Throughout your career, there will be times when you the need asking for an introduction–even if you don’t want one search to. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur looking to “get in” with investors or just looking for a career change, you’ll need to tap into your network for referrals, connections, and interview opportunities.
Needless to say, making these requests can feel awkward–but it doesn’t have to. Here’s a six-step process that can make the whole process fearless, all starting with the first email you send, asking for a connection.
How do you ask for an introduction
Follow these simple steps to create your request message:
1. Know why you are asking.
Before you reach out to a contact for an introduction, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Are you interested in an informational discussion about the work this person does? Are you looking for an expert to give you insight into a specific project? Are you hoping to learn more about an open role at their company?
Networking is important, but it needs to be intentional.
2. Be proactive.
Once you’ve identified someone you know and a desired connection, send an email or LinkedIn message to the contact casually and politely, but don’t bury the lede. Make it clear at the beginning of your note what you are asking for and include a link to the LinkedIn profile you are looking for.
3. Give them all the information they need.
Emily Liou previously wrote that your proposal should answer the following questions:
- Why do you need an introduction?
- What about the person’s background interests you? What exactly is it about their experience that makes them special?
- What is your professional summary or background overview?
- What do you hope to get out of the introduction?
By making sure your application answers these questions, you’ve done a lot of work for your communication. Instead of figuring out how to describe yourself, for example, they have your own words to use. This makes it easier to say yes to your request.
4. Write them an email they can easily forward (optional).
If you don’t want to include all of this information in your initial request, let your connection know that you’ll be following up with an email they can easily forward to take the guess work out of what they can share with their other connection.
On that day, make sure you send an email that is easily forwarded to your target. Remember that you are really talking to two audiences here–your connection and your desired connection.
In your letter, you should provide basic information about yourself—yes, your contact knows who you are, but your new connection probably doesn’t. In addition, you should be specific about your request and who you are trying to reach. It is not enough to ask for a general introduction. After all, your communication is putting their communication and network money on the line. Make sure you take that seriously and do your homework before applying.
Here is a sample forwarding email:
Jane,
Great to hear this week–I’m glad to hear about the trip to Iceland. As I said, I want an introduction to John Smith at XYZ Company.
As you know, in my role as CEO of Euclid, I spend a lot of time with various retail and restaurant leaders understanding how we can provide the greatest impact in solving some of their most pressing customer acquisition and offline retention issues. We’ve just released a new product that’s seeing a surprising amount of movement through restaurant chains and John’s answer on how to think about this kind of data can be very helpful.
Would you like to make an introduction? Let me know if you need anything else that might be helpful.
Thank you!
Brent
5. Give them an “out”.
Always give the other person an easy way out if they can’t communicate for one reason or another. If someone refuses to make an introduction, don’t take it personally. Be kind, say thank you, move on. They may not know the person well, or they may have some history that you don’t know about.
6. Show gratitude.
If the two of you communicate with each other, don’t forget that they are doing you a favor and putting their relationship and loyalty on the line. Make them look good. Respond promptly that day.
Make it very easy for your target to contact you and get a good talking time. Remember, this person does not know and therefore your behavior is a reflection of the same representation that has connected you. Don’t let them down.
If you can, find a way to be helpful after the introduction is made. Gather your network to find people who can be helpful to your new connections. Pass on a helpful article. Send a small gift after a good conversation, such as a letter related to something you discussed, and a warm thank you note. And while you’re at it, track your interactions to say thanks and report how your conversation went. It’s always nice to hear that things went well.
Introduction request template
If you’re still struggling to craft your message (or just need to save time), simply plug your information into our handy template below!
Hello [Your contact],
I hope everything is going well. It was fun [see you/talk to you/meet you/catch up] of [the last time you talked]! How is it [something you know your contact cares about]?
I am trying to request an introduction to [Name] of [Company]. I’m here right now [quick summary of your current situation]. Specifically, I am interested in it [your specific area of interest] due to [your background in this area]. I noticed that you are connected to [Name]and I think that [reason you’d like to speak to this person]. I would like the opportunity to do this [what you’ll be requesting from their contact].
Would you like to introduce me? Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else from me to make it easy!
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Don’t be afraid to change the template as needed to suit your individual situation.
Example messages asking for an introduction
Here are a few examples that follow the techniques above and cover various situations where you might need to ask for an introduction.
Email sample #1
Hi Jamaal,
I hope everything is going well. It was great chatting with you at the holiday party! How is your family? Has your daughter chosen a college yet?
I am trying to request a presentation from Danielle Tran at Tech Co. After five years of coding, I am currently thinking about the next steps in my career. Specifically, I’m thinking of making the transition from engineering to project management. I noticed you connected to Danielle, and I know from her LinkedIn posts that she made a similar transition and loves talking to developers who want to learn more. I would love the opportunity to chat with him briefly about his career transition and ask if he has any tips to share.
Would you like to introduce me? Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else from me to make it easy!
Thank you,
Amanda
Email sample #2
Jane,
I hope everything is going well. It was great to see you at the retail leaders dinner in Palo Alto in July. How was the trip to Iceland? It’s still on our bucket list.
I am trying to request an introduction to John Smith at XYZ Company. We’ve just released a new product that’s seeing amazing compatibility with restaurant chains. John’s answer on how to think about this kind of data would be very helpful.
Would you like to make an introduction? If so, I will send you an email that will make it easier to forward it to John.
Thank you!
Brent
Email sample #3
This message (also from Emily Liou) doesn’t follow the template exactly, but it’s a good example of a presentation request from a student who is close to completion:
Hi Emily,
I came across Bob Smith’s profile on LinkedIn while researching local meteorologists. I am very impressed with his academic papers published on climate change. His findings not only made a huge contribution to sustainability, but also informed and influenced me to make more conscious decisions in my purchases.
I am currently completing my PhD program (I will graduate next month!) at UC Berkeley in the area of Atmospheric Sciences and would love to meet colleagues at Cal who have so much experience in this field. I would greatly appreciate an introduction if our schedules work out for me to have a cup of coffee with him, as I admire the wealth of knowledge he has developed in this field.
Thank you,
Anna
Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.
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