Business Networking: Make it your own project!

PMI Switzerland recently hosted an engaging and highly practical Business Networking Event, equipping participants with key concepts, skills, and tools to build long-lasting and meaningful professional relationships.

The session was led by Diana Bocskai, an experienced consultant and coach known for unlocking potential during career transitions, and Marco Singarella, a certified, multilingual IT and cybersecurity project manager with over 20 years of international experience. Through interactive exercises and real-life examples, the speakers demonstrated that effective networking is not a matter of chance or personality, but a structured, purposeful, and ongoing project, one that can be consciously designed, managed, and continuously refined over time.

The core message was simple and powerful: networking works best when treated like a project, with a clear scope, defined goals, appropriate tools, and deliberate follow-up.

Marco and Diana offered a fresh perspective on networking, framing it as an ongoing, purposeful activity that creates meaningful connections and value between people. Within a clearly defined scope, networking involves both leveraging existing relationships and discovering new ones, all with the shared goal of building lasting, mutually beneficial connections grounded in collaboration rather than transactions.

The session also highlighted why networking matters. Beyond building a personal brand, it helps professionals stay up to date, connect with insiders and decision-makers, and access opportunities that rarely appear through formal channels alone. Over time, a strong network becomes a support system, offering mentorship, advice, and diverse perspectives across fields and industries.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their personal “why.” Being clear about why one engages in business networking helps shape more meaningful conversations, guide intentional follow-up, and support the development of authentic, long-term relationships.

To move from theory to practice, Diana and Marco introduced and guided participants through a highly practical and motivating framework, the 3 Ps: Prepare, Perform, Practice, which they immediately put into action. Through interactive role plays, participants refined their introductions beyond job titles and applied structured follow-up techniques, including the TIARA framework, turning conversations into meaningful relationships.

But the learning did not stop there. Each participant committed to three concrete actions to implement immediately in their own networking strategy, ensuring that the learning would extend beyond the workshop itself.

One message stood out clearly throughout the session: networking does not end with the first conversation. Without follow-up, even the best exchange loses momentum. Following up means taking ownership, demonstrating reliability, and intentionally nurturing the relationship over time.

The evening concluded with an apéro, allowing participants to put their newly acquired tools into practice in a relaxed and informal setting, testing their networking strategies in real time.

 Key takeaways

Participants left with tangible tools, tested frameworks, and clear next steps for their networking journeys. As emphasized throughout the session:

• Have a strategy before attending an event
• Be clear on your “why”
• Be proactive
• Focus on quality over quantity
• Build relationships, not just contacts

Ultimately, Diana and Marco taught us that networking is not about collecting as many contacts as possible, but about cultivating meaningful connections and building relationships based on mutual interest, trust, and shared value rather than immediate personal gain.

By the end of the workshop, networking no longer felt abstract or intimidating. It felt actionable, intentional, and achievable.