Knowing the right words to introduce yourself can make a huge difference when you’ve been referred to someone. The phrase “I was referred to you by” is commonly used in professional and networking communication, but using thoughtful alternatives can make your message feel more personal, warm, and engaging.
Choosing words carefully shows respect for the connection, builds rapport, and increases the likelihood of a positive response.
What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?
“I was referred to you by” means that someone recommended or introduced you to the person you are contacting. It shows that your outreach comes with a trusted connection, establishing credibility and context right away.
When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”?
Use this phrase when you have a mutual contact who suggested you reach out. It works best for professional introductions, networking, or mentorship requests, providing context and making your communication more personal and relevant.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?
Yes, it is both professional and polite. It demonstrates respect for the referral, signals credibility, and helps create a positive first impression in emails, LinkedIn messages, or formal introductions.
Pros or Cons of Using “I Was Referred to You By”
Pros:
- Immediately establishes credibility
- Provides context for your outreach
- Shows you have a mutual connection, enhancing trust
Cons:
- Can feel too formal in casual networking
- Overused phrasing may sound generic if not personalized
- Might not be effective if the referral is not well-known to the recipient
1. “Your colleague recommended I reach out”
Meaning:
Indicates that someone in the recipient’s network suggested contacting them.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is slightly less formal than the original but maintains professional credibility. It shows you are connecting via a trusted intermediary.
Scenario Examples:
- “Your colleague recommended I reach out regarding the upcoming marketing initiative.”
- “I wanted to connect as your colleague suggested I reach out about collaboration opportunities.”
- “Following your colleague’s recommendation, I am reaching out to discuss potential partnership.”
Best Use:
Professional networking emails, B2B introductions
Worst Use:
Casual text messages or social media DMs
Why It Works:
It immediately signals trust and relevance, leveraging the recipient’s existing network.
Tone:
Polite, professional, approachable
2. “I was introduced to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
A formal way to communicate that someone made the connection.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing is ideal in professional or formal networking situations. It highlights that the referral is intentional and trusted, giving your outreach instant credibility.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was introduced to you by Emily Carter, who thought you could guide me on this project.”
- “Following my introduction by Dr. Stevens, I wanted to discuss potential collaboration.”
- “I was introduced to you by a mutual connection and wanted to reach out regarding your work.”
Best Use:
Formal networking, mentoring requests, business outreach
Worst Use:
Casual or informal contexts
Why It Works:
It communicates professional respect while emphasizing the referral’s authority.
Tone:
Formal, professional, respectful
3. “[Name] suggested I contact you”
Meaning:
Shows a recommendation from a mutual connection in a concise way.
Detailed Explanation:
This alternative is slightly more conversational while still maintaining professionalism. It emphasizes the referral’s suggestion rather than a formal introduction.
Scenario Examples:
- “John recommended I contact you regarding the partnership proposal.”
- “I’m reaching out as Jane suggested I contact you for advice on this project.”
- “Following Mark’s suggestion, I wanted to discuss collaboration possibilities.”
Best Use:
Emails or LinkedIn outreach when you want a slightly informal but professional tone
Worst Use:
Highly formal or legal correspondence
Why It Works:
It shows initiative while referencing a trusted source.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, approachable
4. “I received your contact from [Name]”
Meaning:
States the referral source factually without emphasizing suggestion.
Detailed Explanation:
This is neutral, straightforward, and professional. It works well when the referral needs to be acknowledged without overexplaining.
Scenario Examples:
- “I received your contact from Mark Wilson regarding your services.”
- “Following my receipt of your contact from Jane, I wanted to introduce myself.”
- “I received your contact from Emily and am reaching out to explore opportunities.”
Best Use:
Formal professional outreach, initial cold introductions with referral context
Worst Use:
Casual or overly personal conversations
Why It Works:
It is concise, professional, and clear.
Tone:
Neutral, professional
5. “[Name] recommended reaching out to you”
Meaning:
Emphasizes the recommendation itself rather than the introduction.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing is effective when you want to highlight that the referral actively suggested your connection. It subtly conveys trust and endorsement.
