Manage cookies
We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
Manage cookies
Cookie Settings
Cookies necessary for the correct operation of the site are always enabled.
Other cookies are configurable.
Essential cookies
Always On. These cookies are essential so that you can use the website and use its functions. They cannot be turned off. They're set in response to requests made by you, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms.
Analytics cookies
Disabled
These cookies collect information to help us understand how our Websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customise our Websites for you. See a list of the analytics cookies we use here.
Advertising cookies
Disabled
These cookies provide advertising companies with information about your online activity to help them deliver more relevant online advertising to you or to limit how many times you see an ad. This information may be shared with other advertising companies. See a list of the advertising cookies we use here.
Networking, communication, soft skills

How warm introductions turn strangers into people you feel like you’ve known for a long time

Breaking down how to make effective warm introductions in business: what to say, what value to highlight, and how to give people a reason to start the conversation right away

Why a simple “Meet Ivan” no longer works

In business, there are no small details — even in how we introduce people.
It’s one thing to say a dry “Meet Ivan.” It’s a completely different story to make a thoughtful introduction where everyone has context and a reason to start a conversation.

What a warm introduction really is — not the textbook version

It’s a brief introduction of one person to another, usually via email, messenger, or in person. The difference is that a “good intro” doesn’t just connect people — it immediately explains why, for what purpose, and why now it makes sense for them to meet.

A strong intro works like a bridge: the person is no longer a “random contact,” but almost someone you already know and can trust.

Three lines for a perfect intro: context, value, and why now

The structure of a strong intro has three parts. Simple, but powerful:

  1. Context.
Who the person is and what they bring to the table. Set the frame:
“Alexey manages key clients in the IT industry and knows how to close complex deals.”

2. Value.
Why this connection is beneficial specifically for the other person:
“You mentioned expanding into the CIS market — Alexey has hands-on experience and connections in this space.”

3. Why now.
Timing is a key resource. Give a clear signal:
“Now is the right moment to connect: the company is expanding, and it’s important to bring in the right expertise.”

What happens when an intro is done right

When you structure an intro this way, something almost magical happens: a person moves from “unknown” to “one of us.” They’re met with trust, without defenses or barriers.

From there, an introduction turns into a conversation, a conversation into collaboration, and collaboration into a deal.

So introduce your friends and colleagues to each other — that’s how warm intros begin. And over time, you’ll be able to ask for the same kind of introductions in return. Win-win.

Who can you make this kind of introduction for today

Think about who you could introduce today in a way that makes both people say after the meeting:

— Wow. Thank you — it feels like we’ve known each other for a long time!
Leonid Bugaev
is an expert in business communications, a corporate trainer, speaker, and conference moderator. He is the author of the books “Mobile Marketing”, “Mobile Networking” and "People Like Me: 99 Rules for Building Connections That Actually Matter."

Follow Leonid on Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube so you don’t miss new publications. Also take a look at his business training programs on networking, B2B sales and trendwatching, as well as his books and interviews.