How Do You Make an Introduction on LinkedIn?
This guide is for anyone who wants to use LinkedIn the right way: founders, operators, job seekers, recruiters, and everyday professionals who know introductions are the lifeblood of opportunity.
We’ll cover two main things:
Primary intent: introduce two people or yourself via LinkedIn messages
LinkedIn is a networking platform. The most valuable move you can make is creating a warm bridge between two people who can help each other. That’s the “currency” of social capital.
Secondary intent: edit the “Introduction” section of your profile
We’ll also touch on editing your own profile’s intro (headline, location, etc.) so that when people check you out after an introduction, you actually look credible.
How do you make an introduction on LinkedIn? The quick answer
If you don’t want to deep dive, here’s the short version:
1) Ask both parties for permission (double opt-in)
No blind intros. It’s lazy, it’s presumptuous, and it creates awkwardness. Always check with both sides first.
2) Open a group message or share a profile with context
On desktop or mobile, either start a group chat or send someone else’s profile with your added notes.
3) Provide a concise reason and clear next step
Why are you connecting them? What should they do next? One or two sentences is enough.
4) Exit gracefully and let them take it from there
Don’t hover. Don’t micromanage. Just step aside and let them continue privately.
Step-by-step: Introduce two people on LinkedIn (desktop & mobile)
Desktop: Start a group DM and introduce both parties
- Open Messaging
- Click “New message”
- Add both people
- Write your intro: “[Name], meet [Name]. Reason + CTA.”
- Hit send
Desktop: Share a profile inside a DM with context
- Go to the person’s profile
- Click “More” > “Share via message”
- Add context: “I think you two should connect because…”
- Add a clear CTA
Mobile: Group chat and profile sharing steps
Same flow, just more taps: Messaging > New chat > Add both > Drop your intro. Or profile > Share > Add context.
When to move the intro to email and how to do it cleanly
If calendars, attachments, or longer bios are needed switch to email. Write:
“Looping you two over to email so you can coordinate.” Then drop out.
Double opt-in etiquette: why consent matters and how to ask
Introductions without permission can backfire. You don’t know if someone is open to new roles, if they’ve had history with the other person, or if your timing sucks.
When to get permission vs. when a public shoutout is fine
- Private 1:1 intros = always get permission
- Public shoutouts (like tagging two creators in a post) = usually fine, unless sensitive (e.g. job search)
Privacy, pronouns, preferred channels, and time zones
Check details before blasting someone’s info. If they prefer email or Slack, respect that.
Templates to request opt-in from each party
Opt-in request to the person you’re helping
“Hey [Name], I know [Other Name] who [reason]. Want me to connect you two?”
Opt-in request to the person you’re introducing them to
“Hi [Name], a contact of mine ([Other Name]) is [reason]. Would you be open to a quick intro?”
Templates: Copy-and-paste LinkedIn introductions for common scenarios
Here are practical templates for the most common situations:
Connect two people for hiring (candidate → hiring manager)
“Hi [Manager], meet [Candidate]. [Candidate] is [1-sentence background]. Thought this might be a fit. I’ll step back now.”
Connect two peers for partnership or demo
“[Name1], meet [Name2]. Both working on [industry problem]. Worth a quick chat.”
Introduce a former coworker to your current employer
“[Boss], meet [Ex-colleague]. We worked together at [Company]. Solid track record. Thought worth knowing.”
Introduce a product user to a product manager
“[PM], this is [User]. They’ve been using [feature] heavily. Could be a great convo for feedback.”
Introduce someone to a boss or executive
“[Exec], meet [Name]. I believe they can add value around [specific area].”
Introduce someone to a coworker or team lead
“[Coworker], this is [Friend]. They’re exploring opportunities in [field]. Thought you might chat.”
Introduce someone to an alumni contact or group member
“Fellow [School] alum, meet [Name]. Both share [interest].”
Event follow-up intro after meeting at a conference
“[Name1], meet [Name2]. You both chatted at [event]. Following up so you can continue.”
