“There’s someone you should meet, I’ll introduce you.” Familiar words, I hope. Because you want to be that person. “That person” your friend wants to introduce to their contacts because they think both will benefit.

So, if you’re always too busy, hiding behind a cluttered diary or wanting a written proposal before agreeing, forget it. Your response should always be “of course”. Always.

Once in touch you can exercise judgement on whether it’s simply an initial call, to establish common ground. You don’t have to have high tea at the Ritz. Although in certain circumstances you might.

Good things happen when you meet people you don’t know. Serendipity. It’s time spent wisely.