Ahem . . . so at least one of us here at Wild Pacific PR has been breaking some major email introduction etiquette. Even PR experts make personal networking mistakes. Perhaps you have experienced a bad email introduction? That awkward spot when you feel obligated to follow-up with someone because "so-and-so" boldly suggested you should connect via email.
A recent article posted by Anand Sanwal on CB Insights is a great break-down of the perfect email intro. It involves this important step: the "opt-in."
1) Make sure both parties have the chance to "opt-in." A double opt-in is considerate of everyone involved. Perhaps one or more person does not (thankyouverymuch) want to be connected by you. If you send requests to introduce them - separately - you may discover one party does not have the time or interest. Better safe than sorry.
2) Be sure to provide specific context of why either party may be interesting to the other when you email an ask. This is important.
3) Spell out your respect of both party's busy schedules: "I know your schedule is tight . . " Don't assume people have time to follow-up with anyone.
Read the full article here for a great play-by-play example. It may be a little more work on your part, but the etiquette will pay-off in the long-run.
We're off to practice our new skills right now . . .
"Single opt-in intros are lazy and disrespectful and make you a terrible person. Good people do double opt-in intros." -- Anand Sanwal