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5 Key Rules for Asking for an Introduction - erik severinghaus
severinghaus.com
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“But many times, my network was kind enough to offer warm introductions to individuals who would provide invaluable insight into a particular challenge I was working to overcome” One of the things I learned, through trial and error, is that almost everybody wants to help, but you’ll get far better results if you make it easy for them to help, and direct them specifically so you get the most value.
5. Ask for 15-20 minutes. “Demonstrate you respect their time and will be efficient by asking for an initial 15-minute intro.” Here’s an example of an great introduction request:
Hope all is well. Challin asked me to connect the two of you because you two both work at SimpleRelevance (like you, she happens to be a huge cubs fan!) She’d like to come by your office and spend 20 minutes with you discussing the Chicago Entrepreneurial scene – she specifically wants your expert opinion on the most hopeful marketing campaigns for Chicago Tech companies (and she’s happy to bring you coffee). “Would you mind if I connect the two of you over email?” Thanks!
Now the tables have begun to turn and I try very hard to pay the good deeds forward. In the spirit of helping entrepreneurs be as effective as possible at leveraging their network, here are five key rules I think are important when asking for an introduction: “1. Write the text you want to be sent.” If you are asking me for a connection, give me something to work with. Write out exactly what you want me to send so I can forward it on or paste it into an email with a personal note. Who knows what you’re looking to get out of the connection better than you? By providing this text upfront, you are actively outlining exactly what you want out of the new relationship as well as making it easier for me to pass along the most accurate information.
1. Write the text you want to be sent. “If you are asking me for a connection, give me something to work with. Write out exactly what you want me to send so I can forward it on or paste it into an email with a personal note.” 2. Keep it short and sweet.
1. Write the text you want to be sent. “By providing this text upfront, you are actively outlining exactly what you want out of the new relationship as well as making it easier for me to pass along the most accurate information.” 2. Keep it short and sweet.
If you are asking me for a connection, give me something to work with. Write out exactly what you want me to send so I can forward it on or paste it into an email with a personal note. Who knows what you’re looking to get out of the connection better than you? By providing this text upfront, you are actively outlining exactly what you want out of the new relationship as well as making it easier for me to pass along the most accurate information. “2. Keep it short and sweet.” When drafting that email, make sure its concise and to the point. The more direct the better (follow the five sentence rule). It is likely going to be sent through email or possibly take place during a chaotic networking event, so it’s necessary to make your request as clear as possible. If it’s too complicated, I might not put it off.