Erin McGoff, a career and life advice content creator, posted a video on LinkedIn highlighting the importance of professional etiquette when introducing two people via email.
The key message is to always get explicit consent before sharing someone else's contact information or making an introduction.
The post generated significant engagement and discussion among professionals regarding unspoken workplace rules and networking etiquette.
Action Items
No actionable tasks or individual assignments were discussed or required as this was an advice and awareness post.
Professional Introduction Etiquette
Introducing two professionals via email should always start with getting consent from the person you intend to introduce.
The recommended process involves:
Asking the intermediary (e.g., "Kelly") to introduce you to their contact (e.g., "Jim").
The intermediary should reach out to their contact ("Jim") to confirm whether they are open to an introduction.
If consent is given, the intermediary sends an email introduction, including both parties, and provides a brief, relevant introduction for each.
The person being introduced should then take over the conversation, ensuring not to overshare or involve the intermediary further.
Sharing someone's contact without permission is considered unprofessional and can damage reputations.
Community and Professional Reactions
Several professionals commented on the value of the advice, highlighting that many workplace expectations and etiquette are not formally taught.
Suggestions included teaching these concepts in educational settings and adding further tips, such as best practices for responding to introductions (e.g., moving the introducer to BCC after initial response).
Others shared personal experiences of learning these hidden rules only after making mistakes.
Decisions
Emphasize consent before professional introductions — rationale: Respect privacy and maintain professionalism; unspoken workplace rules impact reputations.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
How should one handle a situation where the contact (e.g., "Jim") declines the introduction?
Additional advice requested on best practices for following up after an introduction (as suggested by commenters).