Module 9 · Networking · Lesson 8 of 9

Asking for introductions

Making it easy for someone to introduce you — and easy to say no.

6 min read · Level: Practising · Free — no account needed to read

The idea

An introduction from someone who knows both people is far warmer than a cold message. To ask for one, be specific about who and why, make it easy — offer a short paragraph they can forward — and make it easy to say no.

Respect the introducer’s reputation: they are vouching for you. Follow up quickly, be gracious, and thank them afterwards with what happened.

Why it matters

Warm introductions open doors that cold approaches rarely do, and handling them well makes people happy to introduce you again.

See it happen

Tonima wants to talk to a researcher. A former teacher knows him.

The first reaction

She asks her teacher to “put in a good word” without explaining why.

With the idea

She writes a short note her teacher can forward, explaining what she is working on and her one question, and adds, “Totally fine if it’s not a good fit.” The researcher agrees to a call.

What changed

A specific, easy-to-forward ask made the introduction simple and comfortable.

Easy to get wrong

• Asking vaguely and leaving the introducer to do the work.
• Forgetting to thank the introducer and tell them what happened.

Try it now: A forwardable note

1. Name someone you would like an introduction to, and who could make it.
2. Write a three-sentence note the introducer could forward.
3. Add a line that makes it easy to say no.

Questions to think about

• Who could you introduce to each other right now?
• What stops you from asking for introductions?

Your challenge this week

Ask for one introduction this month — with a forwardable note.