A good email introduction can change someone's career. A bad one creates an awkward obligation that both people resent.
The difference comes down to structure, context, and one critical step most people skip.
The Double Opt-In Rule
Before you introduce two people, ask both of them if they want the intro. This is non-negotiable.
Don't just cc two strangers and say "You two should connect!" That puts both of them in an awkward position where they feel obligated to respond to someone they didn't ask to meet.
Step 1: Message Person A: "I'd like to introduce you to [Person B]. They're [context]. Would that be useful?"
Step 2: Message Person B: "I know someone who [context]. Would it be helpful if I made an intro?"
Step 3: Once both say yes, make the intro.
This takes 30 extra seconds and prevents 100% of awkward intros.
The Intro Email Format
Once both sides opt in, the intro email itself should be short and give both people enough context to start a conversation.
Introducing a founder to a potential advisor
“Hey guys! I want to introduce you two. Sarah, meet James. James, meet Sarah. You're both great people and I think you'd really enjoy getting to know each other. I'll let you guys take it from here!”
“Sarah, meet James Chen. He's the CTO at Relay and has scaled their engineering team from 5 to 40 over the past year. James, Sarah Park is building Lighthouse, an AI tool for engineering managers. She's looking for advice on her first engineering leadership hire. I thought James's recent experience would be directly relevant. I'll let you two take it from here. Moving myself to BCC.”
The first intro gives neither person any reason to respond. The second one tells each person exactly why the other is relevant and gives them a natural conversation starter.
The Formula
Line 1: "[Person A], meet [Person B]."
Use full names and don't assume they know each other.
Line 2-3: Context for Person B
Who they are, what they do, and why Person A should care. One to two sentences.
Line 3-4: Context for Person A
Same thing in reverse. Why Person B should care about connecting with Person A.
Line 5: Why this intro makes sense
The specific connection point. What they have in common or how they can help each other.
Line 6: "Moving myself to BCC"
This signals that you're stepping out and they should take it from here. It also reduces email clutter.
Common Mistakes
No context. "You two should connect!" Why? Give them a reason.
Too much context. Three paragraphs about each person's life story. Keep it to 2-3 sentences per person.
Not moving to BCC. If you stay on the thread, every reply-all includes you. Move to BCC so they can talk freely.
One-sided intros. If only one person benefits, it's not an intro. It's a favor request disguised as networking. Be upfront about that.
Mass intros. Don't introduce someone to five people at once. Each intro should feel intentional.
When NOT to Make an Intro
- When either person hasn't opted in
- When the intro only benefits one side and you haven't acknowledged that
- When you don't know one (or both) people well enough to vouch for them
- When the person is clearly busy or has asked not to receive intros
- When the connection is a stretch ("You both work in tech!" is not enough)
The Follow-Up
After making an intro, check in with both sides a week later. A simple "Did you two connect?" shows you care and helps if the email got buried.
Let ColdCheck Write the Intro
You know why these two people should meet. Putting it into a clean email is the hard part.
"Introducing Sarah Park (building AI tool for eng managers, looking for first eng leadership hire) to James Chen (CTO at Relay, scaled eng team from 5 to 40). They both opted in. Want to give each person context about the other and explain why it's relevant."
ColdCheck formats it properly, gives both sides context, and writes it in your voice. Clean, professional, takes 30 seconds.
Make intros that actually connect
Describe both people and why they should meet. Get a clean intro email in seconds.
The Bottom Line
Good intros are specific, double-opted-in, and give both people context and a reason to respond. Bad intros are vague, one-sided, and create obligations nobody asked for.
Take the extra 30 seconds to do it right. Both people will remember you for making a thoughtful connection, not an awkward one.