A professional introduction can save two people time when there is a clear reason to connect. It can also create an unwanted obligation if you share someone’s details or imply they must respond without checking first. The safest approach is simple: ask each person separately, confirm what contact information they are comfortable sharing, and explain the possible connection in a sentence. Then send one brief email that leaves the next step—and whether there is one—to the people you introduced.
The useful bits
- Get separate, explicit permission from both people before sharing their details.
- State the specific reason for the introduction without overstating what either person can offer.
- Make clear that follow-up is optional and check that the email addresses are correct.
Ask before you connect them
Contact each person separately before sending a joint message. Say who you want to introduce, why you think the connection may be useful, and what information you plan to share. Ask whether they are comfortable with the introduction; do not treat silence, an old email exchange, or general interest in networking as consent.
Be specific about the proposed exchange. For example, ask whether you may share a person’s work email address and a short description of their role. If either person prefers not to share a particular address or detail, respect that and use only the information they approved. If one person declines or does not answer, do not make the introduction.
Make the reason concrete and modest
A useful introduction gives both people a reason to read the message. Mention the point of overlap, such as a shared project area, a question one person is exploring, or relevant experience the other person may be willing to discuss. Keep it to a sentence when possible.
Describe a possible connection, not a promised result. Avoid saying that someone will provide advice, a job lead, a referral, or a particular amount of time unless they have explicitly offered that. Your role is to explain why you thought of them, not to negotiate on their behalf.
Check the details before sending
Verify each address against a recent message or ask the person to confirm it. A typo can expose the introduction to the wrong recipient. Check that the names and role descriptions are current, and include no private background that was not approved for sharing.
Decide whether a joint email is appropriate. Put both people in the To field when you are comfortable revealing their addresses to each other and they agreed to that. If someone requested a different method, follow that request instead. Do not add extra recipients just because they might be interested.
- Both people said yes to this specific introduction.
- Each person approved the contact details and description you will share.
- The addresses, names, and intended recipients are correct.
- The message does not imply that either person owes a reply or meeting.
Use a short, low-pressure email
Keep the message easy to scan. Address both people, state why you connected them, and let them choose whether to continue. A direct line that follow-up is optional helps prevent a courtesy introduction from becoming an assumed commitment.
Subject: Introduction: [Person A] and [Person B] Hi [Person A] and [Person B], With both of your permission, I’m connecting you because [brief, specific reason they may find the connection useful]. [Person A] works on [approved, concise description]. [Person B] is exploring [approved, concise description]. I’ll leave it to you to decide whether a conversation would be useful. There’s no expectation to follow up. Best, [Your name]
After you send it, leave room
Send the introduction once, then let the recipients decide whether to reply. Do not chase either person for a response or report back on what they say unless they have invited you to stay involved. If one recipient asks you to remove them from the conversation, acknowledge the request and avoid forwarding their reply or details without permission.
You can confirm that the introduction worked by checking that the sent message shows the intended recipients and the approved details. That confirms delivery from your side, not that either person read it, wants a conversation, or will respond. Do not interpret a lack of reply as agreement or dissatisfaction.
When consent is unclear
Pause rather than guessing. If one person has agreed but the other has not, do not send a joint email. You can ask again briefly at an appropriate time, or simply let the idea go. If consent changes before you send, honor the latest answer.
A good introduction is an invitation, not an assignment. By checking first, sharing only what was approved, and making follow-up optional, you give both people a fair chance to decide whether the connection suits them.
About this guide
Prepared with AI assistance for the BITTU Mail editorial library. Check important details against your original messages and current account settings. Product access depends on your role, plan and provisioning state. Provider interfaces and requirements can change.
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