One of the best and most valuable ways to add value to the people in your network is through introductions. Typically making an introduction only takes a few minutes, and done correctly both individuals will think that you've done them a favor. Not a bad deal for just a little bit of thought and effort. Now let's look at making even better introductions and how you can follow-up to magnify the effect.

Connecting two individuals should be seen as incredibly productive and helpful by both people. In order to do this right both parties must see value in the meeting. Be careful that you don't fall into the trap of introducing people that you haven't fully vetted to the stars in your network where it's obvious that one person stands to gain a ton and your star may feel that they're actually doing you a favor. This isn't a good way to strengthen a relationship, and all too often the star won't say anything, but will secretly begin resenting you.

Once you've found a good match make that introduction. In special circumstances you may want to setup a 3 way meeting where you do all of the scheduling work and join these two in their first meeting. Most of the time though you'll resort to a virtual e-mail introduction to initiate the connection. Any time you use this method it's important to provide a little bit of context for each person so that they know why you think getting together would be wise. You should also include complete contact info for both people so that either can follow-up with the other to coordinate a meeting.

For most people this is where the introduction game stops. The e-mail is sent, along with some best wishes and everyone assumes that some good will come of it. There's an opportunity here in this gap to follow-up and become great!

Once you've made your introduction put a note on your calendar for a few weeks later to follow-up with BOTH of the people you introduced. First you'll want to find out if they've even had an opportunity to connect. Too often one or both have gotten busy and your introduction has fallen through the cracks. Your follow-up effort here will keep your initial effort from going to waste.

Once they have met you can ask how it went. Was it a good connection? Did they find this type of introduction helpful, and would they like more in the future if it makes sense? If it went well, why? What did they gain from the interaction or learn about the other individual? If it didn't go well, why not? How can you make more appropriate introductions in the future?

Having these type of conversation with both individuals will give you both sides of the story. If it was a good connection you may be able to help them both move their relationship forward just a bit faster. Maybe they could both join you at an upcoming event you were planning to attend.

If it wasn't a good connection you can learn why not. All of this will make you a much better networker.

Creating this totally valid and hugely valuable excuse to follow-up and deepen both relationships is absolutely golden. As is the case with most of my tips they come from personal experiences that have happened to me over the last dozen or so years of networking. Following-up on my own introductions is something that I've done rarely and occasionally in the past. Most recently I'd made an e-mail intro and never moved the conversation from my inbox. A few weeks later I ran across it and just decided to send a quick note to both parties (so trust me when I say that this wasn't well thought out and orchestrated). Here's what I received in return from my friend Nathan Green, co-founder and President of campus2careers: "Thanks Scott. There are few people better at making connections and none who also follow-up for their introductions. You are truly Austin's best Networker (feel free to quote me)."

As usual it's very little things that can make a huge difference in your networking efforts. How can you set yourself apart from the rest by making a massively valuable introduction today?

Happy Networking!