Networking
How do I ask a networking contact to introduce me to someone else?
After a good coffee chat, I often hear that I should ask the person to connect me with someone else. I understand why that helps, but it can feel awkward and needy. What's a natural way to ask for another introduction?
Ian’s Answer
I understand this - it can feel awkward/needy. However, welcome to the real world!
Take this as an opportunity to practice for the real-world - you'll need this skill during your career as well!
I highly recommend any of the following:
1) Leverage something you've specifically spoken about during the conversation
2) If they've mentioned anyone's name during the conversation, bring that person up at the end and ask if they might be interested in speaking
3) Leverage your interest in x to get a contact in x. This can be office/country, function practice, industry practice, expertise/interest, similar background (career, life journey, place in society etc.). Say, "As you know, I'm very interested in x. Do you happen to know anyone at the firm that I could speak to further about how they've seen this at the company?"