What Are the Etiquette Best Practices for Following Up After an Introduction?

Follow up within 24-48 hours after an introduction, personalize your message, and express gratitude. Keep it clear, concise, and professional, referencing the mutual connection. Suggest a next step, respect response boundaries, proofread carefully, and use the preferred communication channel.

Follow up within 24-48 hours after an introduction, personalize your message, and express gratitude. Keep it clear, concise, and professional, referencing the mutual connection. Suggest a next step, respect response boundaries, proofread carefully, and use the preferred communication channel.

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Respond Promptly

After receiving an introduction, it’s best to follow up within 24 to 48 hours. Promptness shows enthusiasm and respect for the other person’s time. Waiting too long may lead to missed opportunities or appear uninterested.

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Personalize Your Message

Reference something specific from the introduction or initial conversation to personalize your follow-up. This demonstrates genuine interest and helps strengthen rapport rather than sending a generic message.

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Express Gratitude

Thank both the person who made the introduction and the individual you’re following up with. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in building goodwill and showing appreciation for their time and effort.

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Keep It Concise and Clear

Make your follow-up message brief and to the point. State your purpose clearly, whether it’s to set up a meeting, ask a question, or share relevant information, so the recipient knows what to expect next.

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Use a Professional Tone

Maintain professionalism in your language and tone, whether via email, LinkedIn, or other communication platforms. Balance warmth and courtesy without being overly formal or casual.

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Suggest a Next Step

Include a clear call to action or next step, such as proposing a time for a meeting or phone call. This helps move the conversation forward and shows your initiative.

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Respect Boundaries

If you don’t receive a response after your initial follow-up, wait at least a week before sending a gentle reminder. Avoid multiple messages in quick succession, as this can feel pushy or intrusive.

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Mention the Mutual Connection

Reference the person who introduced you early in your message as a reminder of the common connection. This builds trust and makes your outreach more credible.

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Proofread Before Sending

Always review your follow-up message for typos, grammatical errors, and tone. A polished communication reflects well on you and shows you value the recipient’s time.

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Respect Their Preferred Communication Channel

If the introduction was made via email, stick with email for your follow-up unless the other party suggests another method. Similarly, if introduced on LinkedIn, consider sending a direct message there to match the context.

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What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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