How to introduce two people over email (including email templates)

Want to know the not-so-secret superpower of superconnectors? It is their ability to build relationships and craft thoughtful introductions at scale, be it through social media, email, meetings, or at events.

Writing introduction emails is a skill that anyone can learn, and it can help you build better professional relationships, land new customers, secure meetings with potential investors, recruit key employees, and much more.

In this post, we’re sharing best practices on how to introduce two people over email as well as sharing a handful of email introduction examples.

What to consider when introducing two people

Offering to introduce two people seems like a helpful gesture on the surface. However, if you are not careful, this helpful gesture can quickly become awkward.

For instance, here are some things to consider:

• Make sure you are comfortable making the intro: If you don’t know one or both of the people you are introducing that well or just aren’t comfortable, it is far better to decline the intro request than make an intro that could make you look bad.
  
• Get approval first: The most common mistake people make is not sending opt-in email first. Everyone is busy and has their own daily workflows. By starting an email thread without asking, you are creating extra work and social pressure for them.
  
  Bonus points: Want to stand out? Ask the person if they have dedicated time blocks or days of the week where they like to take intro calls like these.
  
• Think about power dynamics: As a good rule of thumb, the more uneven the power dynamic is between the two people, the more you should think about the specific connection request, how to craft the message, and if it makes sense to make the intro at all.  
  
• Consider what the “ask” is - Make sure you understand the nuance of the request or ask. This is particularly important if you are asking on someone’s behalf to jump on a call, do a sales demo, ask to be considered for a job, etc.  
  
• Make sure you aren’t introducing one person too often - Too many intro emails can be a major distraction that gets in the way of them being able to do their job well, and can also hurt your existing relationships.

Best practices for writing email intros

Before we share a handful of email intro templates you can use, here are some email etiquette best practices for writing introductory emails. It should go without saying to check your grammar and spelling for any mistakes. Keep in mind: This same process can also work for social media messages, intro call, and meeting requests.

• Include both people’s names in the subject line: Your subject line can be as simple as “Joe meet Jim.”
  
• Keep it short but provide necessary context: This email should be concise. However, you shouldn’t skimp on important details like a one-line description for the people you are introducing and what the specific ask is.
  
• Take yourself out of the communication loop: Unless you want to be in the loop, make it clear that both people should continue the conversation without you.

6 warm intro email templates you can use

Now that you know the basics, here are some templates you can use verbatim or modify as you see fit.

1. An email template for asking someone if you can intro them

The first thing you should do is to ask for permission before sending an introductory email. Ideally, you should run this by both people (a.k.a. double opt-in intro). However, it is often fine to just run the introduction request and get the green light by the more senior of the two people you are introducing.

Hi <<first name>>,

I hope you’re doing well! A <<colleague>> of mine has recently been <<searching for a new job doing X  etc.>>.

Knowing your <<insert background>>, I believe you’d be the perfect person for them to speak to. If you feel comfortable about it, would it be alright if I sent them an email introducing you?

I appreciate your help!

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

2. Name drop email intro template

In some cases, it might make sense to not make the intro yourself. You might tell someone that it is okay to name drop you in the conversation.

Hi <<first name>>,

I hope you’re doing well! I was recently at lunch with <<insert person’s name>> talking about <<XX specific thing related to your request>>. They mentioned that this was something you specialize in.  

Would you be willing to jump on a 15-minute call so that I can learn more about <<insert topic related to your request>>?

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

3. An email template for making an intro when everyone works at the same company

Here is a template you can use when making intros to two people at the same company.

Hi <<first name 1>>,

Thank you for offering to talk to <<insert first name 2>> about <<topic>>. I’ve cc’ed them in this email so you can connect directly.

As you know, <<first name 2>> works in the <<department>> here at <<company name>>.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know each other and learning more about how you can <<benefit or purpose of the connection>>.

I’ll let you two take it from here.

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

4. An email template for when you want to introduce someone to someone who was a former coworker

Here is a template for when you want to introduce someone, who you used to work with.

Hello <<first name 1>>,

Thank you for being willing to chat with <<first name 2>> about <<topic>>. As I mentioned earlier, <<first name 2>> is <<insert one liner about their background>>. I’ve cc’ed <<first name 2>> in this email so you two can connect directly.

Knowing your background with <<experience or work connection>>, I thought you would be the perfect person for them to talk to about <<topic>>.

I’ll let you two take it from here!

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

5. An email template for when you want to introduce someone to someone you met at a conference or event

This is one of the most common introductions, and one of the easiest to mess up, especially if you don’t provide enough context.

Hi <<first name 1>>,

Thank you for offering to talk with <<first name 2>> about <<insert topic>>.

When I heard <<first name 2>> was <<looking for someone to talk with about the topic, starting a particular project, searching for someone to interview, etc>> I immediately thought of you. I remembered our conversation about <<first name 1’s experience, company, other conversation topic, etc.>> at the <<conference name>> and knew you two should connect.

I’ve cc’ed <<first name 2>> here so the two of you can take it from here.

Have a great day!

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

6. An email template for when you are sending a client/customer referral

Everyone likes a good client / customer referral. Sending a thoughtful one can also give you some extra karma.

Hi <<first name 1>>!

Thank you for agreeing to talk to <<first name 2>> at <<agency or company name>>. I’ve worked with <<agency or company name>> in the past on <<specific project or connection>>. I can’t say enough good about what they do for <<industry>>.

With your company’s <<challenges, needs, etc.>> I thought you might be a good fit. I’ve cc’ed <<first name 2>> in this email so the two of you could directly connect and get to know more about <<agency or company names>>’s services.

Let me know if I can help you with anything else.

Thanks,
<<email signature>>

Ready to send email intros?

Whether you are a founder, an investor, or an entry-level employee, sending thoughtful email introductions can be a great way to build your network and increase your social capital.  

However, there are right and wrong ways to go about this. These proper email etiquette best practices and templates can help you navigate power dynamics and avoid many of the most awkward situations.