How to reply to a request to introduce someone to your contact
Updated November 12, 2026
Reply within a few days, and don't promise an intro before you've thought about it. The best approach is a double opt-in: ask your contact if they're open to it before you connect anyone. Ask the requester for a short blurb you can forward. If you aren't comfortable, say no kindly and briefly.
- Reply
- Within 2 to 3 days. The requester is waiting, but your contact's goodwill is at stake. A quick, honest answer lets you take a few days to check with them properly.
What your reply should say
- Thank them for thinking of you and say how well you know the contact.
- State what you'll do: ask the contact first, or explain why you'd rather not.
- Ask for a short blurb about them and a clear request you can forward.
- Set honest expectations: the contact may be busy or may say no.
3 replies you can copy
Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].
1Offer a double opt-in
You know the contact and think the intro could help both sides.
Hi [Name], Happy to help. I'll ask [Contact] if they're open to an introduction. I don't want to put them on the spot. Could you send a short paragraph I can forward: who you are, what you're working on and what you'd like to discuss? If [Contact] says yes, I'll connect you both. They're busy, so I can't promise, but I'll tell you what they say either way. Best, [Your name]
2Ask for more context
You don't yet understand what they want or why this person.
Hi [Name], Thanks for asking. Before I reach out to [Contact], I'd like to understand the goal. What do you hope to get from talking to them, and have you tried reaching them directly? If I can explain it clearly to them, they're more likely to say yes. I'll decide after I hear back from you, and I'll let you know within a few days. Best, [Your name]
3Decline the intro
You don't know the contact well enough, or you're not comfortable vouching.
Hi [Name], Thanks for thinking of me. I don't know [Contact] well enough to make an introduction that would carry weight, and I'd rather not use up their goodwill. I'd suggest a short, direct note, mentioning [shared interest]. People often respond to a clear, specific message. I wish you luck with [their goal]. Best, [Your name]
Already late? Send this instead
For when you are a week late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.
Hi [Name], Sorry for the slow answer on the intro to [Contact]. I wanted to give it proper thought. If you're still interested, send me a short paragraph I can forward, and I'll ask them whether they're open to it. I'll tell you what they say, even if the answer is no. Best, [Your name]
Mistakes to avoid
- Connecting two people without asking your contact first; it puts them in an awkward position.
- Promising the intro in your first reply before you've checked how you feel about it.
- Forwarding a vague request; ask for a clear blurb and a specific ask.
- Ignoring the request when a short kind no would take one minute.
Questions people ask
What is a double opt-in intro?
You ask your contact privately if they'd like to meet the requester, and only connect them if they agree. It protects your relationship with both. The contact can say no without the requester seeing it, and the requester isn't embarrassed.
What if my contact says no?
Tell the requester kindly and briefly: "They're swamped right now, so I can't make this one work." Don't share the contact's reasons. If you can, point to a public resource or another person who might help. That keeps both relationships intact.
More reply guides
How this page was made
Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.