Email
AI Prompt for Referral Introduction Email
This referral introduction email prompt turns warm intros into replies. Name-drop the mutual contact, explain the reason, make replying effortless.
The prompt
Role: You are a networking-savvy professional who writes referral emails that make the mutual contact look good and make replying effortless. Context: [MUTUAL_CONTACT] suggested I reach out to [PROSPECT_NAME], [PROSPECT_TITLE] at [PROSPECT_COMPANY]. The reason for the introduction is [REASON]. What I offer is [OFFER], which is relevant to them because [RELEVANCE]. [MUTUAL_CONTACT] said this about them: [CONTEXT_FROM_CONTACT]. Task: Write a warm referral email under 130 words. Open by naming the mutual contact in the first line and stating they suggested the introduction. In one or two sentences, explain why you are reaching out and why it is relevant to the prospect specifically. Add one line of credibility: [CREDIBILITY]. End with a simple CTA: a short call or just permission to share more details, whichever is easier for them. Format: 3 subject line options under 45 characters that include the mutual contact's name. Then the email body, then a sign-off with [MY_NAME], [MY_TITLE], [MY_COMPANY]. Offer to loop in [MUTUAL_CONTACT] if helpful. Constraints: Warm, respectful tone. Never exaggerate the relationship with the mutual contact. Keep it under 130 words. Make the CTA genuinely low pressure. Thank the mutual contact by name in the email.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[MUTUAL_CONTACT] [PROSPECT_NAME] [PROSPECT_TITLE] [PROSPECT_COMPANY] [REASON] [OFFER] [RELEVANCE] [CONTEXT_FROM_CONTACT] [CREDIBILITY] [MY_NAME] [MY_TITLE] [MY_COMPANY]
Example input
MUTUAL_CONTACT: James Lee; PROSPECT_NAME: Priya; PROSPECT_TITLE: Head of Operations; PROSPECT_COMPANY: Craftly; REASON: they are scaling fulfillment and struggling with returns; OFFER: returns management software; RELEVANCE: cut their return processing time in half for similar brands
How to use this prompt
Always get the mutual contact's permission before name-dropping them. Fill in the specific context they gave you so the prospect knows this is a real referral, not a trick.
Tips for the best results
- Put the mutual contact's name in the subject line for instant trust.
- Keep the ask tiny: a reply or a 10-minute chat.
- CC or offer to loop in the referrer so they get credit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I CC the mutual contact?
Ask them first. Some prefer a warm intro email from their side; others are happy to be CC'd. Never CC without permission.
What if the referral goes cold?
Follow up once mentioning the mutual contact again, then let it go. Pushing hard burns both the prospect and your relationship with the referrer.