Don’t forget, when you introduce John to Mary, their antennae go up and subconsciously, they are remembering what their mummy told them.- ‘Don’t talk to strangers’.So, by simply saying, “John, this is Mary, Mary this is John,” and not continuing to act as a host (even though you are a guest) is not helping anyone.   

Let’s look at a situation where I’ve just met John, and Mary, whom I’ve know for some time, comes over. 

“Mary, let me introduce you.  This is John.  I’ve just met John for the first time this evening and he tells me that he’s just become a partner with Davis Breeze and Company, solicitors in Manchester, and specialises in corporate finance.  John, Mary is about to become a partner in Malcolm Mount and Company, the accountants based in that new building in Prestwich, that’s been in all the papers recently.  For a small firm, they have been involved in some fair-sized deals as I’ve seen their name plastered over the local professional press.” 

What I’m trying to do here is build a platform to kick-start a conversation and make it very easy for John and Mary to get to know each other quickly.  As I know that Mary is working for a successful and high-profile firm, I want to make sure that people I introduce her to also know that.  I can only be doing Mary a favour by taking this line.  As I’ve only just met John, I can only impart to Mary the little bits I’ve picked up about him. 

Consider this form of introduction for two reasons:

•       First, because, as an effective networker, your role is to give, and if John and Mary eventually do business with each other because of this introduction, hopefully they are both going to think well of you in the future.
  
•       Secondly, I am going to be able to move on more naturally, knowing that I have made it easy for John and Mary to start to build their relationship.

Below is a great example of how NOT to make introductions.