How To Introduce Someone On LinkedIn: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Does "Introducing Someone on LinkedIn" Actually Mean?

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When people talk about how to introduce someone on LinkedIn, they're usually referring to one of two methods: using LinkedIn's built-in introduction feature or manually connecting two people through a message.

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LinkedIn's Introduction Feature is the platform's formal tool that lets you request an introduction to someone through a mutual connection. It's essentially asking a shared contact to make the connection on your behalf.

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Manual LinkedIn Introductions happen when you directly message two contacts separately or create a group message to connect them. This gives you more control over the messaging and context.

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Here's when each approach makes sense:

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Use LinkedIn's introduction feature when:

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• You want a formal, trackable introduction request.
  
  
• The mutual connection might need time to consider the request.
  
  
• You're reaching out to senior executives or hard-to-reach prospects.

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Use manual introductions when:

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• You have a strong relationship with both parties.
  
  
• The introduction is time-sensitive.
  
  
• You want to provide detailed context that doesn't fit LinkedIn's character limits.

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Why warm introductions beat cold outreach

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The numbers tell the story. Warm introductions through mutual connections have a 70% higher response rate than cold LinkedIn messages. 

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When you introduce people on LinkedIn with context and credibility, you're transferring trust from your existing relationship to the new connection.

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We've seen this firsthand while managing outreach for over 10,000 clients. Strategic introductions combined with targeted messaging consistently outperform generic cold outreach by 3-5x in meeting conversion rates.

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The key is knowing when to leverage your network versus when to reach out directly.

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‍Read More: How to Build a LinkedIn Lead Engine (Without Paying for Ads)

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When You Should (and Shouldn't) Introduce Someone on LinkedIn

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Knowing how to introduce people on LinkedIn starts with understanding when an introduction actually makes sense.

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Best use cases for LinkedIn introductions

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1. Sales introductions: When a prospect could genuinely benefit from your contact's product or service, a warm introduction cuts through the noise. We use this strategy constantly at Cleverly, where targeted introductions help our clients book qualified meetings with decision-makers at companies like Amazon, Google, and PayPal.

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2. Hiring and recruiting: Connecting talented professionals with hiring managers creates value for both sides. If you know someone actively looking and have a contact with an open role, an introduction can fast-track the process.

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3. Partnerships and referrals: When two businesses or professionals could create mutual value, facilitating that connection strengthens your network and positions you as a connector.

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When introductions can backfire

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Making unsolicited introductions without context damages your credibility with both parties. Here's when to hold back:

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• You don't know both people well enough to vouch for them.
  
  
• One person hasn't given you permission to share their contact information.
  
  
• The value proposition is unclear or one-sided.
  
  
• You're introducing too frequently and becoming known as a spam connector.

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Always get permission first

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Before you introduce someone on LinkedIn, ask both parties if they're open to connecting. 

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A simple "Would you be open to an introduction to [name] who does [relevant context]?" respects everyone's time and inbox.

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This permission-based approach maintains trust in your network and ensures introductions are welcomed rather than tolerated.

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‍Check These: High-Converting LinkedIn InMail Templates to Boost Your Outreach Success

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How to Introduce Someone on LinkedIn (Step-by-Step)

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Here's exactly how do you make an introduction on LinkedIn that gets responses and creates real value. Follow these five steps to make professional introductions that both parties will appreciate.

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Step 1: Confirm Mutual Connections

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Before you can introduce someone on LinkedIn through the platform's introduction feature, you need a mutual connection. LinkedIn requires this to prevent spam and maintain network quality.

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To check for shared connections:

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• Visit the profile of the person you want to be introduced to
  
  
• Look for the "Mutual Connections" section below their headline
  
  
• Click to see your shared contacts
  
  
• Identify who has the strongest relationship with both parties

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If you don't have a mutual connection, you'll need to use a direct message approach or consider cold outreach instead.

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Step 2: Ask Both Parties for Permission

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This step separates professional connectors from amateur spammers. Always get consent before making any introduction.

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Permission message framework:

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"Hey [Name], I know someone who [specific relevant context]. Would you be open to an introduction? No pressure either way."

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Keep it short and give them an easy out. Respect their time and inbox. Getting a "yes" from both sides before proceeding protects your reputation and ensures the introduction lands well.

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Step 3: Choose the Right Introduction Method

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How do you make an introduction on LinkedIn? You have three options, and each works best in different situations.

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LinkedIn's introduction request feature:

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• Best for: Formal introductions to senior executives or when you're not closely connected to the intermediary
  
  
• How it works: Click "Get introduced" on their profile and select your mutual connection

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Group message (connecting both parties):

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• Best for: When you know both people well and want to provide context upfront
  
  
• How it works: Create a new LinkedIn message and add both contacts

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1:1 handoff approach:

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• Best for: Sensitive introductions or when detailed context is needed
  
  
• How it works: Message each person separately with context, then connect them if both agree

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We typically use the group message approach for client introductions because it's efficient and transparent. We've found this method generates the highest response rates when both parties already expect the connection.

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Step 4: Write a Clear, Neutral Introduction Message

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Your introduction message should give both parties exactly what they need to continue the conversation without you.

