Successful networkers don’t just make an effort to meet as many people as they can. They also make an effort to bring people together within their network.
When you introduce two connections, your network becomes stronger and more valuable. A well-crafted introduction email can open doors, spark collaboration, and strengthen professional relationships. But, how do you introduce two people effectively?
Whether you’re connecting a job seeker with a hiring manager or pairing colleagues with shared interests, a thoughtful email sets the tone. Follow these three tips to write a great introduction email to someone in your network today.
1. Play Matchmaker
First, you need to identify two people within your network who can benefit from knowing each other. Pair people up who have similar interests or goals. Or match up two people who might be able to help each other in some way.
Make an effort to help both parties with your introductions, not just one. Remember, your connections trust you to carefully screen people before you make introductions. They don’t necessarily want to be bombarded by random requests, and you need to respect that. Don’t sell out your network to just anyone!
Think about the value each person brings to the connection and how their expertise or needs align. The more strategic and intentional you are with your introduction emails, the more likely they are to lead to successful professional relationships.
2. Follow These Guidelines
Here are a few quick tips for writing an introduction email to someone in your network:
- Keep it brief. You don’t need to write a novel.
- Reference similarities. What do these two people have in common?
- Be specific. Provide specifics that can facilitate conversation between your connections.
- CC both parties on the email. That way, they can just hit “Reply.”
You can use this introduction email format on LinkedIn messaging or in a regular email. Either way works! Just make sure your subject line is clear—something like “Introduction: [Name] & [Name].” A friendly yet professional tone goes a long way in making the introduction effective. Most importantly, always ask for permission before making the intro, especially if it’s a cold connection.
3. Write A Brief, Informative Message
You don’t want to randomly introduce two connections without context. This will not be helpful to either party. That’s why crafting a brief, informative message to each contact is critical.
The good news is that writing an introduction email doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to know what to say! All you have to do is send a brief message explaining how each person can benefit from knowing each other.
Make sure to highlight shared goals, interests, or mutual opportunities to help them see the value in connecting. Keep your tone professional but friendly, and avoid using generic language.
Here’s An Example…
Hi Linda, this is Lucy. She’s interested in playing a bigger part in breast cancer awareness. Since you’re an active volunteer for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, I thought you two would like to connect and collaborate in some way. Happy networking!
There you have it. Now that you know how to write an introduction email, it’s time to get out there and start bringing people together! Your network will become stronger and more valuable because of it.
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