I recently watched a video that struck a chord with me. It was about something we all do but rarely think about: introducing people to each other professionally. The speaker, Advice with Erin, highlighted a common mistake many of us make without realizing it.
Have you ever had someone share your contact information without asking first? Or maybe you’ve been the one to connect two people without proper introductions? I know I’ve been guilty of this in the past, and it’s something worth addressing.
There’s an unspoken etiquette to professional introductions that most of us never learned in school. Instead, it’s the kind of knowledge typically passed down from mentors or experienced colleagues. But what if you never had that guidance?
The Wrong Way to Make Introductions
The most common mistake happens when someone asks for an introduction and we immediately hand over contact information without checking first. We’ve all seen it happen:
“Could you introduce me to your friend, Jim?”
“Oh, yeah. Of course. Sure. I’ll just send you his email right now.”
This leads to awkward cold contacts like: “Hi Jim, this is Pam, Kelly’s friend. I want to pick your brain about podcast stuff. When do you have a second?”
Put yourself in Jim’s shoes. He’s suddenly receiving messages from someone he doesn’t know, who wants his time and expertise, without any warning or context. Not the best first impression, right?
The Proper Introduction Protocol
The correct approach involves three key steps:
- Ask permission from both parties before making an introduction
- Provide context about why you’re connecting them
- Set up a proper email introduction that gives both people the information they need
When someone asks you to introduce them to a contact, your first response should be: “Let me reach out to them and see if they’d be open to that.” This simple courtesy shows respect for everyone’s time and boundaries.
What a Good Introduction Looks Like
A proper email introduction should include:
- A clear subject line (simply using both names works well)
- Brief descriptions of both people
- Context for why they might benefit from connecting
- A graceful handoff that allows them to take the conversation forward
For example: “Hi Jim, this is Pam. She works in tech and has an amazing side hustle as a podcast producer. Pam, this is Jim. I know you’re already familiar with his podcast. Jim is super hands-on behind the scenes, so I’m really excited for you two to connect. I’ll let you take it from here, Pam.”
This approach gives both parties the information they need while respecting their time and agency. It also positions you as a thoughtful connector rather than someone who casually hands out contact information.
Why This Matters
Professional introductions might seem like a small thing, but they can have big implications. When done poorly, they can create awkward situations and even damage relationships. When done well, they build your reputation as someone who understands professional courtesy.
I’ve found that people remember how you handle these social interactions. Those who respect boundaries and facilitate meaningful connections tend to build stronger professional networks over time.
Getting consent before sharing someone’s contact information isn’t just polite—it’s essential in our connected world. It demonstrates respect for privacy and acknowledges that everyone’s time and attention are valuable resources.
The next time someone asks you for an introduction, take a moment to follow this protocol. Your contacts will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and you’ll be helping to create more meaningful professional connections.