Networking isn’t about collecting business cards it’s about building relationships. One way to do that is to make introductions between two people who may benefit from knowing each other.
Sometimes you come up with the idea to introduce two people. Sometimes you are asked to make an introduction on someone’s behalf.
Before making an email introduction stop to consider whether the connection will be beneficial for both parties. If not, then it’s probably best not to make the introduction because your aim should be that both parties are happy you introduced them. If you are unsure whether the more senior person would be open to the introduction it is best to email them privately to ask. Busy people stay productive because they know how to say no, so don’t be surprised if that is their response. Give them a gracious way to decline.
If you are the one asking to be introduced, save the connector a lot of time and send them a thoughtfully written, and brief, bio and a description of what you’d like to connect about. This will make it a lot easier for the connector to act on your request and prevent it from becoming a “to do” item on their already too long to do list. If you put the onus on the connector the chances of the email being sent is greatly reduced.
Now that you’re clear that an introduction is a good idea take the time to write a thoughtful introduction email.
Subject line: E-intro Bob Jones and Marie Vantos Include both names in the subject line to increase the chances of the email being opened.
Tip: Add their company names to the subject line if at least one has a recognizable company name.
In the first paragraph: Bob, I want to introduce you to Marie Vantos. Follow this with a sentence about who Marie is, how you met and/or how well you know each other. Marie, meet Bob Jones. Follow this with a sentence about who Bob is, how you met and/or how well you know each other.
Tip: Always include last names. This will help both parties save the connection in their contact list.
Second paragraph: In one or two sentences share how the introduction occurred to you. This is a nice touch as it gives both parties context right away about why you thought they should meet.
Tip: Have they already met? Mention that so both parties are reminded and no one is embarrassed for forgetting a brief prior introduction.
Third paragraph: Write a complimentary (but not inaccurate) sentence about each party. Share their strengths and accomplishments. Include a link to each person’s website, blog, or LinkedIn
profile. When done well this section makes it clear why they should connect and makes the idea enticing.
Tip: End this paragraph with an explicit statement: This is why I think the two of you need to meet…
Fourth paragraph: How should they connect? Make a specific recommendation. Should they meet over coffee? Schedule lunch? Connect over the phone? Being specific will help them move to the next step.
Tip: Mention where they each live so time zone differences may be factored in when scheduling.
Final paragraph: Let me know when you two connect.
Tip: If you are the one being introduced, make sure you close the loop with the person who made the introduction so they know what happened.
Before you hit send: Be sure you’re not accidentally forwarding an email chain that will be embarrassing to either party. Either delete the prior thread or edit it.
Tip: If either party has an assistant who handles their schedule, include them on this email.
Ok, so now that the intro email has been sent. What happens next?
Generally, the first person to respond to an email introduction is the less senior person. This isn’t always the case as someone with more experience might respond quickly because of their relationship with the person making the connection. Either way, move the connector to BCC. Then in the first line thank the connector for making the introduction and mention that you put them in the BCC to save their inbox. This means the connector will get an email letting them know there was an initial response, but not be cc’d on all the subsequent emails to coordinate a time to meet.
This initial BCC email is not the same thing as closing the loop about what happened. That should be sent after you actually meet. Another update should be sent if you two do some business together later on. If this becomes a valuable contact, such as a big client of yours, send a thank you gift to the connector. That will definitely make you memorable and they will be on the lookout for other quality introductions among their network.
ABOUT ROBBIE: www.robbiesamuels.com/about
Business Growth Strategy Coach
Robbie coaches inspiring entrepreneurial women in their 50s and beyond (and a few awesome men) to grow their impact and income by building an audience before launching new revenue streams.
WHO YOU ARE:
You want to have a greater impact and increased income. The problem is that there are so many options for how to build your business that you can feel stuck, overwhelmed, and like you’re running out of time.
The reason options are overwhelming is that you’re looking at them as a series of disconnected steps when to make the most of your time, you need a strategy that connects only the most important and highest impact ones.
You know that if you try to do everything, you’ll accomplish nothing. This means, to achieve your goal, you have to invest in a strategy to put time on your side.
WAYS ROBBIE OFFERS SUPPORT:
As a relationship-based business growth strategist, Robbie will work with you one-on-one to design a year-long plan that consists of three 12-week sprints, each followed by 4 weeks of reflection/assessment, rejuvenation, learning, and strategic planning. This will allow you to sequence your goals, create momentum, and leverage your limited time.
Have a project that you want feedback on or need assistance with a specific strategy? He offers half-day strategy sessions.
Already selling but feeling stuck around how to increase your revenue? Sign up for a one-day mastermind with fellow entrepreneurs to break through to the next level.
Ready to dig into your network to validate a solution you’ve been working on to see if you can build an audience for it before launching? Sign up for 12 Weeks to Create Your Irresistible Offer program.
Want accountability, support, and guidance as you implement your strategic plan? Learn more about his year-long Wake Up Your Network mastermind program.
These are not right for everyone; they're personalized offerings and are priced accordingly.
WHAT MIGHT YOU WORK ON?
In his coaching work with entrepreneurs, his clients focus on the areas where they'd like to grow, which may include:
- Creating a strong sales conversation framework
- Building your referral network
- Lead generation through a relationships
- Growing your visibility in your industry
- Increasing your ability to attract the right kind of clients
- Identifying and launching a minimally viable offer
- Breaking through whatever bottleneck is holding you back from getting the results you want and deserve
- Becoming a published author and marketing your book successfully
- Improving your virtual presentation skills
LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A CHAT: www.robbiesamuels.com/coaching
Robbie is excited to support you in reaching or exceeding your goals.
Keynote Speaker
Interested in booking Robbie to speak? At www.robbiesamuels.com/speaking you’ll find video clips and a description of his talks.
Watch his TEDx talk “Hate networking? Stop bageling and be the croissant!” at www.robbiesamuels.com/TEDx.
Stay Connected
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