“Hi! How are you? I know you don't know me very well, but can you take a few hours to put your reputation on the line and introduce me to everyone in your network so that I can pitch them my multilevel marketing business idea?”
Ahh, online introductions.
Done right — proper online introductions can lead to more business and great friendships.
Done poorly — you risk getting blacklisted by the very influencers you seek to connect with.
Yeah — I've had people send me emails like the quote above.
Worse are ones that are super long from people I barely know with no action request — it takes me 15 minutes to decipher what they even want from me!
The fact is, many online introductions are done VERY poorly.
It's not entirely the same as making introductions in real life. Granted, some rules carry over — but the online environment has its own norms, pitfalls, and expectations. That's why I wanted to be ultra-specific here.
Here are 7 no-brainer tips on how to make proper online introductions — so the next time this situation comes up, you're well-equipped.
Tip #1 — Ask Before You Introduce
Before you go off making introductions, make sure the introduction is even wanted. Some people have so much opportunity coming their way that another introduction is the last thing they need.
When you're just starting out, take the simple step of asking the person you want to introduce if they're open to it. It sounds like a no-brainer — and it is — but it's a step most people skip.
If someone approaches you wanting an introduction but the other party has too much on their plate, be honest. Go back and say you can't make it happen right now — they'll respect that more than a half-hearted intro.
Also worth noting: if you introduce everyone to everyone, you dilute your own network value. Be selective. That selectivity is what makes your introductions worth something.
Tip #2 — Make Sure It's Mutually Useful
Every introduction you make should create value for both parties. Not just one.
I've seen plenty of introductions where one person has nothing to gain — they're just doing a favor for the person who asked. That puts the introducer in a bad light and wastes everyone's time.
Ask yourself: does Person A genuinely benefit from meeting Person B, and vice versa? If the answer isn't a clear yes on both sides, reconsider whether this introduction should happen at all.
Tip #3 — Always Be Respectful
When you make the introduction, the order matters. Introduce the less established person to the more established one first — not the other way around.
If both parties are on a similar level, defer to age — introduce the younger person to the older one as a sign of respect. These rules stem from classic in-person etiquette, but they translate seamlessly to online introductions.
Tip #4 — Use the Right Name
Some people go by a nickname with friends and a professional name in business. Always use the name they want to be introduced by — especially in a professional context.
Double-check the spelling. A misspelled name in an introduction is a small thing that makes a big negative impression.
Tip #5 — Share the Right Contact Information
Getting someone's name right isn't enough — their contact details matter just as much. It's incredibly frustrating to be introduced to someone but given a wrong or outdated email address.
More importantly: only share contact information the person has explicitly authorized you to share. Some people have personal email addresses or private phone numbers they reserve for close contacts. Don't assume it's fine to pass those along just because you have them.
When in doubt, ask. It takes 30 seconds and keeps you out of awkward territory.
Tip #6 — Keep It Short and Sweet
I've personally received online introductions that were over a thousand words long. I don't have time to read that. Most people don't.
Your job as the introducer is to answer one question for each party: why is this person relevant to you? That can — and should — be accomplished in one to two sentences. No full bios. No LinkedIn summaries. No college history.
Respect the other person's time. A tight, clear, one-line intro lands far better than a rambling wall of text.
Tip #7 — Hand Off and Step Back
After the introduction is made, your job is done. Say something simple like: “I'll let you two take it from here!” — and mean it.
This matters for a practical reason: if you don't formally hand things off, you risk being CC'd on every email going forward. A clean exit keeps everyone's inbox clean and signals that you've done your part professionally.
Give yourself a pat on the back — you made the connection. Now let it breathe.
Quick-Reference: Online Introduction Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Ask first | Confirm both parties want the introduction |
| 2. Check mutual value | Both sides should benefit |
| 3. Respect the order | Junior to senior; younger to older |
| 4. Use the right name | Professional name, correct spelling |
| 5. Right contact info | Only share what they've authorized |
| 6. Keep it brief | One to two sentences max |
| 7. Hand off cleanly | Excuse yourself from the thread |
Those are 7 practical, no-nonsense tips for making online introductions that actually work. Get these right and you'll build a reputation as someone worth knowing — and worth introducing to.
Click the link below to watch the video for even more detail on online introduction etiquette.
Want to sharpen your networking and communication skills further? Join the RMRS Skool community — where we dig into the habits and social skills that separate good men from great ones.
