Making Introductions
Here’s one career life-hack that will 10x your career growth, network, and relationships:
Making introductions.
Yet… very few people do it.
Some think that making introductions will actually deplete your network. Other think that introductions have no value. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Making introductions for others are one of the highest impact things you can do for someone else—and by extension, for yourself.
I’ve made over a hundred introductions this year. Between founders and investors, hiring managers and job-seekers, tech executives and other business partners… you name it.
Here’s what happens when you connect people:
You’ll get more access
You’ll be more informed
You’ll be more connected
Basically, you’ll be smarter, open more doors for yourself, and make more friends.
How to make an introduction.
You’d be surprised with the amount of people I see absolutely butcher an introduction… it can be really awkward!
But with these three rules, you’ll be golden. Keep them in mind when making introductions through email, social media, or any another messaging platform.
Always double opt-in – ask both parties whether they’d be open to an introduction before you make it. You don’t want them to be caught off guard! (This happens way too often…)
Provide context – share who they are and what they’re working on.
Be specific – explain why they should connect.
(These rules apply to in-person introductions too)
Here’s an example:
Hi Simon and Jane. Connecting you here.
Simon, meet Jane. Jane is a friend of mine, and an ex-Consultant turned early-stage investor in the consumer social space. She’s a brilliant person in NYC with a wealth of experience in building and investing in consumer apps.
Jane, meet Simon. Simon is a tech operator turned founder (also in NYC), building a social app to help bring together immigrants in a new city. It’s an awesome product with 50k+ new users in just the past 3 months and Simon’s currently looking to raise a round. Given your focus in the space, I’d like to connect you two.
Simon, I’ll let you take it from there.
Thanks,
Andrew
Simple, right?
This covers the all the bases (the who, what, why, how, and where). Both people have just enough context, and there’s a way for them to continue the conversation.
Be a connector.
If you’re reading this and thinking “but I don’t have anyone to introduce to each other!”, then you need to go and proactively find more opportunities to make introductions.
This means:
Meeting more people outside your core circle
Understanding their goals and needs
Finding other people that can help them achieve their aspirations and solve their problems
Building a network happens slowly… then very quickly.
When you have two people in your circle, you can only make one introduction. But double that number to four, and you’ll have six introductions to make.
I’ll conclude with this:
In a world that often feels disconnected and divided, there’s no greater gift than helping people find common ground and shared purpose. So whether you’re a business leader, community builder, or just someone who loves bringing people together, don’t underestimate the power of introductions.
P.S. in the spirit of the article above, I’m sharing a few opportunities below to receive introductions. Check it out:
If you’re looking to meet more people (and are based out of NYC), sign up here
If you’re a founder who is looking for investor introductions – sign up here
If you’re an investor looking for founder introductions – sign up here
If you’re looking for something else – sign up here