When you introduce two people in an email, you want to keep things as professional as you can, especially if it’s a work-related introduction. Even if you know the two people and are casual with them individually, they don’t know each other and you’re the link between them.
Keeping things professional will set the tone for both parties as they navigate their early interactions. Let’s take a look at how you can write a professional email introducing two parties.
Before the Email
Before you begin writing an introduction email, you should confer with both parties. Asking permission is especially important if you’re introducing a senior at the company to someone further down the ladder.
If you introduce a new person to a senior without permission, then either party may need to decline further contact with the other person if they find that they don’t have time to speak to them. This could reflect badly on you and limit opportunities for the other person.
However, if you ask permission, both parties can think about it and determine whether or not they have time to correspond with each other. This ensures any contact that’s made is purposeful, productive, and comfortable.
Writing the Email
The easiest way to introduce two people via email is by starting an email thread they are both a part of. Once the email has been sent, you can remove yourself from the email thread to let both parties talk. So, the first thing you must do is enter the email address of both parties in the recipient line.
Next, write a subject that clearly states what the email is about, such as, “Introduction: (Name of Person 1 and Name of Person 2)”.
Once you’ve written the subject, it’s time to write the actual email. You should address whoever has seniority of the two. You can address both at the same time, but trying to address two people at once in a professional tone can make you sound a little stilted.
Depending on your relationship with both parties and the purpose of the introduction, the email structure may change, but the email should have these basic elements:
The Introduction
In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and your relationship with the introduced party. How much detail you include in this introduction will depend on how well you know both people.
For example, if you’re introducing a friend of yours to a senior manager who doesn’t know you too well, you’ll want to include your full name, your role in the company, or your department. Likewise, you’ll need to mention how you know the other person.
The Overview
Give a brief overview of what one or both parties do. Include their full name, role, company, achievements, and any other professional information that may be relevant.
Purpose of the Introduction
Even if you’ve talked to both about why you’re introducing each other, mention it in the email. Remember, you are setting the tone for the initial interactions between both parties, so reminding them of why they’re getting in contact is beneficial.
The Closing
Close the email by offering to assist them with anything else they need and hoping that both parties have a fruitful interaction.
Example of How to Introduce Two People in an Email
Here’s an example of an employee introducing someone to a senior employee in his company for a potential collaboration:
Dear Mr. Smith,
This is Michelle Johnson, from marketing. I would like to introduce you to Jenna Jones, who I had the pleasure of working with on last year’s project.
Jenna has worked with our partner, UNM Designs, for over five years. She’s a team lead for one of the company’s UX design teams. You may recognize her work—you told me yourself how well you thought our new app interface looked, so you can thank Jenna for that.
I am writing to introduce the two of you, as I believe there may be a potential opportunity for collaboration between you both. Jenna has expressed interest in working with us again, and since you’re the lead for this year’s project, I thought it would be a good idea for you both to talk directly.
I would be delighted if you could connect and explore this opportunity further. If there is anything I can do to assist either of you, please let me know. I will be excusing myself from the thread.
Best regards,
Michelle Johnson
Once you’ve made sure that the email has been sent to both parties, and that they no longer need your intervention or assistance, you can leave the email thread. This is usually done by clicking the ‘Ignore’ button on the same ribbon the ‘Delete’ button is, though this may vary, depending on your email client.
