Cold email after a referral
Writing to someone a mutual contact told you to contact, when the contact did not make a formal introduction. The referrer's name goes in the first line.
- Category:
- Introductions and referrals
- Length:
- 59 words
Subject line options
- {{referrer_name}} suggested I get in touch
- {{referrer_name}} said you're the person for {{topic}}
The email
Hi {{first_name}},
{{referrer_name}} at {{referrer_company}} suggested I get in touch. They said you're the person to talk to about {{topic}} at {{company}}.
I'm {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. We help {{customer_type}} with {{problem}}, and {{referrer_name}} thought it might be relevant to {{their_initiative}}.
Would a 15-minute call be useful? If the timing's wrong, just say so and I'll leave it there.
{{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 only when the referrer actually suggested you write and is happy for you to use their name. Check that before you send. The fastest way to lose a referrer is to name them in emails they did not approve.
When a formal introduction is possible, prefer it. Use this template when the referrer said "just email them and mention me".
Why it works
- The referrer is in the subject and the first line. That is the reason this email gets read, so it should not be buried.
- It explains the connection, so the reader can judge relevance without replying to ask.
- The ask is small and easy to decline. You are spending someone else's goodwill, so you keep the request modest.
Before you send
You will often have a name and a company but not an address. Generate the likely formats with the email permutator, then confirm the right one with the free email checker. Guessing wrong means your referral lands with nobody.