Ever think about professionals with whom you have a trusted relationship?   

You may not see them often, but when you do there’s usually much warmth and mutual appreciation.  I suppose that the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” is relevant when you only see some folks every year or two.

That’s the way I feel about the annual HVAC Excellence conference.  While attendees may stay in touch via social media – nothing beats being there in person. 

One of the friends that I made at HVAC Excellence is Chris Compton from HVACRedu.net.  Back in 2008, when I first exhibited and spoke at HVAC Excellence, Chris and I barely knew each other. 

Then, three years ago, Chris asked if I’d create soft skills content for his Learning Management System (LMS) platform.  At the time, I only had soft skills content in books and video format.  Developing LMS content required a special e-learning desktop application plus my time to learn the development side of things.  

But, Chris trusted me enough to ask… so I said yes.  And why not.  This was the perfect excuse to kick myself in the butt and learn something new.

Our relationship was heightened to a new level and mutual trust mattered.

Fast forward three years.

HVACRedu.net now features two of my company’s online soft skills lessons and more are on the way.

This mutually beneficial relationship occurred because of trust. 

Here’s how Chris explains relationships, “Life is short, relationships, personal and business, are valuable to me but it’s gotta be a win/win or it doesn’t make any sense to have one.”

Numerous examples about the “win / win” of which Chris writes can be found at HVAC Excellence and other conferences.   It’s about showing up, getting involved and making a positive difference.

Here’s another BIG WIN.  

A few days ago, I received a phone call from, Nelson Torres, a Brownson Technical School graduate.  The purpose of Nelson’s phone call was simple.  He conveyed how much he learned from my textbook and videos and simply said, “thank you”.  I was almost in tears.  

Afterwards, I phoned Bill Brown, at Brownson, to share Nelson’s phone call and to thank Bill for making a positive difference in his student’s lives.  We chatted on the phone for a while – just like two pals.

More mutual trust based on a relationship.

Do relationships matter and do conferences bring people together?  You’d have to agree to the affirmative.

Learn more about our Soft Skills Curriculum, Click Here!