Top 8 Dos and Don'ts for Mastering Networking Introductions

Dear Abby,

What is the best way to ask for an introduction?

-Greg

DOs and DON'Ts that Abigail Van Buren would relay based on my getting asked for and making introductions ALL the time!?

After reading these, ask your network for 1 reach introduction! Right now. Do it.

Suggesting an Introduction (using myself as an example)

1. CHECK to see if someone even wants an introduction. People’s time is extremely valuable. I could fill up half my calendar with networking meetings, but I have a full-time high-pressure sales job at Gridline (Alternative investments!!). Please ask.?
2. Provide a REASON why an introduction could be interesting.?
3. If making this introduction is a FAVOR, and I am close enough to warrant a favor, state what you are after. “This would be helpful to me for XYZ job or business opportunity.”
4. Give me an Out. “If you don’t have time for this, totally understand.” or “You’d be welcome to keep it short, and I can state as much when making the introduction.”

Asking to be introduced to my contact

1. Ask if I know the person well enough to make an introduction and whether I’d be comfortable making one. Personally, I am totally fine attempting with almost anyone whom I have ever met. It’s very easy and takes a few minutes.??
2. Give me an Out. “If not, no worries.”
3. If I agree to make an intro, make it easy for me. Send me an email stating what you are after so that I can easily forward or copy/paste.
4. Understand that I am then going to give my contact an out. If my contact agrees to be put in touch, then I make a short and sweet introduction for both parties, as so:

Subject: Beth meet Charles: Charles meet Beth

Beth, I’d like you to meet Charles. Charles works at XYZ and we have known each other since . . . Insert some other relevant detail and/or nicety.?

Charles, Same format . . .?

I think you two would enjoy a conversation and there hopefully will be some professional benefit.?

What I do when an intro is forced on me:

1. Evaluate if it is an appropriate introduction and roll with it.?
2. If questionable, I ask the person who has been introduced if they could: A) send their phone number and I will call them when I can B) I send my calendly link for a short 15min call or C) respond that I just don’t have time.?

What’s that? You want more advice? I can only really recommend what I do when someone is listening to their cell phone loudly without headphones - but you probably don’t want to follow that . . . For all other inquiries, may I kindly suggest Emily Post: https://amzn.to/48io7QA

Just to be clear, I like making intros and especially love receiving intros about alternative investments. [email protected]