Smart soloists treasure referrals and introductions because they understand they’re the best way to jump-start a relationship with a peer, prospect, or customer. Even with a plethora of social networking sites, a personal introduction carries more weight.

For an introduction to deliver value, it needs to be more than a suggestion that someone should email another “and mention my name.” There’s a skill to making good online introductions. If you’re connecting two parties, here are three steps to benefit all:

1. Send an email cc'd to both parties, showcasing their talents.
Introduce Party A (Sam) to B (Susan) with a short description that summarizes your knowledge of the person and his or her talents: “Susan, Sam is a commercial photographer whom I’ve known for 15 years. He has an amazing eye, and I was delighted with the work he did photographing the [X] project for us.” Ditto for Party B: “Sam, Susan is an event planner I’ve hired for several of my company's events over the past 5 years. She’s always upbeat, and I know I can relax when she’s taking care of the details.”

2. Indicate areas of mutual interest.
Point out why you think the two parties might find value in knowing each other: “Since I’ve had such good professional experience with you both in the past, I thought you should know of each other’s work. Susan, you might use Sam’s photography services at one of your events, and Sam, some of your clients may be looking for an experienced event planner.”

3. Suggest an action, and step back.
Once you’ve made the introduction, let both parties know it’s up to them to carry on: “I’m going to step out of this now and let you both explore the possibilities. Keep me posted on the magic you create!”

This approach takes more effort, but it’s much more effective. In the end, everyone wins – and these two colleagues are now trained in how to introduce you to a valuable contact.

This method also works well at in-person networking events, if you circulate in tandem with someone who can verbally showcase your skills while you do the same for them. It’s much easier -- and effective -- than droning on about yourself!

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

P.S. Join me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TerriLonier for brief updates on Working Solo news, deals, and resources that are time-sensitive.