Starting a new job or a new term at school can be startling in the beginning.It’s natural to feel that the persistent feeling of nervousness, anxiety, self-doubt, diffidence, and to some extent, failure will never fade away. We examine every step we take, becoming cautious of each word we say.

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With everything being remote these days, our excitement of socializing with diverse people has slightly diminished. The substitute "Zoom" hasn't been of much help as no technological innovation can replace the personal bonding that happens spontaneously when you meet someone for the first time.

Thus, being in a newfangled environment where everyone is either "On Mute" or "Do Not Disturb," finding people who would cheer you on is difficult.

We live in a space where everything is just a click away; however, the quest for that one person, your mentor, is somewhat challenging as relationships are not formed by merely sending that friend request. A mentor is someone who will guide you, support you, believe in your abilities even when you fail, will push you to take that jump even when you are not willing. It's a privilege to have a mentor in your life to rely on.

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If you have someone like that, who gives you the initial push to be better, giving that connection an alias is not essential. It's not crucial to formalize the relationship, "my mentor." Be it a teacher you cherished, a friend you loved, a manager you admired, a senior who inspired; literally anyone can play the role of a mentor in your life.

Early in my career, I was told that finding your tribe will take you far; having that community of people with the same mindset, who are not hesitant to design their five-year vision board, will somehow help you embrace your journey.

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But the enigma is: In today's world, how do we find ourselves such a tribe?

That invasive approach of cold emailing might get you a referral, but it will never nurture that relationship.

The key to a successful connection is to remember what you bring to the table as well.

It just takes a minute to send out a personalized request, follow, provide feedback, and mere seconds of your time can lead to a lasting alliance. You must value other's time; the truth to be revealed is that everyone is busy, and if someone replies or schedules a coffee chat, be punctual, show up.

The ability to follow up manifests a genuine interest in the other person as well.

With remote work, networking is tedious, but lasting connections can be made with the right approach. So next time, don't hesitate to invite the senior manager for a cup of coffee. Thinking that you are young and inexperienced shouldn't hold you from taking the first step.

A lingering question to end with: What if we invest in people and they leave. What if they don't ??