You know someone who might help a colleague with a question. It is tempting to put both names into an email immediately. A more useful introduction starts by checking that the connection is welcome and explaining what the conversation is meant to achieve.
Ask before volunteering someone else’s time
Privately explain the request to the potential contact and ask whether they are comfortable being introduced. Give enough context to make that choice meaningful: the topic, likely time involved and whether advice or ongoing work is being requested. Do not promise expertise, availability or enthusiasm on their behalf.
Also ask the person seeking help what details they are comfortable sharing. A career question may contain information they would not want forwarded casually.
Write a bridge, not a biography
Once both people agree, briefly explain how each connects to the subject. An invented example might say: “Alex is exploring how to plan a small community event; Priya has offered a short conversation about volunteer scheduling.” That is more useful than vague praise such as “you two should connect”.
Include the agreed next step without creating a new obligation. If the offer was a fifteen-minute conversation, do not transform it into reviewing a complete project plan.
Let the new conversation belong to them
After the connection is made, the participants can agree the practical details. You need not remain copied into everything unless your role requires it. Respect a declined or delayed introduction without treating it as a personal judgement.
For someone exploring a role, asking about an ordinary working day offers useful questions once the conversation happens. The introduction’s job is smaller: establish a relevant, welcome connection and leave both people clear about what has—and has not—been offered.