You likely have received and made an introduction via email.
Some introductions are great and can lead to valuable connections. Others? Well, let’s just say that the email introduction was “made,” but didn’t achieve the desired outcome of “connecting” people.
With that said, there’s an unwritten “right’ and “less effective” way to connect people via email. Because much of that etiquette is unwritten, we decided to write it by seeking advice from professionals about their best introduction tips.
Here are eight professional introduction tips on how to connect people via email:
- Keep It Self Explanatory
- Add a Personal Touch to the Subject Line
- Include Your Name in the Subject Line
- Mention Shared Interests
- Make It Fun
- Research Their LinkedIn Profile
- Talk To Both Parties Beforehand
- Make Sure It’s Not One-Sided
Keep It Self Explanatory
Introducing two contacts over email can feel awkward (not to mention the long replies that come with it if they actually hit it off!) but there are some tips and tricks on how to connect people in your network with professionalism. When it comes to the subject line, there is nothing wrong with keeping it self explanatory with a subject like “Introduction to (Name)!” In the body of the email, thank the person you are reaching out to for agreeing to connect with your contact then end it with a compliment to both the parties and let your contacts take it from there! The simpler, the better.
Henry Babichenko, Stomadent Dental Lab
Add a Personal Touch to the Subject Line
When crafting a subject line, I think it is important to make it personable. By adding a personal touch like someone’s name, a reminder of where we initially met, or even an emoji, I am so much more motivated and interested to open the email.
Noah Downs, American Pipeline Solutions
Include Your Name in the Subject Line
I often put my last name as part of the subject line. People get so many generic emails that it helps mine to stand out (it helps that I have an uncommon name). If it’s someone I know, they are more likely to open because it looks like it came from me. If it’s someone I don’t know, it helps establish that it’s not just another piece of junk mail.
Rick DeBruhl, Communication Consultant
Mention Shared Interests
When making a professional introduction via email consider what is going to matter most to each best facilitating a meaningful connection. Focus on precision and impact both in the subject line and body of the email. Outline a clear purpose and tie in any personal and professional alignments. Recently, a friend asked for an introduction to a colleague based on mutual professional interests. I knew both had an interest in running, my friend had just finished her first marathon, and I pointed that out in my message. It was a great way to create a connection for them facilitating a more seamless transition into the ultimate heart of their conversation. Strong email introductions quickly create connections and have an impact.
Nadine Mullings, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation
Make It Fun
The other day I received the best email introduction ever from Brian Burkhart of Square Planet. What made the intro awesome? First off, the quality of the introduction was to a high-level executive. But at the core, the intro was fun! The email mentioned a couple of shared connections, poked fun at some commonalities, and set the stage for a candid and comfortable conversation to take place. Plus, the intro was also specific – which helped us secure a really valuable partnership. Keep it fun, and the connection will naturally mirror the same level of casualness.
Brett Farmiloe, Markitors
Research Their LinkedIn Profile
Messaging in general is more effective when it is personalized. One thing I do before reaching out to a candidate is to research their profile on LinkedIn to better understand who they are. Once I have a feeling for their background I will usually put their name in the subject line along with a quick overview of why I am reaching out. So if I am looking to fill a Project Managers position my introduction may look something like; “Hello Dana, your experience from [company] is needed.” By personalizing the subject line as well as the message, my goal is to communicate that I want more than just to pitch something.
Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc
Talk to Both Parties Beforehand
When making a professional introduction via email, make sure you include both names in the subject line if you’re including both people on the same email. Be clear that you’re making an introduction. If there’s a specific reason you’re making the introduction, be explicit about what that is. Define some commonality between the people you’re introducing and show why the two of them connecting would benefit them both. It helps if you’ve spoken to them both privately beforehand asking if they’re open to the introduction before sending the combined email.
Jennifer Fulmer, TechnologyAdvice
Make Sure It’s Not One-Sided
Email introductions are easy if you actually know both people and are legit in your reasons for making an introduction. I do these quite often for my friends and business associates and have never found it that hard because I actually know everyone and make introductions that make sense for both parties. I never do an introduction that is one-sided for either party. This makes it very easy for me to use “Email introduction” in the subject line because I want them to know upfront what it is and not have to trick them into reading it. If you are disguising it and hoping they will read it you probably shouldn’t send it.
Ben Walker, Transcription Outsourcing, LLC
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