Scenario Examples:
- “Sarah recommended reaching out to you regarding the upcoming project.”
- “I’m contacting you as Michael recommended reaching out to you for guidance.”
- “Following Emily’s recommendation, I wanted to discuss potential collaboration.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, networking, mentorship outreach
Worst Use:
Informal texting or casual social media messages
Why It Works:
It leverages endorsement from a mutual contact, which boosts credibility.
Tone:
Polite, professional, confident
6. “I was pointed in your direction by [Name]”
Meaning:
A conversational way to indicate someone suggested contacting the recipient.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is slightly informal yet professional. It implies that someone trusted your judgment to reach out and shows respect for the referral’s guidance.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was pointed in your direction by Sarah to discuss the upcoming project.”
- “Following our mutual contact, I was pointed in your direction by Mark to explore collaboration.”
- “I was pointed in your direction by Emily regarding your expertise in digital marketing.”
Best Use:
Friendly professional emails, informal networking
Worst Use:
Highly formal or corporate correspondence
Why It Works:
It feels personal and approachable, giving the impression of a warm referral.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, professional
7. “I was guided to contact you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Highlights that the referral actively recommended reaching out.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing emphasizes guidance and trust. It’s slightly more formal than casual alternatives and works well in professional or mentorship contexts.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was guided to contact you by Dr. Stevens to discuss research collaboration.”
- “Following Jane’s guidance, I’m reaching out regarding potential partnership opportunities.”
- “I was guided to contact you by Mark to gain insights on your expertise.”
Best Use:
Formal networking, mentorship, B2B introductions
Worst Use:
Casual social media messages
Why It Works:
It communicates respect for the referral and positions you as thoughtful and professional.
Tone:
Polite, professional, thoughtful
8. “[Name] put me in touch with you”
Meaning:
A simple and direct alternative to indicate a referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This is straightforward and widely accepted in professional communication. It’s slightly more casual than “I was referred to you” but still maintains credibility.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark put me in touch with you regarding your consulting services.”
- “Jane put me in touch with you to discuss potential collaboration.”
- “Following Sarah’s recommendation, she put me in touch with you for guidance.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, LinkedIn introductions
Worst Use:
Very formal letters or contracts
Why It Works:
It’s clear, human, and easy to read, making the referral immediately apparent.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, concise
9. “I was encouraged to reach out to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Emphasizes that someone actively recommended contacting the recipient.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase adds a slightly persuasive tone without being pushy. It shows the referral believed your contact would be valuable.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was encouraged to reach out to you by Emily regarding partnership opportunities.”
- “Following our mutual contact, I was encouraged to reach out to you by Mark.”
- “I was encouraged to reach out to you by Sarah to discuss potential collaboration.”
Best Use:
Professional networking, mentorship outreach
Worst Use:
Casual social media or texting
Why It Works:
It conveys endorsement and credibility while remaining polite.
Tone:
Professional, polite, confident
10. “I’m reaching out on the recommendation of [Name]”
Meaning:
Formal way to mention a referral without directly saying “I was referred.”
Detailed Explanation:
This wording is professional, concise, and suitable for formal email communication. It frames the referral as a recommendation, which is highly credible.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m reaching out on the recommendation of Mark Johnson regarding potential collaboration.”
- “Following Emily’s recommendation, I’m reaching out to explore partnership opportunities.”
- “I’m reaching out on the recommendation of Sarah to discuss your expertise in digital marketing.”
Best Use:
Formal emails, professional networking
Worst Use:
Casual text messages or LinkedIn DMs
Why It Works:
It maintains professional tone while clearly signaling the referral.
Tone:
Formal, professional, courteous
11. “[Name] thought I should connect with you”
Meaning:
Highlights the referral’s judgment and recommendation.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing adds a friendly and personal touch, making it feel less rigid than traditional alternatives. It’s ideal for slightly informal professional communication.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark thought I should connect with you regarding the upcoming project.”
- “Following Emily’s suggestion, she thought I should connect with you about collaboration.”
