How to Introduce People
One of the easiest ways to build social skills is by learning the art of the introduction.
It comes down to being a connector.
There is a big difference between the connector and the networker.
This is a difference that we will be discussing in today’s article.
A connector is a highly powerful presence in the social dynamics world.
When you know how to connect, others are much more forgiving with other communication quirks you may possess.
Let’s be real.
We all have certain flaws when it comes down to interaction with ourselves & others.
Social skills is a journey to do our best to fix that.
Learning how to introduce people is learning a game of manners.
If you can pick up the manners part, everything else seems like common sense.
Difference Between a Connector & A Networker
A simple difference between the 2 groups is:
-Networking is how well you introduce yourself.
-Connecting is how well you introduce others.
Both are needed in the social dynamics world.
But different hats are required for each role.
For the networking role, you need to remain alert & aware of your social situation.
And from there, it’s a game of finding ways for you to incorporate yourself into social interactions in one on one settings, groups or tribes.
Connecting comes down to putting yourself in the back burner.
Instead, your goal is to be on the lookout for others.
In all cases of social interactions, it’s great to have social awareness.
But as a connector, since other parties are involved, you need to have a larger degree of social awareness.
All in all, one group introduces themselves.
One group introduces others.
No need to make it more complicated than that.
How NOT to Introduce people
Normally, it’s good practice to teach someone how to do something rather than how not to do something first.
But not on this topic lol.
In this topic, we often fumble introductions sooo badly, that it’s smart to start off with what NOT to do.
What you should NOT do is introduce a person’s name to a brand new group & just leave it at that.
That’s highly socially unintelligent.
Let’s say you are in an event with your friend, Joseph.
You know a good amount of people in the event.
But for Joseph?
He’s new to town.
As you enter a new group interaction, Joseph is by your side.
‘Hey guys, this is Joseph’ you say…
And then you go on about having your conversation with others.
This is a big error because you have not incorporated Joseph INTO the group before you moved on.
Always beware of this.
Your job as a connector is not done until incorporation has been made.
How to Introduce People
So now we understand that introducing someone’s name is just the BEGINNING of the task.
Nowhere does it say that we are done.
Our goal as connectors is to INCORPORATE the new person into the social interaction.
And we can do this by stating interesting facts about the new person that matches the interest of the group or specific members of the group.
If you are familiar with the group, then you will know what sort of details about Joseph will resonate.
This allows you to warm up the group to Joseph & vice versa.
Still, stick by Joseph’s side as he gets incorporated.
When you successfully introduce a person into a group, they remember…
This is a big moment because it was a case where you turned an unfamiliar territory into a familiar one.
And people enjoy it when others have their back.
The case I described with Joseph is when you are introducing a new person into a group.
But what about situations where you are introducing people who are not in the same location?
That requires a different strategy.
Similar theme though.
Connecting 2 People From Different Locations
In the last example with Joseph, we talked about how to introduce a new member into a group.
But all connection opportunities are not like that.
Sometimes, you are introducing 2 brand new people who are not in the same vicinity as each other.
What then?
In cases like this, you need to be alert for needs & desires among humans.
The more in tune you are for needs & desires in humans, the more connecting opportunities present themselves.
Let’s say Jeremey has been complaining about car issues as of late.
You know a car mechanic named Timothy who is highly reliable.
In a case like this, you can set up a group chat, group email, or live person meetup between the 2 parties.
Since a need or desire is present, you have successfully passed a referral.
And created synergy out of thin air.
Jeremy gets his car issue fixed.
And Timothy has a new client.
This was a concrete example of needs & desires.
In other cases, a connecting opportunity may be less concrete.
Let’s say an opportunity like matchmaking.
A matchmaker is a type of connector.
However, the matchmaker has the role of spotting ambiguous needs such as emotions.
Let’s say Mary is single & is currently looking.
And you know that your co-worker is also single & looking.
You can set up a date by warming the 2 up to a picture of each other to see if there is interest.
To further warm up the 2 to one another, you can also give a light summary of your interactions with them.
If there is interest, you can give them each other’s numbers.
That’s a connection process.
Just remember…
When you are making a connection, you are lending YOUR credibility as well.
So aim to be mindful of the connections you are making by evaluating the character of those in your squad.
The Ultimate Role of the Connector
We talked about a few different situations today.
But the ultimate premise holds true.
A connector is great in creating harmony between multiple groups & then creating action from that.
In some ways, you can consider yourself a magician.
Making something happen out of thin air.
Whether you are introducing a new person to a group.
Introducing 2 new people in order to spread business..
Or setting up a date among people in your network…
The ultimate goal is to create synergy.
The world works like a magnet.
When you create value for others, value comes back knocking at your door.
This is the eternal nature of Karma.
Cause and effect.
We often associate a negative connotation with Karma.
But that’s only if you’ve been a shithead in the past.
As a connector, you sow the seeds for GOOD karma to come.
Create value for others without immediately expecting an ROI.
Your ROI is coming…
A value creator is a magnet.
Spread good energy thru your connection ventures.
And attract good energy back.
If you want more practical communication insights, subscribe to my free daily newsletter.
– ArmaniTalks 
