How to Introduce Two Connections on LinkedIn

Making a professional introduction on LinkedIn involves more than just a quick message, it's a strategic move that strengthens your network by creating value for others. A well-executed introduction can open doors, start collaborations, and solidify your reputation as a trusted connector. This guide walks you through the entire process, from asking permission and crafting the perfect message to handling the follow-up with absolute polish.

The Golden Rule: Always Ask for a "Double Opt-In" First

Before you connect two people, you need to get permission from both sides. This is known as a “double opt-in,” and it's the most crucial step in professional matchmaking. Skipping it can damage your credibility and put your contacts in an awkward position. Here’s why it’s non-negotiable:

• It Respects Their Time: Your contacts are busy. An unsolicited introduction forces them to either ignore a message from you (which feels bad) or take on a conversation they don't have time for.
• It Protects Your Reputation: When you make an introduction, you're putting your own professional reputation on the line. You're implicitly endorsing both individuals. If the connection is irrelevant or unwanted, it reflects poorly on you and makes people less likely to trust your judgment in the future.
• It Sets a Clear Purpose: By asking first, you get context that helps you frame the introduction properly. You'll know exactly why the connection is being requested, allowing you to create a specific and valuable introduction instead of a vague one.

How to Get Permission: Two Simple Templates

Getting the opt-in doesn't have to be complicated. You need to discreetly ask each person if they are open to the introduction. Here’s how you approach it.

1. Checking with the Person Asking for the Intro (Person A)

First, get the necessary details from the person who wants to be introduced. This helps you present the request to your other contact clearly and professionally. You're essentially asking them to do the initial work for you.

Example message to Person A:

"Hi Jamal, I'd be happy to introduce you to Sarah. So that I can frame the introduction in a way that’s most valuable for both of you, could you send me a quick blurb I can forward? Just a couple of sentences on what you'd like to talk to her about is perfect. Thanks!"

2. Reaching Out to the Person Being Contacted (Person B)

Once you have the context from Person A, reach out to Person B with a low-pressure request. Highlight the value and make it easy for them to say "no" if they're busy. This respect is key to maintaining a healthy professional relationship.

Example message to Person B:

"Hey Sarah, hope you're having a great week. A trusted connection of mine, Jamal Ahmed, saw your recent project on sustainable packaging and was really impressed. He's currently leading a similar initiative at his company and was hoping to ask you a few questions about your experience.

Would you be open to a brief introduction? No pressure at all if you're swamped, just let me know."

Once you get a "yes" from both people, you're cleared for takeoff.

How to Make the Introduction: The Group Message Method

While you could go the email route, the easiest and most effective way to make a professional introduction on LinkedIn is with a group message. It keeps the introduction on the platform where the connection matters most, and both parties can see each other's profiles instantly. It's clean, efficient, and direct.

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Navigate to your LinkedIn homepage and click on the Messaging icon.
2. Click the compose icon (a square with a pen) to start a new message.
3. In the “Type a name or multiple names…” field, add both of your connections. You'll see their profiles pop up as you type.
4. Add a direct and helpful subject line. Something like "Intro: [Person A’s Name] <,>, [Person B’s Name]" is standard and works perfectly.
5. Write your introduction message in the body (we'll break down exactly what to write in the next section).
6. Click Send.

Once you send the message, your work is nearly done. The ball is now in their court to start the conversation.

The Anatomy of a Flawless Introduction Message

A great introduction message is simple, clear, and focused on providing value to both people. It feels warm and genuine but gets straight to the point. Here’s the structure you should follow.

1. Greet Both People

Start with a simple and friendly greeting that addresses both individuals directly.

"Hi Sarah and Jamal,"

2. Introduce Person B to Person A

Start by introducing the person being sought out (your established contact) to the person seeking the introduction. Briefly mention why they are great - it shows respect and validates the connection for Person A.

"Jamal, meet Sarah Jenkins. Sarah is a Senior Brand Manager at Greentech Solutions and the person I mentioned who led that brilliant sustainable packaging launch last quarter."

