12 Other Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”

When you’re reaching out to someone in a professional context, especially for the first time, it’s essential to introduce how you came to know about them. This helps establish credibility and trust right from the start. Saying, “I was referred to you by…” is a common, effective approach, but there are plenty of other ways to convey the same message. Using varied phrases not only keeps your communication fresh but also fosters a professional relationship with the recipient.

Here, we’ll explore 12 different ways to say “I was referred to you by,” and provide scenario examples for each approach. By adopting these alternatives, you can enhance your business outreach, build stronger professional connections, and develop a network that supports your career growth.

A Mutual Connection Mentioned You

One of the most effective ways to introduce someone is by referencing a mutual connection. This instantly establishes trust and shows that you have a shared acquaintance, which often leads to a warmer reception.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Through Our Mutual Connection

Dear Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well. A mutual connection, John Smith, mentioned you in a recent conversation and spoke highly of your expertise in marketing strategies. Given my current project, I believe your insights would be invaluable. I’d love to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and how we can work together to achieve our mutual goals.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,
Emily Cooper

By mentioning someone both parties know, you can ensure a smoother introduction and set the stage for meaningful connections.

I Learned About You From

This expression highlights that you’ve been made aware of the recipient through specific information, often from an indirect source. It conveys the idea that you’ve actively sought out information on them.

Example:

Subject: Reaching Out After Learning About You

Hi Michael,

I recently learned about you from an article in an industry publication that highlighted your successful work in digital marketing. Your innovative approach really stood out to me, and I believe your expertise could greatly assist with some of my current business outreach efforts. I would love the opportunity to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

Best regards,
Sophia Hayes

This method creates an impression that you’ve done some research, thus showing initiative and genuine interest in the recipient.

A Colleague Recommended You to Me

Referring to a colleague as your source for the connection instantly gives the introduction credibility. Colleagues often have shared experiences, so this approach implies that the recommendation comes from a place of trust-building.

Example:

Subject: Introduction from A Colleague

Dear Daniel,

I was recently speaking with a colleague, Mark Wilson, and he recommended I reach out to you regarding your work in the tech field. He spoke highly of your problem-solving skills, which align perfectly with some of the challenges I’m currently facing. I’d love to chat more about networking opportunities and how we might be able to work together.

Best,
James Roberts

This phrase highlights trust establishment and demonstrates the potential for collaboration through your shared colleague.

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Your Name Came Up in Conversation

This phrase is useful when you want to create an air of serendipity. It suggests that the person’s name came up naturally in conversation, making it feel more organic and less forced.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Based on a Recent Conversation

Hi Rachel,

Your name came up in conversation with a friend of mine, Lisa Turner. She spoke highly of your expertise in marketing and suggested we connect. I’ve been looking for someone with your skill set for a project I’m working on, and I’d love to explore business collaboration opportunities with you.

Best regards,
Anna Green

This approach emphasizes the organic nature of the introduction, making the connection feel more personal.

I Was Given Your Contact Information by

This is a straightforward, professional way to introduce someone. By stating that you’ve received the recipient’s contact details from a trusted source, you can instantly validate your connection.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Based on Referral

Hello Peter,

I was recently given your contact information by my mentor, David Fisher. He spoke highly of your work in business consulting, and I believe your expertise could help me navigate some of the challenges I’m currently facing. I’d love to schedule a call to discuss networking strategies and potential opportunities for collaboration.

Best regards,
Oliver King

This approach is formal yet still friendly, reinforcing the fact that you’re reaching out through a trusted professional referral.

A Friend Spoke Highly of You

Using a friend as a reference adds a personal touch to your outreach. It humanizes the connection and can make the recipient more inclined to respond positively.

Example:

Subject: Introduction from a Mutual Friend

Dear Helen,

I hope you’re doing well. A close friend, Caroline Brooks, recently spoke very highly of your expertise in project management. She mentioned that you could provide invaluable advice on some of the challenges I’ve been facing in my role. I’d love to connect and discuss how we might work together.

Best,
Liam Turner

By referencing a personal relationship, you’re opening the door to an easier, more comfortable exchange.

For your interest: 15 Other Ways to Say “As Per Your Request”

Someone Recommended You to Me

This phrase is versatile and widely applicable. It subtly indicates that someone you trust has already vouched for the recipient’s abilities or expertise, making your request more likely to be taken seriously.

Example:

Subject: Referred by a Trusted Contact

Hi Jessica,

I was recently chatting with a trusted contact of mine, John Adams, who recommended you to me for your expertise in sales strategies. Given your success in this field, I’d love to explore how your insights might help me achieve my goals. I’m eager to connect and discuss networking strategies.

Best regards,
Thomas Grant

By mentioning a mutual recommendation, you’re able to immediately position the recipient as a reliable and knowledgeable person.