Podcast guest → podcast coordinator
“[Producer], this is [Guest]. They’re confirmed for [episode/topic].”
Short, casual intros vs. formal intros (tone variants)
Casual: “You two should meet. Both crushing it in [space].”
Formal: “Allow me to introduce [Name], who has [credentials]. I believe this could be mutually valuable.”
How to ask someone to introduce you to another person
When to ask, how to lower the ask, and what to include
Don’t say: “Can you intro me to [Big Name]?”
Say: “If you feel comfortable, could you connect me with [Name] for [specific reason]?”
Request templates (mutual connection, alumni, speaker, buyer)
- Mutual: “I saw you know [Name]. Would you be open to introducing us?”
- Alumni: “I noticed you and [Name] both went to [School]. Any chance you’d connect us?”
- Speaker: “I loved your panel with [Name]. Could you intro me?”
- Buyer: “If you think it’s relevant, would you mind introducing me to [decision-maker]?”
Follow-up etiquette if your contact doesn’t respond
Wait a week. Send one light reminder. Then drop it. Don’t nag.
How to introduce yourself on LinkedIn (notes, DMs, InMail)
Connection note: 300-character mini-intros (with examples)
“Hi [Name], I enjoyed your post on [topic]. I’m [your role]. Would love to connect.”
Cold InMail: subject lines that get opened
Keep it human: “Quick question about [topic]” or “Loved your talk at [event].”
After they accept: the right first message
Once they have accepted Don’t pitch. Just say thanks, then ask one relevant question.
Self-intro templates for job search, partnership, mentorship
- Job: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring [field]. Could I ask your perspective on [topic]?”
- Partnership: “I run [X]. I think there’s synergy with [their company]. Open to a chat?”
- Mentorship: “I admire your work in [field]. Would you be open to sharing advice on [topic]?”
Where to make introductions on LinkedIn (and when)
Direct Messages and group chats
Best for 1:1 or 1:2 intros.
Share profile feature with personalized context
Good for quick referrals.
Public posts/shoutouts and when they’re appropriate
Use sparingly. Great for celebrating a hire, collaboration, or launch.
Groups and Events: facilitating intros at scale
If you’re moderating a group, you can tag members to connect them.
Best practices that make your introductions land
- Be relevant: don’t connect randoms.
- Add context: why are you connecting them?
- Keep it brief: one to three sentences.
- Make the “why” obvious: show the overlap.
- Include a clear next step: “Worth a chat” or “Explore collaboration.”
- Give an easy opt-out: “If now’s not the right time, no worries.”
- Be inclusive: check names, pronouns, and titles.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Blind intros without consent
- Oversharing resumes or decks without approval
- Vague goals with no clear reason
- Making it about you instead of them
Follow-up and tracking: ensure your intro succeeds
Who to follow up with and when (light-touch cadence)
Check in with the person you were helping after 1–2 weeks.
Using bookmarks, tags, or a simple CRM to track intros
If you do a lot of intros, track them otherwise they disappear.
How to close the loop and document outcomes
If it led to a job, deal, or project, circle back and acknowledge it.
Advanced: Find the right mutual connections (with and without Sales Navigator)
Search filters, mutuals, and alumni tools
Use LinkedIn filters to find common schools, past companies, and groups.
Sales Navigator workflows and caveats
Advanced search, “view shared experiences,” and CRM integration. Caveat: don’t spam.
FAQ: your top questions about LinkedIn introductions
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Is there an “Introduce” button on LinkedIn?
Not anymore. You use group DMs or profile shares.
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Can I add someone to an existing message?
Yes, but don’t blind-add people.
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Should I switch to email for longer intros?
Yes, once calendars, docs, or long bios come in.
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What if one party doesn’t respond?
Don’t force it. Let it go.
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How long should an introduction message be?
1–3 sentences.
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Can I attach resumes or decks in the first message?
Only if both parties agree.
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How do I withdraw or fix a mistaken intro?
Send a quick correction. Own it.
