# Double opt-in introduction

> A double opt-in introduction is an introduction made only after both people have separately agreed to it. The connector first asks the person who might help, describing the need without sharing contact details, then confirms with the person who asked. Names and numbers are exchanged only when both say yes, so either person can decline without awkwardness.

Source: https://milvao.com/glossary/double-opt-in-introduction · Updated 2026-11-05

## Key takeaways

- Each person agrees privately before any details are shared.
- A decline stays private: the requester never learns who said no.
- It is the opposite of introducing two people first and asking afterwards.

## How a double opt-in introduction works

1. Someone asks a connector for help, or the connector spots a useful match.
2. The connector describes the need to the person who might help and asks whether they are open to an introduction.
3. The connector checks that the person who asked still wants it and is happy for their details to be shared.
4. Only when both agree does the connector share names and contact details with each of them.

## Double opt-in versus a direct introduction

|  | Direct introduction | Double opt-in introduction |
| --- | --- | --- |
| When details are shared | Straight away, often to both people at once | Only after both have agreed |
| Saying no | Has to be done in front of the connector, or by ignoring the message | A private "not now" to the connector |
| Effort for the connector | One message | Two short checks, then the introduction |

## Why networks use the double opt-in

Busy members get asked for favours constantly. A double opt-in introduction respects their time: they hear what the need is and decide before anyone has their number. It also protects the person asking, whose request isn't broadcast to people who may not want to help. Both arrive at the conversation having chosen it, which makes for a better first call.

## Double opt-in introductions in Milvao

Milvao runs this pattern on a community's WhatsApp number. A member confirms a short brief of their request, then separately chooses whether their number may be shared for it. The matched member sees the brief without the requester's name or number and taps Accept or Decline. Contacts go out only after both yeses, and both are checked again just before sending. See [who sees what](https://milvao.com/privacy-and-consent).

## Frequently asked questions

### What does double opt-in mean in networking?

It means both people agree to be introduced before the connector shares anyone's details. Each says yes separately and privately.

### Is a double opt-in introduction slower?

It adds two short messages before the introduction. In return, nobody's number reaches someone who didn't want it, and declines don't cost anyone face.

### How do I write a double opt-in introduction email?

Ask the person who might help first, describe the need without sharing contact details, and make no an easy answer. The [double opt-in introduction email templates](https://milvao.com/templates/double-opt-in-introduction-email) have the wording.

## Related pages

- [Double opt-in introduction email](https://milvao.com/templates/double-opt-in-introduction-email)
- [Warm introduction](https://milvao.com/glossary/warm-introduction)
- [Opt-in consent](https://milvao.com/glossary/opt-in-consent)
- [Introduction message generator](https://milvao.com/tools/introduction-message-generator)