# One Introduction, Ready to Make

## Three messages for a board introduction

A board member says, “I know someone you should meet.” Give them the words to check interest, make the introduction, and hand the conversation to a named colleague.

Start with these messages. Replace the details with facts you can stand behind. Ask your staff colleague whether they can receive the introduction before your board member approaches the other person.

*Fictional example throughout: Maya serves on the board of Oak Street Reading. Her colleague Sam has asked about local reading programs. Leah, the development director, has agreed to receive an introduction.*

### 1. Check whether the introduction is welcome

**Maya → Sam**

**Subject: An introduction to Oak Street Reading?**

Hi Sam,

You asked me about local reading programs last week. I serve on the board of Oak Street Reading, which runs after-school reading sessions, and thought you might like to hear more about its work.

Would you welcome an email introduction to Leah, our development director? She can explain the program and the ways people support it, including volunteering and giving. You wouldn’t be committing to a meeting or a donation.

If you’d prefer a link to read first, I can send that instead. And it’s fine if this isn’t something you want to explore.

Maya

**Wait for a yes to the introduction.** An earlier expression of interest gives Maya a reason to ask; it does not answer this new question for Sam. If Sam asks for a link, send the link without adding Leah to the conversation.

### 2. Make the introduction

**Maya → Sam and Leah, after Sam agrees**

**Subject: Introducing Sam and Leah — Oak Street Reading**

Hi Sam and Leah,

Sam, thanks for saying yes to this introduction. Leah is Oak Street Reading’s development director and can tell you more about its after-school reading program and ways to get involved.

Leah, Sam and I work together. Sam asked about local reading programs and would like to learn more about Oak Street Reading.

I’ll leave you two to choose what works next. Leah, would you take it from here?

Maya

Keep this email forwardable: introduce the people, explain the connection, and name who replies next. Leave private assessments of wealth, giving potential, or personal circumstances out of it.

### 3. Receive the introduction

**Leah → Sam and Maya**

**Subject: Re: Introducing Sam and Leah — Oak Street Reading**

Thanks, Maya. Sam, it’s good to meet you.

Would you prefer a short overview by email or a conversation about the program? If there’s a particular question you have, send it my way and I’ll start there.

There’s no need to decide how you might get involved now. Once you’ve had a look, you can tell me whether you’d like to continue.

Best,
Leah
Development director, Oak Street Reading

The introduction is now sent. A meeting, another message, or a donation is still a separate decision. Record the next step only when it is agreed.

### If the answer is “not now”

**Maya → Sam**

Hi Sam,

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll leave the introduction here and won’t pass your details to Leah. If you’d like to revisit it, you can let me know.

Maya

Tell Leah the introduction is paused, without forwarding Sam’s private explanation. If there is no reply, keep the status as “permission pending.” A follow-up, if appropriate to the relationship, should make it easy to decline; silence should not trigger an introduction.

## Keep one useful record

This belongs in the team’s working record, separate from the email Sam receives. A sent introduction should not disappear into the board member’s inbox.

| Field | Filled example |
|---|---|
| Connector | Maya, board member |
| Person introduced | Sam |
| Reason | Asked Maya about local reading programs |
| Permission | Sam agreed by email, September 8 |
| Staff owner | Leah |
| Introduction | Sent September 9 |
| Latest action | Leah offered an email overview or conversation, September 9 |
| Status | Awaiting Sam’s reply |
| Next internal check | Leah checks for a reply September 16; no automatic outreach |
| Agreed next step | None yet |

## Make your version

Fill these in, then adapt the messages above. Delete options your team cannot offer.

**Permission request**

“You mentioned [actual interest or question]. Would you welcome an introduction to [name and role] at [organization] to [honest purpose]? You wouldn’t be committing to [what this does not require]. If you prefer [available alternative], I can help with that.”

**Introduction**

“[Name], thanks for agreeing. Meet [staff colleague], who can help with [purpose]. [Staff colleague], [name] would like to explore [what they actually said]. Would you take it from here?”

**Receiving reply**

“Would you prefer [available option] or [available option]? If you have a question, I can start there.”

**Team record**

Connector: ___ · Permission and source: ___ · Staff owner: ___ · Introduction sent: ___ · Response: ___ · Agreed next step: ___ · Next internal check: ___

*Reading connection: [Terry Axelrod on board involvement](https://bloomerang.com/webinar/video-engaging-your-board-as-champions-not-just-fundraisers), and Trevor and Tarren Bragdon’s **7-Figure Fundraising** on coordinating introductions. These messages are original Gratona examples.*