One Introduction, Ready to Make

Agree the route

Confirm whether the introducer will first ask the other person, forward a short explanation, or bring both people into a conversation. Record permission as pending until it is actually given.

Write a short forwardable brief

Include why the connection seems relevant, a factual explanation of the work, the modest purpose of the first conversation, and the person who will respond. Let the introducer edit it into their own voice.

Set the handoff

Agree a date for the introduction or the next check with the introducer. Record the date the introduction actually happened. Do not mark ‘introduced’ because a draft was written.

Respond with context

The receiving team member acknowledges the connection, offers a simple next step, and records the response. Avoid assuming the prospect has agreed to give, meet, or join a mailing list.

Close or pause deliberately

If the conversation is welcome, agree its next step. If there is silence, make a limited, context-appropriate follow-up and then pause or check with the introducer. Record a reason and a review date where useful. Share an appropriate outcome with the introducer without disclosing private donor information.

Put it to work

Suggested session: 15 minutes per introduction. Bring the relevant records and allow additional time for preparation and delivery.

• Ask the introducer what they know firsthand about the person’s interests and connection to the mission.
• Check whether your organization already has a relationship, an active conversation, or a contact restriction.
• Identify who will receive the introduction and who will take responsibility afterward. They may be different people.

When the plan changes

• An existing relationship is discovered: coordinate with its owner before contacting anyone.
• The introducer is unsure: give them an easy way to decline and keep the status pending or paused.
• The person says ‘later’: record the timing they requested.
• The person declines: close the item respectfully; do not treat the refusal as a scheduling problem.

What finished looks like

• Permission and the actual introduction status are recorded separately.
• The receiving owner knows the relevant context.
• The next action is agreed, paused, or closed.
• The introducer receives an appropriate update.

See whether it helps

Count offered, permissioned, completed, and accepted introductions separately. Measure time from actual introduction to the first appropriate response. A large list of names is not a count of active opportunities.