Complete the application to share your goals, circumstances, and interest in the Academy.
- 2
Scholarship Board Review
Our Scholarship Board reviews applications and determines award amounts.
- 3
Schedule Your Scholarship Award Conversation
Applicants approved for an award will be invited to meet with Chris after the board completes its review.
- 4
Review Your Award and Enrollment Options
During your conversation, Chris will review your scholarship award, remaining tuition, available payment options, and Academy expectations.
- 5
Finalize Your Enrollment
After reviewing and signing your agreement, we'll establish your approved payment arrangements, if applicable, and confirm your enrollment.
There is no financial commitment required to apply. Scholarships are subject to review, approval, and available funding.
Professional Development Investment
The Networking Breakthrough Academy is a professional development program focused on developing communication, networking, relationship-building, and business development skills.
Work-Related Education
Tuition may qualify as a work-related education expense depending on your circumstances. Consult your tax advisor regarding eligibility.
Employer Sponsorship
Employers and organizations may also sponsor participation as part of professional development.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I speak with someone before applying?
Absolutely. If you have questions about the experience, schedule, tuition, or whether the Academy is the right fit for you, you're welcome to schedule an enrollment conversation.
Schedule an Enrollment ConversationThe Academy is an experiential professional development program designed to create opportunities for personal and professional breakthroughs.
Rather than simply learning what to do or avoid, you'll participate in activities, conversations, and exercises that challenge your thinking and help you discover new perspectives.
No. The Academy welcomes professionals at different stages of their networking journey, from beginners to experienced networkers who want to become more intentional and effective.
You don't have to change your personality. Chris spent much of his life struggling with shyness and introversion. The Academy helps you recognize your strengths and develop skills that work with who you are.
No. Your only homework is to apply what you learn in your business, career, and everyday interactions.
Two hours each Monday evening for 12 weeks. We encourage you to practice what you've learned as part of your normal professional activities.
Recordings are available to review the material. Live attendance is strongly encouraged because the interactive activities and relationships are important parts of the experience.
Yes. AI and modern networking tools are incorporated into the program through practical examples and guided activities.
Complete the enrollment application. You'll then have a conversation with Chris to discuss your goals, review the program, and address any questions.
Your enrollment is finalized after you review and sign your agreement and complete your payment arrangements.
Yes. Employers may sponsor participation as professional development. Program information and invoices are available upon request.
Yes. Installment payment options are available and will be reviewed during your enrollment conversation.
Complete the scholarship application for consideration by the Jack Salvato Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Our Scholarship Board reviews applications and determines individual award amounts. Applicants approved for an award are invited to meet with Chris to review their scholarship and enrollment options before making a financial commitment.
Every session is intentionally designed to create opportunities for discovery and growth. What each person experiences and accomplishes depends on participation, effort, circumstances, and how they apply what they've learned.
Specific breakthroughs, referrals, clients, career advancement, or financial outcomes are not guaranteed.
The Academy offers two scheduled cohorts per year. You may inquire about a future cohort or personalized one-on-one coaching.
Absolutely. If you have questions about the experience, schedule, tuition, or whether the Academy is the right fit for you, you're welcome to schedule an enrollment conversation.
Try a different word, or schedule an enrollment conversation and ask Chris directly.
Can I speak with someone before applying?
Absolutely. If you have questions about the experience, schedule, tuition, or whether the Academy is the right fit for you, you're welcome to schedule an enrollment conversation.
Schedule an Enrollment ConversationYour Next Breakthrough Starts With You.
You've already developed experiences, relationships, and skills that have shaped where you are today.
There may also be perspectives you haven't considered, opportunities you haven't recognized, and possibilities you haven't yet pursued.
The Networking Breakthrough Academy gives you an opportunity to discover more about yourself, develop practical skills, and build meaningful relationships alongside others.
Twelve weeks of interactive experiences designed to help you think differently, connect more effectively, and put what you've discovered into practice.
No payment required to apply.