Quick Answer: LinkedIn introduction guide: wait for 3-5 interactions with connector (not immediately after connecting), explain mutual benefit, provide draft message they can forward, give context so they can advocate. Introductions get 10x response rates vs cold outreach. Handle any answer gracefully.
LinkedIn introductions leverage social proof and trust transfer to achieve 10x higher response rates than cold outreach—but poorly executed requests damage connector relationships and rarely succeed. Optimal execution requires patience—waiting for 3-5 meaningful interactions with connector before asking establishes reciprocity foundation—and strategic framing making ask effortless through clear mutual benefit explanation and draft message they can forward. Context provides connector with credibility ammunition: brief background on why you're reaching out helps them advocate effectively rather than blindly forwarding request. Handling responses gracefully (whether yes or no) preserves relationship: respect connector's judgment without pressure or guilt-tripping maintains goodwill regardless of outcome. This approach maximizes introduction success while protecting valuable connector relationships—win-win rather than extractive transaction.
Marcus had been staring at Jessica's profile for 20 minutes. She was a VP at his dream company, but he didn't have a connection. Then he noticed: his former colleague David knew her well. They'd worked together for years.
He could ask David for an introduction... but what if it seemed pushy? What if David said no? What if Jessica thought he was being weird?
Marcus closed LinkedIn. The opportunity slipped away.
If you've ever wanted to ask for a linkedin introduction but didn't know how to do it without feeling awkward, you're not alone. The good news? There's a proven framework that makes introduction requests feel natural for everyone involved.
Why Introduction Requests Feel Awkward (And Why They Shouldn't)
Most people avoid asking for introductions because they worry about:
- Seeming entitled: "Why should this person help me?"
- Putting someone in an uncomfortable position: "What if they don't actually want to introduce me?"
- Looking desperate: "Will this make me seem like I'm begging?"
- Damaging the relationship: "What if they say no and things get weird?"
Here's the truth: asking for introductions is normal professional behavior. People expect it. In fact, many professionals are happy to make introductions when asked appropriately—it makes them feel helpful and builds their social capital.
The key is asking in a way that makes it easy for them to say yes (or no) gracefully.
The 4-Step Introduction Request Framework
This framework works for any introduction request, whether you're reaching out cold, warming up a connection, or following up after meeting someone. Use ANDI's relationship tracking to note when you asked and follow up appropriately.
Step 1: Establish Context and Permission
Start by acknowledging your mutual connection and asking permission before making the actual request.
Example:
"Hi David, hope you're doing well! I noticed you're connected with Jessica Chen at [Company]. Would it be okay if I asked you about potentially making an introduction?"
Why this works: You're not assuming they'll say yes. You're giving them space to opt in or out gracefully.
Step 2: Explain Why (Specifically)
Be clear and specific about why you want to connect with this person. Vague requests ("I'd love to pick her brain") are harder to facilitate than specific ones.
Example:
"I'm currently exploring opportunities in product marketing, and Jessica's work on the [specific project/campaign] really stood out to me. I'd love to learn more about how she approaches [specific aspect] and get her perspective on breaking into the field."
Why this works: Specific reasons make it easier for your contact to pitch you to the other person. They can say, "Hey Jessica, I have a connection who's really interested in your work on X—would you be open to a brief chat?"
Step 3: Make It Easy for Them
Reduce friction by providing everything they need to make the introduction seamless.
Example:
"If you're comfortable making an introduction, here's a short blurb you can use (feel free to edit):"
"Hi Jessica, I wanted to introduce you to Marcus Johnson. Marcus is a marketing specialist with 5 years of experience who's currently transitioning into product marketing. He's been following your work on the [Campaign Name] and would love to chat with you briefly about your approach to positioning and messaging. Would you be open to a 15-minute coffee chat with him?"
"No pressure at all—totally understand if the timing doesn't work!"
Why this works: You've done the work for them. They can literally copy-paste this message or lightly edit it. The easier you make it, the more likely they'll say yes.
Step 4: Give Them an Out (And Mean It)
Always provide a graceful exit that doesn't damage your relationship.
Example:
"If now's not a good time or if you'd rather not, I completely understand—no worries at all! I just wanted to check. Either way, I really appreciate you considering it."
Why this works: You're making it clear there's no obligation. This actually makes people more likely to help because they don't feel trapped.
The Complete Introduction Request Template
Here's the full template you can adapt:
"Hi [Mutual Connection],
Hope you're doing well! I noticed you're connected with [Target Person] at [Company]. Would it be okay if I asked you about potentially making an introduction?
