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#BYDNNetworking

ASK! Before You Make That Well Intentioned Intro

By May 12, 2017January 26th, 2019No Comments

The “you two should know each other” email…or “dump and drive” as I refer to it…JUST may be the greatest networking irritation. When I was writing #BYDN, I asked the folks who appear in case studies in the book about it — and IF I’d not edited their answers, let’s just say #BYDN would have a brown paper cover along with a parental warning. The irritation was expressed in rather, let’s say, colorful ways.

Let me put it politely this way: always ask before you introduce. Always. Not most of the time or when you remember…make always the rule, and not the very, very, very rare exception.

From #BYDN (in the Chapter of Networking #Fail):

Back in March 2013, First Round Capital’s Chris Fralic wrote a post for Forbes.com on the topic of e-mailing busy people (like venture partners). I still refer people to Chris’s timeless post, “The Art of the Email Introduction: 10 Rules for Emailing Busy People.” As Chris states in rule 1, “The Ask”:

Sometimes it makes sense to just make the introduction when asked, but in most cases I think it’s a best practice to ask for and receive permission before an introduction is made. This makes it a choice for the recipient and doesn’t create an obligation.

Adventurer Alison Levine is equally adamant about this networking taboo. Her biggest networking tip is never, and she means never, make a “blind introduction” to someone. Always ask their permission first, and give them detail and background about why you are making the introduction.

J. Kelly Hoey

Networking Expert + Career Transformation Coach + Author + Speaker, Kelly Hoey looks at "networking" through a new, modern, fresh lens, offering you (who are pursuing and perhaps struggling with your big ambitions), advice on how to connect for success in a hyper-connected world that is woefully short in its attention span. Her network-building advice is relatable, instilling confidence with actionable insights and practical information. www.jkelyhoey.co