- “Sarah thought I should connect with you to discuss mentorship opportunities.”
Best Use:
LinkedIn messages, professional yet friendly emails
Worst Use:
Formal business proposals
Why It Works:
It conveys endorsement and human connection, encouraging response.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, approachable
12. “I was advised to reach out to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Indicates professional advice from a referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This is slightly formal and ideal when the referral comes from a mentor, manager, or professional authority. It communicates credibility and intentionality.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was advised to reach out to you by Dr. Stevens regarding collaboration on research.”
- “Emily advised me to contact you about potential partnership opportunities.”
- “Following guidance, I was advised to reach out to you by Mark.”
Best Use:
Formal professional emails, mentorship, consulting requests
Worst Use:
Casual or informal chats
Why It Works:
It demonstrates respect for professional advice and establishes authority-backed credibility.
Tone:
Professional, respectful, confident
13. “[Name] recommended I get in touch with you”
Meaning:
Friendly and approachable alternative for a referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is slightly informal, suitable for professional relationships that are not overly rigid. It highlights that the referral saw value in your connection.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark recommended I get in touch with you regarding partnership possibilities.”
- “Emily recommended I get in touch with you to discuss collaboration.”
- “Following Sarah’s suggestion, she recommended I get in touch with you.”
Best Use:
Friendly professional outreach, networking
Worst Use:
Highly formal letters
Why It Works:
It’s warm, approachable, and emphasizes trusted referral.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, warm
14. “I was directed to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Formal and concise way to indicate referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing works well when you want formality and a direct, professional tone. It positions the referral as authoritative and intentional.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was directed to you by Mark Johnson regarding consulting services.”
- “Following Emily’s guidance, I was directed to you for advice on strategy.”
- “I was directed to you by Sarah to discuss potential collaboration.”
Best Use:
Formal business emails, professional consulting requests
Worst Use:
Casual or informal messages
Why It Works:
It conveys clarity, authority, and professionalism.
Tone:
Formal, concise, professional
15. “[Name] suggested connecting with you”
Meaning:
Simple and professional phrasing for referrals.
Detailed Explanation:
This is a slightly conversational alternative that keeps the message professional while emphasizing a trusted recommendation.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark suggested connecting with you about potential collaboration.”
- “Emily suggested connecting with you regarding your expertise in marketing.”
- “Following Sarah’s advice, she suggested connecting with you for guidance.”
Best Use:
Professional networking, LinkedIn messages, email introductions
Worst Use:
Highly formal letters or legal correspondence
Why It Works:
It balances approachability with professionalism, making it easy for recipients to respond.
Tone:
Professional, friendly, approachable
16. “I was put forward to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Indicates someone recommended you formally to the recipient.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing has a formal and professional tone. It emphasizes that the referral actively endorsed you, making your outreach more credible.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was put forward to you by Emily Carter to discuss potential partnership opportunities.”
- “Following Mark’s recommendation, I was put forward to you regarding collaboration.”
- “I was put forward to you by Sarah to explore mentorship possibilities.”
Best Use:
Formal networking, mentorship, professional introductions
Worst Use:
Informal messages or casual social media chats
Why It Works:
It signals endorsement and credibility, which increases the likelihood of engagement.
Tone:
Formal, professional, confident
17. “[Name] recommended I reach out to you directly”
Meaning:
Highlights both the recommendation and the direct approach.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you want to show initiative while emphasizing the referral’s guidance. It makes your outreach appear intentional and thoughtful.
Scenario Examples:
- “John recommended I reach out to you directly regarding consulting services.”
- “Following Emily’s advice, she recommended I reach out to you directly for insights.”
- “Sarah recommended I reach out to you directly to discuss potential opportunities.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, LinkedIn outreach, mentorship inquiries
Worst Use:
Casual texts or group messages
Why It Works:
It shows respect for the referral while demonstrating initiative and clarity.
Tone:
Professional, confident, polite
18. “I am contacting you on the suggestion of [Name]”
Meaning:
Formal phrasing emphasizing the referral’s suggestion.
