The principle here is that you use the limited time you have during your working day wisely. Even though it takes effort to get to know new people and every relationship requires energy to maintain, the wealth of human relationships and the power of synergies once two human beings interact, is worth the time and energy spent on networking.
There is a book by the same title by , emphasizing proactively creating connections.
Especially in times like these, during a pandemic, when real face-to-face interactions are limited, thry to put an emphasis on allowing new people into your life and spending more time one-on-one with the people you alreay know, or think you know.
Show respect.