May 4-8 2015 is National Small Business Week.
I’m going to mark this occasion by posting some business tips (for small businesses) and articles each day geared toward small businesses.
E-troductions. Today another tip from my own archives, how (and why) to do an e-introduction.
One way to help THREE small businesses at one time is to perfect the art of the e-troduction. As we’ve all heard over and over again, people want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. However, there might be times you have need of a service, and you are not familiar with anyone in that field. Or sometimes, someone may need your services but they have yet to meet you.
You might be asking: “How does an email introduction help THREE people? I can see how it helps two people but three? Come on Mary, can’t you count?”
Let’s take an example. Ross needs a new website for his dinosaur museum, Chandler builds websites, and Joey knows both of them.
- Ross (the introducee) is being helped by being introduced to someone who is reliable and who is known, liked, and trusted by someone he knows, likes, and trusts.
- Chandler (the introduced) is the person being introduced. Chandler might not get some new business, but at least he has the opportunity to write a proposal. Additionally Chandler is getting to know a new contact, and while Ross may or may not hire Chandler in the future, Ross might introduce someone to Chandler.
- Joey (the introducer) is being helped by showing that he is a connector. Joey has also set and example of the art of introducing resource providers (or joint venture partners).
I use this at least twice a month in my own business, and I’ve had a few people e-troduce me to others. I’m finding that follow-up is swifter and more consistent when preceeded by a personal introduction. In the digital age, “personal” introductions are most often done electronically.
Who can you introduce me to? Who can I introduce you to?
Related articles
- How to Make the Perfect Email Introduction. Andy Ellwood. (forbes.com)