LinkedIn is designed to help professionals connect and build relationships. One way to do this is by introducing contacts to each other through LinkedIn messages. Introducing two people you know on LinkedIn can help expand both of their networks and lead to mutually beneficial business relationships or opportunities.
When deciding whether to make an introduction, first consider if both parties would appreciate the connection based on their professional interests and goals. Also, only connect people you know and trust. Avoid introducing strangers or casual acquaintances unless you have a strong reason to believe they would benefit from knowing each other.
Decide if an introduction is appropriate
Before connecting any contacts, think about whether an introduction makes strategic sense. Consider the following:
- What is each person’s industry, job role, experience level, and interests? Do they seem to align?
- Would the introduction provide value to both parties such as new business opportunities, partnership potential, industry connections, career advice, etc?
- Do you know each contact well enough to feel comfortable facilitating an introduction and vouching for them?
- Does either contact have the capacity or interest to take on new relationships or commitments right now?
If the answers suggest an introduction could benefit both parties, move ahead to the next steps. But if you have any doubts, it may be better to hold off for now.
Ask for permission
Before connecting any two contacts, it’s important to get their approval first. No one likes unsolicited messages trying to connect them with strangers. Here are some tips for respectfully seeking permission:
- Message each contact separately to share who you would like to connect them with and why.
- Provide a brief overview of the other person including their name, company, and role.
- Explain how you know each of them and why you think they should connect.
- Specify if you are making the introduction for business or personal reasons.
- Give them the option to decline the introduction if they aren’t interested.
Ideally, both contacts will be open to the connection. But if either one declines, graciously accept their decision and don’t make the introduction.
Make the introduction
Once both parties have agreed, it’s time to make the formal introduction. This is often done by messaging both contacts within the same LinkedIn message thread. Here are some tips for introducing contacts effectively:
- Start a new message thread and include both contacts’ names in the “To” field so everyone can see each other.
- Open with a warm greeting mentioning how you know each person. For example: “Hi Jane and Robert, I hope you are both doing well!”
- Provide 1-2 sentences introducing each contact and highlighting key details about their experience, company, or interests relevant to the introduction.
- Explain why you wanted to connect them such as overlapping professional interests, potential for collaboration, or other shared goals.
- If relevant, mention any upcoming events, initiatives, or topics of common interest they could discuss.
- Close by expressing enthusiasm for the introduction and wish them the best in connecting.
The message doesn’t need to be long, just enough context to break the ice. Let the contacts take the conversation from there.
Follow up
Check in with each contact separately a week or two after making the introduction. A quick follow-up message shows you care and gives them a chance to provide feedback. They may also appreciate a reminder to reach out and connect if they haven’t already. Here are some ideas for following up effectively:
- Send each person an individual message asking how they are doing.
- Mention you connected them to X person recently and were checking in to see if they managed to connect.
- Ask if the introduction was helpful or if they see potential opportunities working together.
- See if they need any additional information or support following up with the other party.
- Offer to facilitate a warm re-introduction if they haven’t yet connected but are still interested.
Following up demonstrates your commitment to helping partners succeed. It also allows you to improve and learn for future introductions.
Tips for a successful introduction
Here are some additional best practices to drive positive relationship-building between your connections:
- Personalize the introduction – Speak highly of each contact and share details that show you understand their goals and interests.
- Suggest potential areas for synergy – Highlight commonalities they could bond over or collaborate on.
- Remain neutral – Avoid playing favorites or overpromising the value of the connection.
- Follow up – Check in with each party later to show you care and help break the ice if needed.
- Stay involved – Offer to facilitate communication or provide additional warm introductions.
- Share connections sparingly – Only make introductions that align with both contacts’ interests and availability.
- Monitor feedback – Note positive and negative reactions to improve future introductions.
When not to make an introduction
While introductions can create mutually beneficial relationships, they aren’t always appropriate. Avoid making introductions in these cases:
- You don’t know one or both contacts well enough to vouch for them.
- The contacts don’t seem like a strategic fit in terms of interests, experience, or capacity.
- One or both contacts decline the introduction.
- You lack context into the contacts’ current priorities or availability.
- One contact is known to be unreliable or untrustworthy.
- The contacts are competitors unlikely to derive benefit.
- You hope to benefit personally from the introduction in some way.
Forcing introductions that aren’t welcomed or serving contacts’ needs risks damaging relationships. When in doubt, wait for a better opportunity with mutual interest to arise.
Maximize the value of introductions
With care and forethought, LinkedIn introductions can yield tangible career and business opportunities. Here are tips for getting the most from bringing contacts together:
- Select relationships where both parties have something unique to offer one another.
- Provide thoughtful context on how the connection benefits each side.
- Encourage follow-up and facilitate ongoing communication, as needed.
- Suggest specific ways the contacts could collaborate or exchange value.
- View quality introductions as an investment in your own network’s growth.
- Remain purposeful. Don’t force connections out of obligation or for the sake of introducing alone.
Introducing the right people under the right circumstances boosts the value and goodwill within your network over the long term.
In summary
Introducing LinkedIn contacts requires thoughtfulness and care. With the right approach, it can significantly benefit both parties and strengthen your network. Consider fit, secure permission, provide context, and follow up to drive success. Focus on quality over quantity and remember that not every introduction makes sense. Used judiciously, introductions are a powerful LinkedIn relationship-building tool.