An e-troduction is an introduction between two or more people made using digital communication (email, text message, or through a social networking site, blog, etc.).  The best e-troductions are unsolicited. In 2009, why not consider adding e-troductions to your networking plan?

Why?
E-troductions are easy. You don’t have to be in the same geographic location to introduce two people. You have plenty of contacts who could benefit from knowing one another. E-troducing people is like giving unexpected and valuable gifts to others. You’ll enjoy knowing that you’ve helped make a mutually beneficial connection.

Who?
You – the most important person in an e-troduction is YOU! You have the relationships. You know your contacts and see the connection potential. You make it happen when you get an idea like, “Dan should meet Dawn because they have similar business interests and could mutually benefit from getting to know one another.”

How?
Whenever I make e-troductions, I use a networking tip I learned from Darcy Rezac’s “Work the Pond,” which, incidentally is my all-time favorite networking book. (Guy Kawasaki said, “Darcy defined ‘networking’ better than anyone I know.”) Darcy’s tip is the glowing introduction. Here’s how it works:

Dan & Dawn, please allow me to make an e-troduction.

Dan, Dawn and I went to school together. I just reconnected with her on Facebook and learned that for the last few years she’s been living in LA, producing reality TV shows. Dawn is fun, talented and successful, and she’s truly lovely person! She has a lot of friends in LA and has a fair amount of contacts in the entertainment industry.

Dawn, I’ve known Dan for several years now. Lynchburg’s loss is LA’s gain. Dan moved there last spring to follow his purpose and passion. His social media work is already making a huge impact for Union Rescue Mission. Dan is incredibly creative and is one of the wittiest people I know. You should follow him on Twitter for the comedic relief alone!

Both of you, please connect in a way that makes the most sense. Let me know if I can help with anything. And when I make it to LA, I want to see you both!

When?
I try to make e-troductions within a week of when I get the original connection idea. The details are fresh on my mind, there’s a chance I’ve had a recent conversation with at least one of the people involved, and the timing is probably ideal. Having said that, the beauty of e-troductions is that they can be made any time!

Where?
E-troductions can be made wherever your contacts reside. If you communicate frequently with people via email, send an email. If you’re most comfortable texting, get your thumbs ready! Live on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? Give it a shot. Think of where you contacts will be the most receptive to your e-troduction, and which format will be the easiest for people to reach out and connect with the other person. Then try it! (Note: if sending text messages, or using Twitter, your glowing e-troduction will be limited to 140 characters or less.)

Who do you know that could benefit from an introduction? How can you implement e-troductions into your 2009 networking plan? Get to it! And share your stories here.