If you have a friend who is a real estate lawyer and someone else asks you for a real estate lawyer recommendation, by all means make that introduction; both parties have something to gain from the connection.
However, if someone in your network has expertise in a specific subject that you want to offer up (especially free) or you are opening someone in your network to an unsolicited sales pitch, always check with them first. Otherwise, they might be frustrated at being put in an awkward position if they are not interested.
The best networkers follow the "double opt-in" system, they check with both parties before an introduction, making sure there is value and interest for each.
Avoid making introductions that may potentially benefit one person at the expense or inconvenience of the other.
This is how you build your networking capacity.
-Bob
Robert Glazer
robertglazer.com
my books: Elevate | Friday Forward | Performance Partnerships | How To Thrive In The Virtual Workplace | Moving To Outcomes | Elevate Your Team
podcast: The Elevate Podcast
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