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Friends make life better. Even your professional life. Old friends. New ones. Connected friends. Thinker friends. Stylin’ friends. Talker friends. Pay it forward by making fresh introductions for them.
Thank you, my friends!
The growth of Mixonian Institute over the past 9.5 years is 100% thanks to my friends. While I know a few things about communication, I began as a total business-building moron. Worse because I thought I knew what I was doing.
I thought you had to know “certain” people in order to network successfully. I never imagined that I could go to an event where I knew not a single soul, and come out with a handful of new friends. Much less, that those new friends would be on the lookout for opportunities to help me.
I now understand making introductions is a great way to add value to your friends. That helps them build their network (also known as “social capital.”)
If you’re new to networking, at any event most people will look like they are having the time of their lives. Smiling. Laughing. Conspiring.
They look better dressed, like they drive better cars and that their lives are just…better.
The thing is, even if these unlikely assumptions were actually true, every single person in the room wants to meet someone interesting.
Be that interesting person.
Being interesting is easier than you think. Interesting people are the INTERESTED.
Fascinating people are fascinated.
As you find out more information about the people you’re chatting with, you will think of other interesting people they should meet.
Each person is a new world.
Every single person you meet knows people you don't know. They know people you don't know even exist. They have stories you haven't heard and have expertise beyond your grasp. Click To TweetBe interested. Be cheerful. Be curious.
Introduce them to someone new. The key to making a valuable introduction is to share with each person WHY they need to meet each other. That reason does not have to be work-related.
Possible reasons your friends should meet each other include these.
- They have children the same age
- They moved here from the same place.
- They both make you laugh.
- They are both stylish.
- They work in the same industry.
- They play the same sport or have the same hobby.
- They both like to throw parties.
- They serve similar clients and can be good referral partners.
- You really enjoy each of them.
How to make a valuable introduction:
- Make sure (i.e. ask) if the person is open to meeting new people.
- One option, if you know this person well, is to tell the person to reach out to your friend Helga Hu on LinkedIn and to use you as a reference.
- Otherwise, write a BRIEF email that explains why they should meet each other.
Writing an e-introduction
Subject line:
Option A: You two need to meet!
Option B: Time for an e-introduction
Option C: Helga<—>Henry
Option D: Helga, Meet Henry
Greeting:
Hello, Helga and Henry!
Body:
Helga: Henry is a newish friend in the HR/benefits space with a wicked sense of humor- which could be a survival mechanism as he is a dad to 4. 🙂
Henry, Helga is a lovely friend and a fun accountant at one of the top local firms. And…she’s a connection powerhouse.
You two might be able to partner up on referrals!
I’ll let you two take it from here.
What now?
If you’re on the receiving side simply Reply All and thank the person for the e-introduction. Make plans to follow up with the person when it’s mutually convenient.
Caveat 1: Every once in a while, you might meet someone who is not up to date with e-introductions.
Caveat 2: Some people are busier than others. Don’t bombard anyone with too many e-introductions. If the other person doesn’t reciprocate after connecting with two or three of your friends, wait awhile before you make the next introduction. It might be a crazy-busy time for them.
Go forth and make someone’s day with a cool introduction to one of your friends.
Photo by Kyle Loftus on Unsplash
