A couple of weeks ago someone asked for an introduction to another person in my network. She asked for my opinion on this person, and it was favorable so I did the introduction. I got an email this morning that they’ve met, had a great time and person B got a great speaking engagement out of the deal. It was a great quick two-line email completing that introduction circle.
I often get introduced to people who end up being a great connection, or at the very least, good to know and be aware of in the community. And while I’m good (I hope) at following up with the person I met and sending them any information I said I would, or connecting them to someone else, I’m usually pretty crappy at circling back with the person who introduced us.
I ran into a friend last week at a luncheon and he asked if I knew someone, and I realized HE had introduced me to this person. Whoops, guess I didn’t circle back to thank him for the connection.
I know it’s one more step and easy to forget or leave out, but when I introduce two people, I honestly think they’ll be a great fit and should know each other. I’d like the feedback of “that was great, thanks” and I’d also like the “that person’s an idiot what were you thinking.” So, the next time you meet a new person for coffee, text/tweet/fb/email the person who connected you and thank them. And also let them know if it wasn’t a good connection. No one wants to waste another person’s time or send them the wrong leads.