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What to include:

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• Both people's names and relevant titles/companies
  
  
• Specific reason for the connection
  
  
• One concrete detail about why they should talk
  
  
• Clear next step

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What to avoid:

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• Over-selling either party
  
  
• Writing a novel with excessive background
  
  
• Making promises about outcomes
  
  
• Using pushy language or pressure tactics

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Example framework:

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"[Name A], meet [Name B]. [Name A] is working on [specific challenge], and [Name B] has experience with [relevant solution]. I thought you two should connect. I'll let you take it from here."

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Stay neutral and factual. Your job is to open the door, not close the deal.

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Step 5: Step Back and Let the Conversation Flow

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Once you've made the introduction, get out of the way. Seriously.

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The fastest way to kill momentum is continuing to participate in a conversation that no longer needs you. Make the intro, then let both parties engage directly.

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When to follow up:

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Only if one or both parties specifically ask you to. Otherwise, trust that professionals will handle their own conversation.

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When not to follow up:

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Don't check in after a few days asking "Did you two connect?" Don't insert yourself back into the thread with additional ideas. Don't ask for updates unless it directly impacts you.

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Your reputation as a connector improves when people can trust you to make valuable introductions without strings attached.

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‍Also Check: LinkedIn Personal Branding - How to Build Authority & Attract Opportunities

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Best Practices for LinkedIn Introductions That Build Trust (and Common Mistakes to Avoid)

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Knowing how to introduce someone on LinkedIn is one thing. Doing it in a way that strengthens your professional reputation is another. 

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Best practices for successful LinkedIn introductions:

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1. Keep it short and value-driven. Your introduction message should take 30 seconds to read. Get to the point quickly: who these people are, why they should connect, and what the potential value is. Nobody has time for a three-paragraph backstory.

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2. Never oversell either party. Resist the urge to hype up your contacts with exaggerated claims. Saying someone is "the best in the industry" or "will definitely solve all your problems" sets unrealistic expectations. Stick to factual, relevant credentials.

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3. Skip the pressure and expectations. Phrases like "I'm sure you'll want to work together" or "This should be a perfect fit" add unnecessary weight to the introduction. Let both parties evaluate the opportunity without your assumptions attached.

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4. Use a professional, neutral tone. You're facilitating a connection, not selling. Keep your language straightforward and unbiased. Think of yourself as the LinkedIn equivalent of a mutual friend at a networking event who makes a quick introduction then steps aside.

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This approach has helped us facilitate thousands of successful connections while managing LinkedIn outreach for clients across every industry. Clean, professional introductions build long-term trust in your network.

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Common mistakes that damage your credibility:

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1. Making introductions without permission is the fastest way to annoy both parties and look unprofessional. Always ask first. An unsolicited intro feels like spam, even when it's well-intentioned.

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2. Being vague or overly promotional leaves people confused about why they're being connected. "You two should definitely meet!" with no context wastes everyone's time. On the flip side, a sales pitch disguised as an introduction is transparent and off-putting.

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3. Introducing irrelevant connections because you're trying to be helpful actually does the opposite. If there's no clear, mutual benefit, don't force it. Quality over quantity applies to introductions just as much as it does to LinkedIn lead generation overall.

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4. Treating introductions like sales pitches destroys trust fast. Your contacts aren't leads for you to distribute. They're professionals who deserve respect and context. When you introduce someone on LinkedIn with integrity, both parties remember you as a valuable connector.

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How Cleverly Uses LinkedIn Relationships to Create Warm Opportunities

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Strategic introductions are powerful, but what if you could systematically turn LinkedIn connections into qualified meetings at scale?

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That's exactly what we do at Cleverly. We've mastered LinkedIn lead generation by combining warm relationship-building with targeted outreach that actually gets responses.

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What makes our approach different:

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• $312 million in pipeline revenue generated for 10,000+ clients through strategic LinkedIn outreach.
  
  
• $51.2 million in closed deals by connecting the right people at the right time.
  
  
• Trusted by industry leaders including Amazon, Google, Uber, PayPal, Slack, and Spotify.

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We don't spam inboxes or send generic templates. We build genuine relationships, facilitate meaningful introductions, and book meetings with decision-makers who actually want to talk.

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Our LinkedIn services start at just $397/month.

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Ready to turn your LinkedIn network into a consistent lead generation engine? 

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🚀 Let's talk and help you book more qualified meetings without the guesswork!

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Conclusion

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Learning how to introduce someone on LinkedIn isn't about making as many connections as possible. It's about making the right ones with intention and respect.

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When you prioritize trust over volume, every introduction you make strengthens your professional reputation. Both parties benefit, and you become known as someone who facilitates genuine value, not just another person flooding inboxes.

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The formula is simple: permission +relevance equals successful introductions.

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Ask before you connect people. Make sure there's clear mutual benefit. Keep your message short and neutral. Then step back and let the relationship develop naturally.

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Master this approach, and you'll build a network that actually works for you. People will trust your judgment, welcome your introductions, and remember you as a valuable connector in their professional circle.

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Now go make some meaningful introductions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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