One of the key ways networking happens is by asking for an introduction to someone via your professional network or contacts. When asking or making an introduction, there are some critical key steps I recommend to help ensure that the introduction is more likely to be a successful one for all parties.
When you are asked to make an introduction do you light up and think to yourself I'm delighted to make this connection or provide a reference? Or do you feel some level of internal frustration that the introduction the person is seeking isn't a reasonable request.
As a former full time professor at Georgetown University for 10 years and founder of PCDN I receive countless requests on a weekly and sometimes daily basis to consider making introduction and/or provide a connections. Some of these requests are very reasonable and I'm happy to help. Other times the requests make me honestly cringe a bit and I politely decline.
I write this short post for two reasons. First with PCDN we strive to provide the tools, information and resources to help our community build careers of impact. We do this in many ways from our Career Series, our Social Change Career Helping Line, our Social Change Career Podcast and our Career Coaching Services. This post may help as you navigate your career. Second, I know that many positions are filled by networking (by some estimates in DC networking plays a critical role in filling over 80% of positions). Of course one still needs to apply, but having someone put in a good word can help with ensuring your application get a stronger review.
Before getting into some dos and not dos I want to highlight one key guideline when asking someone to provide an introduction, facilitate a connection or reference. The number one rule should be is this is a reasonable request to make based on my connection or relationship to the person I'm asking for assistance? What this means in practice is do you have a pre-existing connection where you know each other, have worked together, or have interacted in a professional or personal capacity (this can be in person or on-line). If the answer is that you've never met the person before this doesn't mean you cannot ask for some assistance, but the request should be a light touch rather than a deep request for assistance.
We are all working for social change and facilitating collaboration is a wonderful endeavor. I'm a natural born connector and love personally meeting with new people from different sectors to learn, share ideas and if appropriate explore potential ways of collaborating. I also enjoy connecting people in a professional matchmaking sense (not romantically, but to see what amazing professional things can be cooked up). In my many years in the social sector and connecting others, I've helped to facilitate some terrific connections that have led to strong collaborations, but there have also been some failures where initial introductions have led to frustrating outcomes (thankfully this has been a small minority of connections).
Here are some key dos and do nots from my experience.
Please Don't Do This When Asking for an Introduction or a Reference
Things to Do When Asking for a Introduction or Reference
These are some recent key reflections regarding effective introductions. It does make a big difference when I receive a reasonable request and write a letter or make an introduction with joy versus the opposite experience.
What has been your experience in asking for help or being the connector? What are your recommendations for others?