Why would you want to connect two people in your network to each other? Because it is good for them. After all, your network and its success is one of your most valuable assets.

 

RULE #1 - Find the WINS

Have perspective here. Be sure this is a valuable introduction before making it. Introductions between network members allows them to expand their network. Answer these the questions below before you commit to an introduction. If the answer is there is no benefit to one or both of the network members, then you might want to rethink your position on offering this introduction.

• Do these two people have something in common? This can go beyond work but the more professional in nature you keep the introduction, the better if you are leveraging LinkedIn.

• Why would these two people want to know each other?

• What is the benefit to each of them?

• Did they agree to the introduction?

 

RULE #2 - Protect your network

 

The power of NO

Don’t ever feel that you need to make an introduction simply because you’re asked. If someone approaches you for a connection to a distant connection, or if you can’t see the benefit to each person, politely decline the request.

Never over-ask

Some people in your network may be in a position where many people will want to connect to them, or you will want to connect many people to them. They are just that great. But, your job is to protect your network from feeling like having you in it is a liability. Make sure there’s a win in it for each person.

Watch the levels you step

The wider your network, the wider the gaps in professional seniority you are likely to have at your disposal when making an introduction.

Ask for permission

Have you ever been approached to do a favor for someone you don’t know? It can be a challenge to want to take on. However, if you had a friend call you and ask you to do the favor and position it why it might be beneficial to them, or even if they ask, mentioning you’d be doing them a favor. You might find the favor easier to execute.

Before making introductions, approach everyone first and ask for permission to do so. Your network will appreciate this consideration.

 

Assign a task

Don’t let the introduction be sent without action being taken. Be clear in your introduction who is responsible for follow-up. As a rule of thumb assign the task to follow-up with the person you think will benefit most immediately from the introduction.

 

Be professional

The style of your writing is going to depend on how well you know both individuals you are making the introductions to. Did you go to school together, did you grow up on the same street or did you work for one of them. Default to a style that fits the most formal of the relationships.

 

Sample introduction #1

Subject:
Introductions (PersonA<> PersonB)

Body:
[personA first name] -
I wanted to introduce you to person B.  She is an amazing person who I first met through [where met].  In addition to being a [what they do] expert, [person B] is simply someone who loves getting things done (which reminds me of you) and is committed to being truly excellent (which also reminds me of you). 

[personB first name] -
Person A is a good friend of mine in San Diego, who is passionate [this and that] (amongst many other things).  She is constantly learning and is an exceptionally talented leader.  Per my comments above – I think the two of you have a lot in common.

[PersonA first name] – I’ll leave it to you to connect with [PersonB first name].  I am excited (and only slightly nervous about how quickly the two of you could take over the world!)

Warmly,

Sample introduction #2

Subject:

Introductions (PersonA <> PersonB)

Body:

PersonA – thanks for being open to connecting with PersonB! He’s an [school] grad who spent time in [department/role/function] at [CompanyA] before business school (was an absolutely rockstar there) and has been at [CompanyB] since business school in [department/role/function]. In addition to being really bright, he’s balanced, fun, and incredibly easy to work with. He’s and his girlfriend are looking to make the transition to [common location] and are starting to build connections to explore opportunities. For context, his background is here < Insert LinkedIn URL > .

PersonB – PersonA has been in [common location] since YYYY at [CompanyC]. She’s integrated in the local startup/VC community after moving to [common location] from [old location] a couple of years ago. She would be a great person to talk to about the opportunities & resources that [common location] has to offer. For context, her background is here <Insert LinkedIn URL> . I’ll leave it to you to connect with her!

 

At the end, where is your win?

Introductions can benefit everyone. Personally, they:

• Improve your professional brand – Your brand always being added to by the actions you take professionally. Are your communications on point, are they professional, are you a network contributor? If so, connecting people, can add to your professional brand, and even open the door to connect to someone you haven’t reached out to in a while.

• Position you as a connector – Most senior leadership roles, require people to have connections that allow them to take their teams to the next level. Being perceived as someone who has the right connections, can set you up to be perceived as a connector, and then perhaps, also as someone who may be great for a senior leadership role.

• Increase the likelihood of reciprocation – Think of introductions like a piggy bank. You are putting in coins, with the hope that one day, you can make a withdrawal.

• Improve your networks' span – When someone in your network benefits from an introduction they could gain knowledge, expand their professional experience, increase their network, or even move. When any of these happen, they can meet new people that one day you might want to connect to.

• Keep you career ready – Being career ready requires having the network to draw upon when you need it. Building connections, strengthening them and supporting your network, may help you when you need to ask for an introduction.

Now, go out and make some connections!