With the high volume of networking events that are going on these days being on LinkedIn is more of a requirement than an option.  One reason to consider using LinkedIn is purely lazy on my part – everyone’s contact info is already in place and the person keeps it up to date.  I don’t have to spend time updating in my Outlook contacts. Another reason is your ability to ask and be asked for introductions thru LinkedIn.

Be a Good Networker

If you want to be a good networker, then helping people connect in person and in various social media spaces is essential.  Introductions on LinkedIn are used when an individual would like to connect with someone they don’t know and they don’t have an email.  They could try a blind request, but they risk getting an “I don’t know” response and receive the dreaded black marks from LinkedIn.
Let’s say Sam wants to meet Amanda.  When he reviews his contacts, and finds that someone he knows that directly knows the other person or has a second level connection to that person.  LinkedIn provides a forwarding email type system to request an introduction to talk, meet or just connect.
I believe there is a best practice way of initiating these introductions and of handling the pass thru if you are the one in the middle.
First of all there is a step by step process to follow. Here is basic process on Ehow.com called How to Create And Respond To LinkedIn Introductions

Unfortunately, the article does not go into detail on the “why” for two critical steps:  #4 Composing a message for the recipient you are being introduced to, and  #5 entering a message for the person you are requesting an introduction from.  I find both of these misused in recent weeks, so much so that I am suggesting some tips that work for me if you are requesting an intro to people in my network.
Please don’t send an email that says “Wendy, please forward  this request.”

Let’s Do It Right

First of all send me an email that states you are asking for an intro and for whom.  Please explain your relationship with this person and why you are helping them.  Jason Alba has a great post with an example that is likely the gold star of intro but certain set the bar high for all of us. His example includes the following key points in the message:
•    It connects at a personal level – meaning reasons and connection points are included.
•    It mentions where and how they met and what they have in common.
•    It mentions passions and interests that overlap.
•    It clearly states what action, input or advice is being looked for.
•    An example is included – maybe a story to make a point.
•    Clear contact info for direct communication is included (phone and email)

Final Tips

Neal Schaffer of Windmill Networking is a LION who has a similar approach to my point of view.  In a nutshell he suggests the following:
•    When requesting an Introduction, always include a short paragraph of how you would like to be introduced.  Please make it simple for who you are asking to pass it on and Brand yourself!
•     Tell us why you are asking for the introduction. State the value to both parties.  Who knows they may know someone else they should pass your profile on to as well.
•    Consider time.  Consider how you can help in return!

The next time you see that someone in your group or a connection knows someone you want to know.  Stop and think a minute and use the above suggestions for that most valued introduction!