What is a double opt-in introduction and how do you do one?
A double opt-in introduction means you ask both people whether they want to meet before you connect them. Neither side is exposed to a cold contact, and each agrees first. When the topic involves a company's records, the owner opts in to a licensing conversation before any name is submitted to SourceX.
Double opt-in introduction, defined
In a double opt-in introduction the introducer first asks person A whether they would welcome a connection to person B, then asks person B the same question, and only then puts them in touch. Two separate yeses precede the email that joins them.
The alternative is a single opt-in: you ask one side, who says yes, and you connect them without checking with the other. The double version takes a day longer and removes most of the ways an introduction goes wrong.
How to run one, step by step
- Decide whether the match is real. Name the specific reason each side would care.
- Ask the first person privately. Describe the other party in two sentences and say what you are asking for.
- Make saying no easy. Offer a plain way out so a refusal costs nothing.
- Ask the second person. Share only what the first person allowed you to share.
- Send one forwardable email. Write a short note that works if either side forwards it without edits.
- Step back. Leave the next move to the two of them and say you will not chase.
Single vs double opt-in
| Feature | Single opt-in | Double opt-in |
|---|---|---|
| Who is asked first | One side only | Both sides, separately |
| Risk to your reputation | Higher if the other side is surprised | Lower; both expected the contact |
| Speed | Same day | Usually a day or more |
| Best for | Warm, low-stakes matches | Sensitive topics, senior people, regulated fields |
| Evidence of consent | Implied for one side | Recorded for both |
Why it matters more when the topic is company records
A licensing conversation concerns a company's confidential operational data. An owner who learns that a friend already sent their name to a third party may feel exposed, even if nothing was disclosed. Asking first protects the relationship.
It also fits the program's design. Partners make introductions rather than cold outreach, and should give only basic fit information and never describe confidential records. A prior yes from the owner means the company knows to expect contact.
Before submitting a company, confirm three things with the owner: that you may share the company name and a contact, that the topic is exploring a data licensing conversation, and that nothing is binding until they agree price and terms and sign. The introduction email builder can help draft the note.
What to say
If the answer is yes, send the owner the company fit checker, which asks for no contact details. Or share your referral link so they can apply themselves at sourcex.si/apply while your credit is preserved.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Submitting a name before asking | Owner is surprised and may refuse | Get a yes first |
| Describing their data to others | Breaches confidence | Share basic fit facts only |
| Promising a payment to the owner | Nothing is binding until terms are signed | Describe the process, not an outcome |
| Chasing after a no | Damages trust | Accept it and note a revisit date |
How rewards work
Partners earn 25% of the eligible platform fees SourceX actually collects from the referred company's licensing deals, capped at $100,000 per referred company. A yes to an introduction does not trigger payment; see paid on collection. Attribution goes to the first valid referrer whose introduction leads to a verified application, and no reward is guaranteed.
Next step
Use the who qualifies page to decide whom to ask first, then register as a partner.
The related idea of exit readiness is a natural reason to open the conversation with owners who are planning ahead.
- Step 1Share your linkSend your personal link to a company you know.
- Step 2Company appliesThe company applies itself at /apply.
- Step 3Buyer selects and paysThe buyer selects and pays for the data and SourceX receives its fee.
- Step 4You get your rewardYour share of SourceX fees becomes payable.
Common questions
Is a double opt-in introduction the same as an email double opt-in?
No. Email double opt-in confirms a subscriber's address by a second click. A double opt-in introduction is a professional courtesy: you ask both people for permission before connecting them. The names are similar but the contexts are unrelated.
Should I ask both sides on the same day?
Not necessarily. Ask the person you know better first, then ask the second only after the first agrees, so you can share exactly what they approved. Doing it in sequence also keeps either person from feeling pressured by the other's yes.
What should a forwardable intro email include?
Keep it short: who each person is, one reason they should talk, what you are asking them to do, and a clear line saying either may decline. Avoid private details, since either recipient may forward it to a colleague.
What if the owner says maybe?
Treat maybe as no for now. Offer a no-contact option, such as the company fit checker, which needs no contact details. Note a date to check back lightly, and do not submit the company until you hear an explicit yes.
Does SourceX contact a company before the partner asks?
The program relies on partner introductions or a company applying itself through a referral link. Partners should obtain the owner's agreement before submitting a name, so the company expects contact and understands nothing is binding until terms are signed.
Related pages
Free resources
- Due diligence checklist generator — A tailored document request list by deal type.
- Cash flow calculator — A 12-month cash forecast with shortfalls highlighted.
- Referral earnings calculator — Hypothetical partner earnings with the per-company cap.
- All free tools · MCP resource center
By SourceX Partnerships Team · Published 2026-10-09 · Updated 2026-10-09
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