Detailed Explanation:
This wording is ideal for highly professional contexts. It positions the referral as trusted authority and presents your contact as purposeful and intentional.
Scenario Examples:
- “I am contacting you on the suggestion of Mark Wilson to discuss collaboration.”
- “Following Emily’s suggestion, I am contacting you regarding your services.”
- “I am contacting you on the suggestion of Sarah about potential mentorship.”
Best Use:
Corporate emails, consulting requests, professional outreach
Worst Use:
Casual messaging or social media DMs
Why It Works:
It communicates authority-backed credibility and professionalism.
Tone:
Formal, professional, respectful
19. “[Name] thought it would be valuable for us to connect”
Meaning:
Shows referral saw potential mutual benefit.
Detailed Explanation:
This alternative emphasizes value creation, not just the referral. It works well when you want to highlight shared interests or benefits.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark thought it would be valuable for us to connect regarding the upcoming project.”
- “Following Emily’s recommendation, she thought it would be valuable for us to connect on potential collaboration.”
- “Sarah thought it would be valuable for us to connect to discuss mentorship opportunities.”
Best Use:
Professional introductions, collaborative outreach
Worst Use:
Casual or informal conversations
Why It Works:
It communicates mutual benefit and purpose, making your outreach more compelling.
Tone:
Professional, thoughtful, approachable
20. “I’m reaching out based on [Name]’s referral”
Meaning:
Concise, professional way to mention referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing is direct, clear, and professional, suitable for emails and LinkedIn messages. It emphasizes the referral as the reason for outreach.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m reaching out based on Mark Johnson’s referral to discuss potential collaboration.”
- “Following Emily’s guidance, I’m reaching out based on her referral.”
- “I’m reaching out based on Sarah’s referral regarding your services.”
Best Use:
Professional outreach, client introductions, networking
Worst Use:
Casual texting
Why It Works:
It’s concise, professional, and immediately establishes trust.
Tone:
Professional, neutral, polite
21. “[Name] recommended that I connect with you”
Meaning:
Friendly yet professional referral phrasing.
Detailed Explanation:
This alternative is slightly conversational but still professional. It emphasizes recommendation and personal judgment.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark recommended that I connect with you regarding marketing strategies.”
- “Emily recommended that I connect with you to discuss potential collaboration.”
- “Sarah recommended that I connect with you about mentorship opportunities.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, LinkedIn outreach
Worst Use:
Overly formal letters
Why It Works:
Balances approachability and professionalism, encouraging engagement.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, approachable
22. “I was pointed your way by [Name]”
Meaning:
Informal, friendly way to acknowledge a referral.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing is casual but respectful. It works well in industries or environments where approachability is valued.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was pointed your way by Mark to discuss project opportunities.”
- “Emily pointed me your way to explore collaboration.”
- “Following Sarah’s advice, I was pointed your way for guidance.”
Best Use:
Casual professional outreach, friendly networking
Worst Use:
Formal corporate emails
Why It Works:
It feels personal, warm, and shows trust in the referral.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, professional
23. “[Name] put me in contact with you”
Meaning:
Direct and professional referral phrasing.
Detailed Explanation:
This is a neutral, widely accepted way to show a referral. It works in almost any professional setting.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark put me in contact with you to discuss collaboration.”
- “Following Emily’s suggestion, she put me in contact with you for guidance.”
- “Sarah put me in contact with you regarding potential mentorship.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, LinkedIn messages
Worst Use:
Informal texting
Why It Works:
It’s clear, concise, and establishes trust immediately.
Tone:
Professional, neutral, confident
24. “I was connected to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Formal and professional alternative.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrasing highlights formal connection without extra embellishment. Suitable for corporate or formal outreach.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was connected to you by Mark Johnson regarding consulting services.”
- “Following Emily’s referral, I was connected to you for mentorship.”
- “I was connected to you by Sarah to discuss collaboration opportunities.”
Best Use:
Formal emails, corporate networking
Worst Use:
Casual conversations
Why It Works:
It communicates trust, formality, and professionalism.
