| First, let's acknowledge that what you're about to do takes guts. I've been a journalist in the world of work and careers for more than a decade. In that time, I've learned how critical it is to know the right people and that every connection counts. I also know that the scary part of developing contacts into relationships is not knowing what to say when breaking the ice and asking for favors. Our goal is to take the guesswork and anxiety out of all that. This is how it works: Every week, you'll get a deep dive from a member of our team, a step-by-step challenge, plus simple hacks for making networking easier—maybe even fun. In this challenge, you'll learn how to build a list of powerful allies, gracefully ask for help, revive old connections and turn the "goodbye email" into your networking friend. These challenges are intended for networkers at all skill levels, whether you're super-connected already or starting from near-scratch (Don't worry, you know more people than you think). If you're someone whose blood chills at the thought of cold-calling a long-dormant contact, you'll gain tools to reconnect with confidence, and results. If you're someone who loves working the room, you'll find the latest insights and ideas for elevating your network. Take a deep breath and get ready to make new professional friends—the first challenge hits your inbox tomorrow. — Vanessa Fuhrmans, Bureau Chief, Life & Work | 
