Introduction request scripts

An introduction request should help the connector decide whether to forward it and give the target enough reason to decide whether the conversation deserves time. Put the target, reason, exact ask, and a ready-to-send note in front of the connector, then give them an easy way to decline. You are writing for two readers: the connector is judging the fit and effort, while the target is judging the value of the conversation. A good script handles both decisions without making the connector rewrite your case.

Build the request

1

Start with the connector

2

Name the target

3

Ask plainly

4

Give enough context

5

Leave an easy exit

1. Start with the connector
2. Name the target
3. Ask plainly
4. Give enough context
5. Leave an easy exit

Use a fixed order. Each part removes a decision or a task for the connector.

The request has five parts: a warm greeting, why you chose this connector, context on the target and the reason for the introduction, the specific ask, and an easy way to decline.¹

1. Start with the connector. Keep the greeting short and warm.² Say why you are contacting this person specifically, so the request feels chosen instead of copied.

2. Name the target and the reason. Explain why you want this particular introduction.³ Add a link to the target's LinkedIn profile and explain why the connection makes sense.⁴

3. Ask plainly. Say that you want an introduction and explain the purpose of the conversation in one or two sentences.⁵ Put the request in the first two sentences of the email.⁶

4. Give enough context to decide. The connector should be able to judge whether the meeting would be a good use of the target's time and respond either way.⁷ Make who you are, why you are reaching out to this person, and what happens next easy to find.⁸

5. Leave an easy exit. A good request lets the connector decline without explaining themselves and shows that forwarding the message will not create heavy work.⁹ Use language such as, "If the connection is not a fit, no worries at all."

Send the request when the connector can answer three questions without asking for more context: who the target is, why the conversation makes sense, and what you want them to send.

Script to send the connector

Make the note easy to forward with little or no editing, while keeping it personal enough to show why you chose the connector.

A forwardable template works because it moves much of the work into your message and gives the referral source text they can use.¹⁰

Subject: Intro to [target]

Hi [connector],

Could you introduce me to [target]? I am reaching out because [specific reason], and I think a short conversation about [topic] would be useful.

I have included a note below that you can forward as written. If this connection is not a fit, please feel free to pass.

Forwardable note:

Hi [target],

[Connector] suggested I reach out because [specific reason]. I [brief description of what I do or the company]. I would like to compare notes on [topic] and see whether a short conversation makes sense. Would [date and time] work for you?

Thanks, [requester]

Prepare both pieces before you send the request: the message for the connector and the note they can forward to the target.¹¹ Keep the body between 90 and 150 words, use a clear call to action, and end with a signature that identifies you without requiring a click.¹²

Make the reason specific enough to show the fit. "I would love to connect" leaves the connector to interpret it. "I want to understand how you are approaching [specific issue] because [reason]" gives them something they can trust when they forward the note.

After the connector agrees

Once the connector says yes, make the target's next decision easy. Keep the follow-up focused on the conversation you want, with no new pitch for the connector to manage.

In the message to the target, name the connector in the opening line and offer a dated suggestion for a short call.¹³ If you want to set a clear limit, ask for an initial 15-minute introduction.¹⁴

Use this follow-up:

Hi [target],

[Connector] suggested I reach out because [reason]. I work on [brief description], and I would like to compare notes on [topic]. Would [date and time] work for a short call?

Best, [requester]

Keep the purpose narrow. The target should know why the connector thought of them, what you want to discuss, and what replying yes would involve. If the target declines or does not respond, leave the connector out of pressure tactics and protect the relationship that made the introduction possible.

What not to do

These mistakes create work for the connector or make the requested action unclear.

• Do not leave the recipient unsure what action you want. Ambiguity is the most common failure in an introduction email.¹⁵
• Do not write as though the connector has already offered to introduce you. Thanking them for an offer they have not made may make them less likely to forward the message.¹⁶
• Do not send only a description of yourself or your company. The first request should also explain why you want to meet the target.¹⁷
• Do not spend the opening on pleasantries that delay the ask. People requesting an introduction are advised to skip pleasantries.¹⁸