The Inside Intro

A quick tip for anyone facilitating for a group that isn't theirs. Get someone from the client's team to introduce it. I call it the Inside Intro.

It only needs a minute. Even 30 seconds.

Something like: "Hi everyone - we're here because of [X]. As you know, we're focused on [Y]. So we've brought in [YOU!] to help us with [TOPIC]."

That's it. But it changes everything.

A few reasons why the Inside Intro works:

• Authority transfer. When an insider vouches for you, their credibility becomes yours. You're not a stranger - you're someone they invited.
• Relevance framing. You can't say why this matters to them - you're the outsider. When it comes from inside, it connects differently.
• Enrollment over attendance. The room shifts from "you have to be here" to "we wanted this."

(This touches on Cialdini's work on authority and commitment, and Keller's research on relevance in learning - if you want to dig deeper.)

Alright, but what does all this do in practice?

The Inside Intro shortens the 'prove yourself' phase. Without one, people spend the first 15 minutes deciding if you're worth spending time with. With one, you start with the benefit of the doubt - and can focus on the work.

Different energy. Different vibe. And often very different outcomes.

With an Inside Intro, the chances always increase. Some sessions without it have been amazing. But I've stopped leaving it to chance.