Credibility Starts Here

Last month, a woman I met years ago, let’s call her Tara, asked me to introduce her to Tom, someone I know well. They had both worked at the same company for decades before moving on. Tom was recruited to a new company. Tara and her team were laid off. She was consulting, but she wanted a permanent role, so she reached out to me for an introduction. I asked Tom, “Would you be open to meeting with her?” He said, “Sure, happy to.”

Side bar: I am known for making purposeful, valuable introductions. And you know this, when you introduce people, your personal capital is on the line. It’s not life or death, but it matters.

Here’s the email I sent with slight editing. For instance, I did use their last names. I hyperlinked to their LinkedIn page, and I used the names of the companies involved.

Here we go.

Hi Tara and Tom,

I’m delighted to introduce you as former colleagues.

Tara, Tom had a stellar 30+ year career at your previous company where he made a big impact. He’s now at a new organization, working with former colleagues who are thrilled he joined.

Tom, Tara has also had a strong career in finance & change management. We met when I presented The Confidence Project to a group of women leaders, and we’ve stayed in occasional touch.

Tom, thank you for agreeing to meet with Tara. I’ll let you two take it from here.

All the best,

Tracy

Tara’s reply? Terrible. Embarrassing for me! Here's what she said:

Thank you Tracy!

Hey Tom, 

I’d love to grab coffee or a drink and pick your brain. Possible? 

Thanks, 

- Tara 

No. First, it's way too casual.  And never say you want to “pick someone’s brain.” That is gross.

Here’s a confident, professional alternative:

Hi Tracy,

Thank you for introducing Tom and me. I’ll move you to BCC to keep your inbox clear.

Tom, glad to meet you. I’ll reach out separately to find a good time for us to connect.

Until then, all the best to you both,

- Tara

Then, to Tom:

Subject Line: Thanks to Tracy Hooper

Hi Tom,

Thanks to Tracy Hooper for connecting us.

Congratulations on your career transition. I’d love to hear about your experiences and any guidance you might have as I consider my next steps. Would you be available for a 30-minute Virtual Coffee? If so, please send some open times on your calendar and I'll make it happen.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,

--Tara

It's short, friendly, grateful, and confident. Try it!

If you’re interested in bringing The Confidence Project to your team or exploring 1:1 Advising, let’s set up a Discovery Call.

Thanks for reading!