Why should I "connect" with you?

On LinkedIn?
For a cup of coffee?
For a drink at happy hour?

Why do we connect with others? Is it obvious, or is the agenda hidden?

I have changed my personal LinkedIn policy relating to connections. Thankfully I receive invitations to connect with others on a consistent basis. Often they are people I don't know. Here's the new policy.

If you ask to connect with me we agree to a simultaneous phone appointment. Why? So I can speak intelligently about my new friend...if someone asks. I have not known how to handle this situation and often hit "accept" and go on to the next thing. I realize that not knowing my new connection is a lost opportunity. How hard is it to review your new connection's profile and put together a list of questions? It's not hard. Phone appointments may lead to other things depending on mutual interest.

One last favor. If you wish to connect, please tell me why in your invitation. I don't discriminate and would like to initiate a relationship with a basis of openness and trust.