I received multiple requests daily for introductions to my network. And I love it. It's the business that I am in and I'm grateful to have a valued network that allows me to do this. But far too often I receive these requests without key information and with too broad of an ask.

Here are some best practices that will allow me, and others like me, to make a key introduction that could positively impact your business.

1. Send me a clean copy of an email that I can easily forward. Make it super simple for me to help you. Don't expect me to weave something together based on our email exchange or worse, please don't expect me to create it myself.

2. Provide a short description of your company and product. Be sure to include relevant info such as revenue, user traction, key milestones, key customers, as well as dates you'll be visiting the Valley, if applicable.

3. General and broad asks are impossible. 

I'll say that again. General and broad asks are impossible. 

50% of the emails I receive say something like "Hi, so-and-so suggested I reach out. I'm coming to the Valley and would like to meet with potential investors, any thoughts on who I should meet?"

I kid you not. I get these all the time.

Therefore. Provide a specific ask. ie: Who specifically do you want to be introduced to (name, title, LinkedIn profile). And most importantly, why would they be open to meeting you. If it's not a valuable connection for them, why would they take time out of their already over-scheduled day to speak with you?

4. Keep it realistic. 

--- That includes the number of asks. Don't send me a long list of names - ie: one or two names for first-time asks is plenty. 

--- And again, too often people expect me to come up with whom in a company they should be connected into, or worse yet, which company I think they should meet with. This is your job. I do not know your business.  

5. Consider my social capital. If I don't know you, your company, or your product then I will not be unable to vouch for you - so consider that when asking me for the introduction. I protect the social capital that has taken me years to build. Read this article for more insight on the Currency of Networking. 

6. Include your pitch deck.

But the best way to ensure that I can help you with a valuable introduction is to build a relationship with me. Allow me to get to know you and I'll be coming to you with ideal connections.

No doubt, that takes time --- but relationships are a long game.