I think a lot of the problem when it comes to making new connections is unwarranted shyness. If you know the other party is open to new messages/meeting request

I think a lot of the problem when it comes to making new connections is unwarranted shyness. If you know the other party is open to new messages/meeting requests from strangers (which they sometimes are!), it becomes less intimidating to reach out. Online dating sites like OkCupid have dealt with this problem really well by creating a community of people open to receiving messages of a particular kind from strangers. It's totally appropriate to ask a stranger out on OkCupid. It isn't so appropriate on Facebook. I'd really appreciate people checking out my first web application, called Treatings (treatings.co). It's a community of professionals open to meeting strangers over coffee to discuss their work. No one is guaranteeing meetings with anyone, but everyone is open to meeting requests and the possibility of being treated to coffee/a drink by a stranger interested in their background. treatings.co/activity