The Right Way to Introduce Two People Via Email

Building your network will help you advance your career. It’s not just about expanding your connections, though, it’s how you do it. You’ll want to be known for creating mutually beneficial introductions, which will set you up for success both in being a connector and being connected.

Here’s how to introduce two people the right way over email—and how to follow through when you’re introduced.

Ask Permission to Connect

I’ve always loved connecting people. Some of my introductions have led to mentorship, jobs, even marriages! Earlier in my career, in my excitement to introduce two people who I knew would enjoy each other, I wrote thoughtfully personalized email introductions for two people and proudly sent them out waiting for the magic to happen—except sometimes it didn’t. I unintentionally surprised someone with my request timing or there were nuances I wasn’t aware of related to the request. I learned the hard way the most important rule of connecting two people: Ask first. Asking permission gives the other person the grace to accept or decline without making things awkward. 

Start by reaching out to the more senior of the two people or the person of whom you’ll be asking a favor. Write to only that person and ask if they would be willing to meet with or connect with the person you have in mind. Include a brief bio (2-3 sentences) about the person, how you know them, and why you think they should be connected. You can further personalize this based on your relationship. The most important part: Give them an out clause. Even if they would really like to, it may not be the right time for them.

Host the Connection

After you get permission, send an email introduction. You’re the host of this connection, much like at a dinner party. Share something about each person, so they get a sense of who the other person is, and why you’re connecting them. You may include what makes them special, things you admire about them, or how you first became acquainted. I take great pride in connecting people within my network, so I want my initial request to reflect that joy.

These kinds of thoughtful introductions take time for someone to write, so if you’re the person requesting this, you might even offer to write the introduction for them.

At the close of the email, I like to say “I’ll leave it to you two to connect directly from here.” I want to be clear that next steps are up to them.

When you respond, it’s kind to graciously acknowledge the connector and move them to the BCC line. This lets them know you’ve followed up and saves their inbox.

Follow Through on the Connection

You can differentiate yourself in the connection process by how you follow through.

Here’s something many people miss: Who follows up first after the email introduction has been sent and when. If the connection is to ask for a favor for you or you’re the more junior of the two people, you should reach out first—and promptly. It shows respect to the other person’s time you’re requesting and diligence to the host’s effort. 

Following the connection, it’s always well received when you take time to send a note to the person who introduced the two of you to let them know how much you enjoyed the conversation. You can let them know of any next steps or something you’ve learned. They’ll remember this the next time you ask for a connection.

When following these steps, you’ll be seen as someone who understands the power of positive connections and how to add value to your network—which can also help you advance your career.

Template You Can Use to Connect Two People

Dear NAME:

It’s my pleasure to introduce two terrific people and I’ve copied you both on this email.

[2-3 sentence intro of Person 1 – can include title/how you know them/what you admire about them/mutual area of interest]

[2-3 sentence of Person 2 – can include title/how you know them/what you admire about them/mutual area of interest]

I thought to introduce both of you, because [reason why you’re connecting them/what the ask is] and I know [Person 2] can learn a lot from you, [Person 1].

I’ll leave it to you two to connect directly from here.

Best to you both.

YOUR NAME