Tone:
Formal, professional, polite
25. “I was recommended to reach out to you by [Name]”
Meaning:
Emphasizes the referral’s recommendation and your action.
Detailed Explanation:
This is slightly formal but approachable. It signals that the referral endorsed both you and the outreach.
Scenario Examples:
- “I was recommended to reach out to you by Mark regarding partnership opportunities.”
- “Following Emily’s suggestion, I was recommended to reach out to you.”
- “Sarah recommended I reach out to you to discuss mentorship.”
Best Use:
Professional networking, formal emails
Worst Use:
Casual messages
Why It Works:
It emphasizes referral credibility and initiative, making the outreach persuasive.
Tone:
Professional, polite, confident
26. “[Name] suggested I initiate contact with you”
Meaning:
Professional, slightly formal alternative.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase frames the referral as advisory, emphasizing thoughtful and intentional outreach.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark suggested I initiate contact with you regarding potential collaboration.”
- “Emily suggested I initiate contact with you to discuss mentoring opportunities.”
- “Sarah suggested I initiate contact with you for guidance on the project.”
Best Use:
Formal networking, mentorship emails
Worst Use:
Casual messaging
Why It Works:
It signals credibility and intentionality, which fosters trust.
Tone:
Professional, respectful, confident
27. “I’m reaching out at the recommendation of [Name]”
Meaning:
Concise, formal phrasing highlighting the referral.
Detailed Explanation:
Ideal for professional emails where brevity and clarity are valued. It emphasizes authority of the referral.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m reaching out at the recommendation of Mark Johnson regarding potential collaboration.”
- “Following Emily’s guidance, I’m reaching out at her recommendation.”
- “I’m reaching out at the recommendation of Sarah for mentorship opportunities.”
Best Use:
Formal professional emails, B2B outreach
Worst Use:
Casual texting
Why It Works:
It communicates professional credibility quickly.
Tone:
Formal, concise, professional
28. “[Name] endorsed connecting with you”
Meaning:
Shows referral’s active endorsement rather than just suggestion.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase adds weight, signaling that the referral confidently supports your outreach.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark endorsed connecting with you regarding collaboration.”
- “Emily endorsed connecting with you for mentorship guidance.”
- “Sarah endorsed connecting with you to discuss potential partnership.”
Best Use:
Formal professional networking, executive outreach
Worst Use:
Informal conversations
Why It Works:
It signals strong credibility and trust from a mutual contact.
Tone:
Professional, confident, authoritative
29. “I’m reaching out as [Name] suggested”
Meaning:
Concise, professional referral phrasing.
Detailed Explanation:
Short and clear, this alternative is ideal for emails where brevity is important, while still acknowledging a trusted source.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m reaching out as Mark suggested regarding collaboration.”
- “Emily suggested I reach out, so I’m contacting you for guidance.”
- “I’m reaching out as Sarah suggested about potential partnership.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, LinkedIn introductions
Worst Use:
Informal texting
Why It Works:
It’s concise, credible, and professional.
Tone:
Professional, neutral, clear
30. “[Name] thought I should reach out to you”
Meaning:
Friendly yet professional phrasing that signals endorsement.
Detailed Explanation:
This is slightly more conversational, suitable when building approachable relationships while maintaining credibility.
Scenario Examples:
- “Mark thought I should reach out to you regarding collaboration opportunities.”
- “Emily thought I should reach out to you about mentoring.”
- “Sarah thought I should reach out to you to discuss partnership.”
Best Use:
LinkedIn messages, networking emails
Worst Use:
Highly formal or legal correspondence
Why It Works:
Balances friendliness with credibility, making engagement likely.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, approachable
Conclusion
Using thoughtful alternatives to “I was referred to you by” helps your outreach feel more personal, warm, and professional. Each phrase allows you to highlight trust, credibility, and intention, while adjusting for tone, formality, and relationship context.
By choosing the right wording, you can create meaningful connections, encourage engagement, and leave a lasting professional impression.
