HWe think building a network means meeting new people in order to advance our careers—no wonder a Harvard study found that people feel uneasy whenever they think of professional networking events.

Building connections and relationships with new people helps us meet our goals. That’s why it is important to form new relationships. We can do this by growing and strengthening the networks we already have as well as adding to it with new connections.

Check in with the people you already know. Go the extra mile. Send birthday cards or a thank you email instead of likes on Facebook.

Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they know anyone you would click well with. A friend of a friend already has an interest in your well-being.

When getting to know new people, don’t ask, “What do you do?” Focus on questions that foster meaningful conversations such as, “What are you passionate about?” or “What books are you reading now?”

Bringing new people into your life enhances the personal and professional life you want to build. My challenge to you is to meet one new person today you can add to your network! Are you up for the challenge?