We keep hearing these words more and more it seems.  It's even in my weekly Blog title, and it comes up in our Social Networking tools as well.  For example, LinkedIn ( www.linkedin.com ) maintains professional relationships on-line and these relationships are called Connections.  Is it simply because we are connecting through the system, or is it because we have a true connection? The reality is that it isn’t always the latter.

Whether it is business or personal relationships, the buzz word is Connect, or Connection.

So why is it so important?  What does it mean?  How does it happen?

Connecting Is All About Others.

"When you are trying to connect with people, it’s not about you — it’s about them. If you want to connect with others, you have to get over yourself. You have to change the focus from inward to outward, off of yourself and onto others." - John C. Maxwell (author, "Everyone Communicates, few Connect").

We all have long-time contacts, friends or business associates that we do not get to see very often, yet when we do it seems like only yesterday since we last were together.   Every conversation is effortless and comfortable.  Wow, what a concept!

We all experience this on occasion with certain people, but why does it happen with some and not others?

Well, I have a few theories, but will focus on one or two.  Whether it is a business or personal relationship, we discover that there are certain people that meet, what I call, the "LRT" criteria. We LIKE them, we RESPECT them and we TRUST them, and that has stood the test of time.  In Edmonton, Alberta (where I reside) we have an LRT (Light Rail Transit).  It is a train system that gets us from one point of the city to the next.  When you or your connections meet the LRT criteria, it in effect gets you from one point to the next in your relationship and will continue to take you on the journey to a new place.

I consider myself very lucky that I have many people in my life that meet these criteria.  Of course, the criteria are earned over time, and I know that I too must earn this with the other person as well.  That's why it works!

It is a simple guide that can go a long way in strengthening a relationship.

I actually use the "LRT criteria within my Coaching practice when I make reference to how we establish Centres of Influences in our professional and personal life.  If you have earned the right to ask anyone for anything, you too must be Liked, Respected and Trusted.  Here is what is really important.  It does not matter if the individual is a CEO, a Doctor, or a Farmer.

We all need to be reminded of this from time to time.

If we take the time to Connect with the person, not the position or their status in the community or their wealth, we really have something that is special and long-lasting.   While it is important to connect, it is even more important to re-connect.  Take the time and put in an effort to enhance and strengthen the relationship.  It could be a coffee meeting to learn more about their business, or a congratulatory note when you heard some great news about an individual or company.  You would of course do this because you want to, and not because you have to.  It will go a long way to truly create a stronger Connection.

Always ensure that the Connection, or relationship can create a win-win and never keep track if you have won or lost more than the other person.  Sometimes you may lean on them more and other times they may ask you for more.  It's all good, if indeed a true connection is there.

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