Ask the requester what they want to discuss, then privately check whether the contact welcomes an introduction. Make no promise of a meeting before that answer. If both agree, share relevant context and let them arrange the next step without implying you guarantee a response.
A friend asks you to introduce them to someone you know professionally. You want to be helpful, but you do not know whether the contact is available or interested. Sending both people a message immediately would make that decision for them.
Ask the friend for a brief explanation of what they want to discuss. Pass that explanation to the contact privately and ask whether an introduction would be welcome. Avoid promising the friend a meeting before the contact answers.
Keep the offer within what you know
If the contact agrees, introduce the two people with the relevant context and let them arrange the next step. You do not need to manage the conversation unless you have separately offered to do so.
If the contact declines or does not reply, tell your friend the introduction is not available. There may be a public route they can use instead. Share it if you know one, without implying that your name guarantees a response or that the contact owes either of you their time.
An introduction request from a friend
An illustrative exampleImagine a friend asking to meet someone you know professionally. Ask for a short explanation of the topic and why that contact seems relevant. Send the explanation privately through an appropriate channel, asking whether an introduction would be welcome. If the contact agrees, introduce them with the context both need and let them choose a next step. If there is no reply or the answer is no, tell your friend the introduction is unavailable. You may know a public contact route they can use, but avoid suggesting your name guarantees attention. The introduction involves another person's time, so your willingness to help is only one part of the arrangement.
Check before connecting people
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When the requester wants certainty
Explain what you can offer: asking whether an introduction is welcome. You cannot promise interest or availability on another person's behalf. Keep any follow-up proportionate to the contact's normal expectations, and accept a decline without arguing for access. If the introduction involves confidential details, check what may be shared before sending them. An unanswered request can remain unanswered; give your friend accurate information so they can choose another route rather than assuming a meeting is being arranged behind the scenes.
Define the introduction offer
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