I'm currently [your situation: job searching, exploring a career change, building expertise in X, etc.] and [Target Person]'s work on [specific project or expertise area] really stands out. I'd love to learn more about [specific topic] and get their perspective on [specific question].
If you're comfortable making an introduction, here's a short blurb you can use (feel free to edit):
"Hi [Target], I wanted to introduce you to [Your Name]. [One sentence about you]. [They/He/She] is really interested in [specific aspect of their work] and would love to chat with you briefly about [specific topic]. Would you be open to a 15-20 minute coffee chat?"
If now's not a good time or if you'd prefer not to, I completely understand—no worries at all! Either way, I really appreciate you considering it.
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]"
When to Ask for Introductions (And When Not To)
DO ask for introductions when:
- You have a specific, legitimate reason for wanting to connect (not just "networking")
- Your mutual connection knows both of you well enough to vouch for you
- You're genuinely interested in the person's expertise or experience
- You can clearly articulate what you're looking for (advice, informational interview, collaboration)
- You're willing to respect the other person's time and boundaries
DON'T ask for introductions when:
- You barely know the mutual connection (you connected last week)
- Your request is vague ("I'd love to connect" without explaining why)
- You're asking for something transactional (sales pitch, immediate job favor)
- The timing is clearly bad (your contact just posted about being overwhelmed)
- You could reasonably reach out directly instead (sometimes introductions aren't necessary)
Learn more about LinkedIn networking etiquette to avoid common mistakes.
What Happens After They Say Yes?
If your contact agrees to make the introduction:
- Thank them immediately and genuinely
- Wait for the actual introduction (don't reach out to the person directly yet)
- Respond promptly when the introduction is made (within 24 hours)
- Keep your mutual connection in the loop initially, then move to a separate thread
- Follow through quickly on scheduling—don't waste their social capital
- Report back to your mutual connection afterward ("Thanks again for the intro—had a great conversation with Jessica!")
Response template after introduction is made:
"Thanks so much for the introduction, [Mutual Connection]!
Hi [Target Person], it's great to connect! As [Mutual Connection] mentioned, I'm really interested in [specific topic] and would love to hear your perspective.
Would you have 15-20 minutes for a quick coffee chat in the next couple of weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Thanks for considering it!
[Your Name]"
When to Skip the Introduction and Reach Out Directly
Sometimes asking for an introduction is overkill. You might be better off reaching out directly if:
- The person is active on LinkedIn and responds to connection requests
- You have strong common ground (same school, industry, interest)
- Your mutual connection doesn't know one of you very well
- The person's profile indicates they're open to conversations (Creator Mode, "Open to Connect")
In these cases, send a thoughtful connection request with a personalized note referencing your shared connection. Example: "Hi Jessica, I noticed we're both connected with David Martinez. I've been following your work on [topic] and would love to connect!"
For more strategies on making connections, check out our guide on connection request templates that work.
Common Introduction Request Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not asking permission first
Sending a blurb and saying "Can you forward this to Jessica?" assumes they'll say yes. Always ask permission first.
2. Making it about you
Bad: "I need a job at her company."
Good: "I'd love to learn from her experience in product marketing."
3. Being vague
Bad: "I'd love to pick her brain."
Good: "I'd love to understand how she approaches competitive positioning."
4. Asking for too much
Don't ask for an introduction AND a referral AND a job lead in the same message. Start small.
5. Forgetting to thank your connector
Always loop back and thank the person who made the introduction, regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Introductions
How well do I need to know someone before asking for an introduction?
You should have an established relationship—not just a LinkedIn connection. Ideal candidates: former colleagues, classmates, people you've had substantive conversations with, or connections who have offered to help in the past.
What if they say no or ignore my request?
Don't take it personally. They might not know the person well enough, feel uncomfortable making introductions, or simply be too busy. Thank them anyway and move on. Your relationship should remain intact if you gave them a graceful out.
How long should I wait before following up?
Give them 5-7 days. People are busy and introductions aren't urgent. If you don't hear back after a week, you can send one gentle follow-up: "Hey [Name], just wanted to check if you saw my message about potentially introducing me to Jessica. No worries if you'd prefer not to—totally understand!"
Should I offer something in return for the introduction?
You don't need to make it transactional, but offering to help them in the future is a nice touch: "If there's ever anything I can do to return the favor, please let me know!"
Can I ask the same person for multiple introductions?
Yes, but space them out. Don't ask for three introductions in the same month. Wait a few months between requests, and always report back on how previous introductions went.
Related Reading
- Connection Request Templates - Direct outreach strategies when you don't have a mutual connection
- Coffee Chat Request Scripts - What to say once you've been introduced
- Networking for Introverts - Low-pressure approaches to building relationships
