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How to Ask for — and Get — an Email Introduction

Requesting an email introduction from a current contact can be a big ask. Busy people may get multiple similar requests each week, so it’s important to do what you can to reduce their burden. One option is to provide them with a forwardable email that they can pass on to the target contact. Make sure you include a relevant — and brief — summary of your experience. Show that you’ve thoroughly researched the third party by including a few specific lines about how you think the new contact can help you. Avoid using vague reasons like, “I want to expand my network.” When the connection is made, make it easy for the person to connect with you. Offer several options for meeting times and send a calendar invite with the dial-in information. Most importantly, thank your current contact for the introduction and let them know how it went. They are more likely to make another one if they know you appreciated it and see that it led to new opportunities.

This tip is adapted from “How to Ask for an Email Introduction,” by Ruchika Tulshyan