Ask both people before connecting them, give a specific reason, and only make introductions both would thank you for.
The idea
A good intro is 1+1=3: two people get a new door, and you get credit as the connector. But the value often differs by side. A homeowner and a plumber both want to meet. A vendor who asks to meet someone you know may be very unwelcome on the other end. So ask each person first. Good introductions feel like gifts. Bad ones feel like tricks.
How to do it
Know what both people actually need: real problems, not job titles.
Ask each one, separately, whether they want the intro.
Write the specific reason: "Sarah, you mentioned needing designers who understand SaaS. John just redesigned three platforms."
If it's really a business opportunity, say so up front and give an easy out. Most people respect the transparency.
Write it yourself. AI can spot a match, but the reason these two should meet has to come from you.
Follow up later to see if it helped.
Example
A mutual contact says, "I want to introduce you to someone, thought you two should meet." You take the call, and five minutes in you realize you're being pitched. The contact just burned their trust with you to generate business for somebody else. On the other side, I almost always do double opt-in intros, and it stings when someone says no. A line I heard at a conference helps: "Never trust a yes from someone who never tells you no."
Watch out for
The test: "Would both people actually thank me for this?" If no, rethink it.
A lazy intro is worse than none. It tells both people neither was worth three original sentences.
Relatable: Relatable's introductions tool runs the double opt-in for you, asking each person separately and sending nothing until both say yes. I'm obviously biased. How-to: Make a warm introduction.
Related frameworks
Become Introduction-Worthy: Be describable in one sentence, respond to intros fast, make the introducer look good, and report back on what came of it.
The Four Experiences: Add value one-to-one, by introducing people, by hosting groups, or by broadcasting to many. The personal experience is always where you start.
What Never to Outsource to AI: Let AI draft, summarize and suggest who to contact, but never let it handle your inner circle, emotional messages, introductions, or who deserves your attention.