3. Introduce Person A to Person B

Now, do the same for Person A, the one who requested the intro. Briefly recap your positive relationship with them and mention their current role or a standout quality.

"Sarah, meet Jamal Ahmed. Jamal and I worked closely together at our previous company, and I've always been impressed by his dedication to innovation. He's now a Marketing Director at EnviroCorp."

4. State the "Why": Connect the Dots

This is the engine of the introduction. Use the context you gathered during the opt-in step to explain why you're connecting them. Be specific. This turns a cold intro into a warm, purposeful connection.

"I'm connecting you both because, Jamal, you mentioned you're starting a new packaging initiative, and Sarah, you literally wrote the playbook on this. I thought you two might have a lot to talk about."

5. Bow Out Gracefully

Your job as the introducer is finished. The final step is to hand off the conversation and get out of the way. This polite exit signals that they are now free to talk directly.

"I'll let you two take it from here. Looking forward to seeing what you both accomplish!"

Or even more simply:

"I'll leave it in your capable hands!"

Putting It All Together: A Plug-and-Play Template

Need a quick template? Adapt this for any situation by filling in the details. Keep it in a notes app so you always have it handy.


Subject: Intro: Jamal Ahmed <> Sarah Jenkins

Hi Jamal and Sarah,

Pleased to have the opportunity to connect you both.

Jamal, I'd like to introduce you to Sarah Jenkins. Sarah is a Senior Brand Manager at Greentech Solutions whose work I've followed for a while now. She's the expert behind that sustainable packaging initiative I was telling you about.

Sarah, meet Jamal Ahmed. Jamal is a fantastic Marketing Director at EnviroCorp and an old colleague of mine. I've always been impressed by his forward-thinking approach to brand growth.

I'm connecting you because Jamal is currently exploring new sustainable directions for his company and would gain a lot from your firsthand experience.

I'll let you two take it from here!

Best,
[Your Name]


Post-Introduction Etiquette: The Follow-Up

The introduction doesn't completely end when you hit "send." Each person involved has a small but important role to play next. Good follow-up etiquette shows professionalism and respect for the relationship you just helped create.

For the Person Who Was Introduced (the Asker)

• Respond Promptly: Reply to the introduction message within 24 hours. Acknowledge your introducer with a quick "Thanks, [Name]!" before addressing the new contact.
• Take the Lead: The responsibility to move the conversation forward is on you. Don't wait for the other person to act. Immediately suggest next steps. For example: "Sarah, it's great to connect. I'd love to find 15 minutes to hear more about your project. If you're open to it, here's a link to my calendar."
• Close the Loop: After your conversation, send a quick, private message a week or two later to the person who introduced you. Thank them again and share how the conversation went. This small act of courtesy is huge for relationship building and makes them more likely to help you again.

For the Expert Contact (the Connectee)

• Acknowledge the Introduction: A brief reply in the group thread is all that's needed. Something like: "Great to meet you, Jamal. Thanks for the intro, [Your Name]!"
• Be Clear About Your Availability: If your time is limited, be upfront about it. It’s perfectly fine to say, "Jamal, nice to connect. This month is packed, but feel free to send over your questions, and I'll do my best to answer via message."

For the Introducer (You)

• Step Back and Let Go: You’ve done your part. Once you've made the connection, your job is complete. Don't hover or ask for updates. Let the two of them build their own rapport from here. You successfully acted as a bridge, and now your work is done.

Final Thoughts

Success on LinkedIn doesn't come from having the most connections, it comes from having strong, trusted relationships. Acting as a thoughtful and professional connector is one of the best ways to build that trust. By always getting a double opt-in, crafting a clear and value-driven message, and graciously stepping aside, you cement your reputation as someone who builds bridges, not noise.

Managing a strong professional presence on LinkedIn - and across all your social channels - means showing up consistently and engaging thoughtfully. I created Postbase to make that simpler for professionals and brands. We provide a clean, visual calendar to plan your content, a unified inbox to manage your comments and DMs without the chaos, and reliable scheduling so you can focus more time on human-to-human connection - like the kind that starts with a powerful introduction.