I Was Directed to You by

This expression implies that someone suggested you reach out to the person, creating a sense of direction or purpose. It can be an excellent way to show that you’ve been pointed in the right direction by someone trustworthy.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Based on Referral

Dear Fiona,

I was recently directed to you by my colleague, Tom Harris, who spoke highly of your experience with supply chain optimization. He believes you’re the perfect person to help with some of the questions I’ve been grappling with. I’d love the opportunity to connect and hear your thoughts on the matter.

Best,
Emily Turner

This type of introduction is clear and to the point, positioning the recipient as an expert worth contacting.

I Was Introduced to You Through

This phrase is ideal for when someone has formally introduced you to the recipient, often in a more structured context, such as a networking event or professional gathering.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Through a Professional Network

Hello Gregory,

I was introduced to you through a professional event hosted by the local chamber of commerce. We briefly discussed your work in market research, and I believe there could be great potential for business collaboration between us. I would love to follow up and discuss how we can support each other’s efforts.

Best regards,
Maria Wright

This approach emphasizes the trust-building that happens in networking events, allowing you to quickly establish common ground.

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I Heard About You Through

This method can be used when the person’s reputation or work has reached you through indirect channels, like news, publications, or word of mouth. It can be useful when you want to sound curious yet formal.

Example:

Subject: Heard About You Through Industry News

Hi Stephanie,

I heard about you through an article in a recent industry publication that highlighted your achievements in marketing. I was impressed by your innovative approach to customer engagement and thought it would be valuable to reach out and see how we could potentially collaborate.

Best regards,
Jenna Lee

This phrase works well when you want to emphasize that you’ve been following the recipient’s work and are genuinely interested in learning more.

A Contact Thought We Should Connect

This phrase is helpful when someone has specifically suggested that you should get in touch with the person, making it feel like a more intentional outreach.

Example:

Subject: Introduction Based on a Referral

Hi Olivia,

A mutual contact of ours, Samantha Green, suggested we connect based on our shared interests in sustainable business practices. I believe that we could have a productive conversation about networking strategies and possible future collaborations. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
Brian Miller

This is a friendly and polite way to acknowledge the connection while showing the mutual benefit of the introduction.

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I Came Across Your Name Through

Use this when you’ve discovered the person through a specific search or research effort, signaling that you were actively looking for someone with their skills or expertise.

Example:

Subject: Introduction from a Recent Search

Dear Victor,

I came across your name through a recent search on professional platforms, where I noticed your expertise in digital strategy. After reviewing your profile, I think you might be able to provide valuable insights for an ongoing project. I would love to connect and explore collaboration opportunities with you.

Best regards,
Lydia Bennett

This phrase is often effective in formal or more professional contexts, as it demonstrates your proactive approach.

Table of Synonyms for “I Was Referred to You By”

Phrase	Description
A mutual connection mentioned you	Refers to someone who knows both parties and recommended the contact.
I learned about you from	Indicates that the person’s name came to your attention from research or a source.
A colleague recommended you to me	Mentions that someone within your professional circle suggested the connection.
Your name came up in conversation	Suggests that the person’s name was casually mentioned by someone.
I was given your contact information by	Implies that you received contact details through a trusted person.
A friend spoke highly of you	Personalizes the connection through a trusted friend.
Someone recommended you to me	General way to say someone suggested reaching out.
I was directed to you by	Suggests that a person gave specific directions to contact this individual.
I was introduced to you through	Refers to formal or semi-formal introduction, often in networking settings.
I heard about you through	Implies that the person’s reputation or work reached you indirectly.
A contact thought we should connect	Refers to a person who thought you would benefit from connecting.
I came across your name through	Indicates that you found the individual through a search or exploration.

FAQs

What is the importance of referral etiquette in professional communication?

Referral etiquette helps establish trust and ensures respectful communication, fostering better professional relationships.

How can using alternative phrases improve networking strategies?

Using different phrases makes your introduction more memorable and helps you build credibility in networking opportunities.

Can a referral impact the likelihood of business collaboration?

Yes, referrals can open doors to collaboration opportunities, as they offer trust and credibility from a mutual connection.

How does clear communication affect professional introductions?

Clear communication ensures effective introductions and sets a positive tone, helping to build a strong professional connection.

What role do mutual connections play in professional networking?

Mutual connections serve as conversation starters, enhancing relationship management and helping you establish trust quickly.

Conclusion

In professional communication, finding the right way to introduce yourself can make all the difference. By using alternative phrases like “I was introduced to you through” or “a colleague recommended you,” you show credibility and build trust quickly. These varied expressions help you stand out in business outreach and strengthen professional relationships.

The key to successful introductions is clear communication. A well-chosen phrase can help you build stronger connections, leading to collaboration opportunities and expanded professional networks.