Networking & Career / Giving Before Asking / Lesson 05

LESSON 05 · GIVING BEFORE ASKING

Make Helpful Introductions

Eighteen easy tips to make helpful introductions, so people thank you for connecting them.

Link two good people. Ask first, then connect.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Give and Take (Adam Grant), The Go-Giver (Bob Burg and John David Mann), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why introductions matter

A good introduction saves two people months of searching. Both will remember you as a thoughtful connector.

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Try one.

TIP 2

Find a real reason to connect them

They should share a goal, a problem or an interest. A clear reason makes the intro easy to accept.

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Find a reason.

TIP 3

Ask both people first

Say, would you like me to introduce you to Maya? A short permission respects their time.

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Ask each person.

TIP 4

Write a short double intro

Describe each person in two lines and say why they should meet. Be kind and clear.

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Write it.

TIP 5

Share one strength of each

Highlight what each person is great at. People feel proud and keen to talk.

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Add one strength.

TIP 6

Make the next step easy

Say who should write first, or suggest a time. Easy steps lead to real chats.

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Name the next step.

TIP 7

Step back after the intro

Do not push or chase them. Let them take it from there.

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Step back.

TIP 8

Follow up lightly

A week later, ask if they met. People love to share good news.

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Ask kindly.

TIP 9

Script: asking permission

I think you and Maya would enjoy talking about teaching. May I introduce you? Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 10

Script: the intro

Maya, meet Sam. Sam, Maya leads the design team and loves mentoring. Say it clearly.

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Use it.

TIP 11

Script: closing

I will let you two take it from here, enjoy! Say it brightly.

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Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: introducing without asking

People may feel surprised or uneasy, so ask first.

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Ask first.

TIP 13

Mistake: overselling

Big claims create pressure, so keep it honest.

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Be honest.

TIP 14

Mistake: introducing too many people

Too many intros dilute trust, so pick those that truly fit.

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Choose well.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when they do not connect

It is okay, so do not blame yourself. Not every match works.

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Let it go.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when someone declines

Say, no problem, and thank them. Respect keeps trust.

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Be gracious.

TIP 17

Drill: make one introduction this month

Connect two people who could help each other and write a short intro.

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Do one.

TIP 18

Drill: write an intro template

Write a three-line template you can copy and edit.

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Write it.

TIP 19

Ask yourself, who needs this person?

Think from their side. Good introductions help both.

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Ask it.

TIP 20

Introduce people with equal energy

Both people should get something from the chat. Balance matters.

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Balance it.

TIP 21

Mention how to reach each other

Add emails or profiles with permission. Keep it easy.

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Add contacts.

TIP 22

Close the loop

Ask them later how it went. It shows you care.

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Follow up.

TIP 23

Example: the two translators

Mai introduced two translators. They now share clients.

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Introduce two.

TIP 24

Example: the founder and designer

A founder met a designer through Luis. They built a brand together.

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Think of two.

TIP 25

Mistake: introducing people with different goals

It wastes time. Match goals before you connect.

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Check goals.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when one person does not reply

Do not take it personally. Let them lead.

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Be patient.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

ASK

“Would it be okay if I introduced you?”

WHY

“I think you could help each other.”

INTRO

“Maya, meet Sam.”

DETAIL

“Maya works in design.”

STEP

“I will let you two talk.”

CLOSE

“Glad I could connect you.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Find a match

DAY 2
Ask both people

DAY 3
Write the intro

DAY 4
Share a reason

DAY 5
Send it

DAY 6
Step back

DAY 7
Follow up

Further reading

• Give and Take (Adam Grant)
• The Go-Giver (Bob Burg and John David Mann)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.