About Us

Founded in 2013, we are a group of diverse business and community leaders who believe in making a difference and supporting one another because we are BETTER TOGETHER!

Our events are fun and comfortable for the first-time attendee, the seasoned connector, and everyone in-between!

It's our mission to create opportunities for you to MEET, COLLABORATE, AND GROW!

FOUNDERS

Founder

Chris Borja

Chris is Founder of Become a Better Networker, LLC, the Networking Breakthrough Academy, Borja Virtual, and the CONNECTED Networking Group with 11,500+ members, and growing!

For the first 37 years of his life, Chris suffered from extreme shyness, introversion, and a fear of social settings.

Now that he has overcome those challenges, Chris is on a mission to create better networkers, stronger businesses, and connected communities!

Co-Founder

Belinda Borja

Belinda is cofounder of CONNECTED Networking Group and Borja Virtual!

Borja Virtual produces virtual conferences and events that simulate in-person events for non-profit organizations, multi-day summits, corporate training meetings, and more!

Outside of the businesses, Belinda has a passion for helping married couples and soon to be married couples create stronger relationships!

Background

Founded in 2013, as the Dublin Area Networking Group, in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio.

Multiple attendees drove for as many as 2 hours each way to attend our events.

Grew to over 7,500+ members before rebranding as CONNECTED in 2019 to accommodate our expansion plans.

Currently at over 9,500+ members and growing daily

Values

"We believe in building genuine relationships, serving others, and making a difference in our community."

OUR CHAPTERS

Our chapters are strategically designed to encourage collaboration not only among themselves but also with local organizations, collectively strengthening our community.

This approach enables our members to forge meaningful connections rapidly, cultivating a sense of authenticity and mutual value creation.

While all our events are guaranteed to be enjoyable, engaging, and interactive, participants can also anticipate personal and professional growth as a natural outcome of their involvement.