Connecting two parties.
WHY IT MATTERS
Introductions are valuable and frequently done badly.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Ask both parties whether they want it.
WHY BOTH
Introducing someone without permission imposes an obligation.
WHAT THAT ASKING LOOKS LIKE
Telling each briefly who the other is and why, and asking whether to connect them.
WHAT THE INTRODUCTION SHOULD CONTAIN
Who each person is, in one line Why they should speak What each might get from it Handing over clearly
WHAT HANDING OVER MEANS
Stating that you will step back, and letting them proceed.
WHY
It removes ambiguity about who acts next.
WHAT TO AVOID
Long histories of your relationship with each Overstating either party Introducing people with nothing in common
WHY THAT LAST ONE
It costs your credibility with both.
WHAT TO DO WHEN ASKED FOR AN INTRODUCTION YOU ARE UNWILLING TO MAKE
Decline, kindly.
WHAT THAT SOUNDS LIKE
That you do not know them well enough to introduce them usefully.
WHY DECLINING MATTERS
Your introductions are worth something only if they are selective.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Nothing, unless asked.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INTRODUCED
Reply promptly, moving the introducer to a copy.
WHY
It is courteous and it closes the loop.
