8 Tips for Turning Email Introductions Into Actual Relationships

Because you're going to need some help building your professional network.

learn more about Gabe Lozano

By Gabe Lozano

Shutterstock

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

If you're a budding entrepreneur, it's a lucky thing if an established, successful entrepreneur shows interest in being your mentor. One of the most important things a seasoned businessperson can do for you is to make introductions to fellow entrepreneurs who might be able to help you, the business hopeful, on your way.

A first-time introduction can be a delicate dance that allows the introducer to size you up and see how you handle the interaction. If you make him or her look good, you'll most likely receive a stream of follow-on introductions -- a great start to building your professional network. But if you blow it, you're unlikely to get a second chance.

Here, some tips for acting like a pro from the get-go and, consequently, receiving further introductions:

Related: How to Get a Job, Meet Influencers and Find a New BFF at Your Next Conference

1. Respond to an introduction within minutes

World-class entrepreneurs always seem to be dialed in. If you can't respond quickly when selling yourself, one can only imagine how your communication habits are lacking during other, equally critical situations. Don't try to play it cool by waiting hours or days to respond.

2. When the introducer requests information from you, respond promptly

I keep a running top 10 list encompassing my entire professional and personal life, and my priorities change daily. I'm not unique in that respect -- everyone's priorities evolve, which means you have a limited window before falling out of someone's top 10.

If you've been offered an introduction, but they require more information from you before making it, it's in your best interest to act quickly.

3. In your first reply, put your introducer in the bcc line

Nothing's worse than being cc'd in a back-and-forth thread, particularly as other parties firm up a meeting time. Clogging up someone's inbox with irrelevant emails not only makes you look like an amateur but also wastes people's time.

4. Proof your response before sending

Sloppy emails create a negative first impression. Demonstrating superior writing skills, however, is a great way to make yourself look professional and capable.

Related: Potential Referrals Are All Around You. Pay Attention

5. Be concise and specific

Introduce yourself, include a specific ask and provide any pertinent details -- all in a few sentences. Getting straight to the point demonstrates that you know how to be efficient.

6. If you're offered a time to meet, take it

Remember that you're the one selling -- not the other way around. Punting on meeting times demonstrates it's not a top priority for you and shouldn't be for them either. I skipped a party the night before my own wedding which resulted in my first investor check.

7. Don't drop the damn ball

Remember that your reputation -- but also that of the person who stuck out his or her neck getting you the meeting in the first place -- is at stake. Be willing to go to extremes to follow through.

8. Follow up

Once there's something substantive to report, send an update email to the person who made the introduction. Maybe even say thanks. The update doesn't have to be long, just a few sentences describing the outcome. A positive report will likely land you another introduction.

Related: 19 Ways To 'Kill It' at Your Next Networking Event

Gabe Lozano

Tech entrepreneur. Co-Founder, CEO of LockerDome. Co-Founder of GlobalHack.

Gabe Lozano heads LockerDome, a social media platform built around what you like, as opposed to who you know. More than 40 million people per month use LockerDome to discover, collect and engage around things they like with others who share the same passions. MarketWatch called LockerDome a “future Wall Street darling.” Forbes magazine named it a "2013 Sports Names You Need to Know.” And AdWeek declared the company “in the sweet spot of the digital revolution.” Lozano is also the co-founder of GlobalHack, a non-profit organization that hosts quarterly hackathons and product competitions to spur innovation and foster technology talent. Learn more at lockerdome.com and globlahack.org.

 

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Leadership

How to Detect a Liar in Seconds Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many ways to understand if someone is not honest with you. The following signs do not even require words and are all nonverbal queues.

Business News

American Airlines Sued After Teen Dies of Heart Attack Onboard Flight to Miami

Kevin Greenridge was traveling from Honduras to Miami on June 4, 2022, on AA Flight 614 when he went into cardiac arrest and became unconscious mid-flight.

Business News

Jake Paul and Lindsay Lohan Fined $400,000 for 'Illegally Touting' Crypto

The SEC just disclosed that eight celebrities agreed to a massive settlement without admitting guilt.

Marketing

After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.

Author Karen Inglis breaks down the strategies and tactics you need to generate awareness and sales for your self-published book.

Business News

Would You Buy Maggie Murdaugh's Monogrammed Snake Print Pillows? Items From the Murdaugh Family Home Are Going Up for Auction

The sale comes just weeks after Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son Paul Murdaugh.