Asking a contact for an introduction
Asking a colleague, investor or former client to introduce you to someone they know. It includes a ready-to-forward paragraph so the favour costs them almost nothing.
- Category:
- Introductions and referrals
- Length:
- 86 words
Subject line options
- Could you introduce me to {{target_name}}?
- Small favour: intro to {{target_company}}
The email
Hi {{first_name}},
I noticed you're connected to {{target_name}} at {{target_company}}. Would you be comfortable introducing us?
I'd like to talk to them about {{topic}}, because {{reason_relevant_to_them}}.
To make it easy, here's a paragraph you can forward as is:
"{{target_first_name}}, {{your_name}} runs {{your_company}}, which helps {{customer_type}} with {{problem}}. They'd like 15 minutes to ask how {{target_company}} handles {{topic}}. Happy to connect you if you're open to it."
And if you don't know them well enough, or would rather not, just say so. No problem at all.
{{your_name}}Highlighted {{placeholders}} are the parts to replace. If you cannot fill one with something true and specific, cut the sentence rather than leaving it generic.
When to use it
Use it when you have a real relationship with the person you are asking, and when the person you want to meet would plausibly benefit from the conversation, not just you.
Ask for one introduction at a time. A list of five names turns a favour into a chore.
Why it works
- The forwardable blurb does the work. Most intro requests stall because the connector has to write something. This one they can paste.
- The reason is about the other person. Connectors protect their contacts and are more willing when the introduction serves both sides.
- Saying no is explicitly fine. People who feel they can decline are more likely to help when they can.
Before you send
Once you have the introduction, you will usually have the person's address in the thread. If you only have a name and company, find the likely format with the email permutator and confirm it with the free email checker.