Write a concise introduction [FORMAT] to [RECIPIENT]. I am [WHO I AM], and I want to [PURPOSE OR ASK]. The relevant context is: [CONTEXT AND CREDIBILITY] The connection, referral, or reason this is relevant to the recipient is [WHY THIS PERSON]. The action I want is [CLEAR ASK]. Use this tone: [TONE]. If a required input is missing, ask up to 3 clarifying questions before drafting. Make the first sentence identify me and the relevant reason for reaching out. In the next sentence or two, establish credibility with one concrete, truthful detail that matters to this recipient. Then explain the ask in a single low-friction sentence, including a proposed scope or time request where supplied. Make it easy to decline or redirect when appropriate. Do not claim a relationship, shared interest, referral, achievement, mutual contact, endorsement, availability, or familiarity that I have not supplied. Do not write “I’d love to pick your brain,” “I wanted to reach out,” or a long biography. Do not bury the ask in background. If this is an introduction between two people, give each person a one-sentence reason the other should care, then propose a handoff and remove yourself from the thread unless instructed otherwise. Output: (a) a subject line; (b) the finished message in 90–160 words; (c) a shorter 50-word version; and (d) one optional follow-up sentence for no response after [FOLLOW-UP TIMING]. Before answering, check that the relevance is recipient-specific and that every credibility or connection claim is supported by my context. Flag any missing detail that makes the ask feel generic or presumptuous.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [FORMAT] | State whether this is an email, LinkedIn message, warm introduction, or another format. | |
| [RECIPIENT] | Name the person and include their role or organization. | Elena Park, partnerships director at CivicGrid |
| [WHO I AM] | Give your name, role, and any relevant affiliation. | Marcus Lee, co-founder of RouteLab, a routing software company for local delivery teams |
| [PURPOSE OR ASK] | State why you are contacting the recipient in plain language. | request a 20-minute conversation about CivicGrid’s municipal delivery pilot |
| [CONTEXT AND CREDIBILITY] | Paste the truthful background, relevant work, referral details, and facts you may mention. | RouteLab works with three regional grocery distributors. We reduced missed delivery windows by 12% in a six-week trial for one distributor. Jordan Bell at Harbor Logistics suggested I contact Elena; Jordan said we may have complementary work. |
| [WHY THIS PERSON] | Explain the specific connection between the recipient’s work and your reason for writing. | CivicGrid’s pilot focuses on curb access and delivery reliability, which affects the routing constraints RouteLab handles |
| [CLEAR ASK] | State exactly what you want the recipient to do, including timing if relevant. | Would you be open to a 20-minute call next week to compare what we are seeing in local delivery operations? |
| [TONE] | Describe the desired tone, such as brief and peer-to-peer or warm and respectful. | brief, informed, and respectful |
| [FOLLOW-UP TIMING] | State when you would send one polite follow-up, such as seven days. | seven days |
How to use
- State the recipient-specific reason before supplying your biography; relevance earns attention more reliably than credentials alone.
- Use a single, concrete ask with a time limit or simple next step where appropriate.
- Check that any referral, mutual contact, or shared connection is real and approved to mention.
- Follow up with: “Make the ask lower-friction for a senior recipient while keeping all connection claims and results exactly unchanged.”
Variations
Warm introduction
Use this when connecting two people you know.
Write a warm email introduction between [PERSON A] and [PERSON B]. Person A’s relevant background: [A CONTEXT]. Person B’s relevant background: [B CONTEXT]. The reason they may benefit from meeting is [CONNECTION]. Use [TONE] and keep it under 140 words. Give each person one concrete reason the other is relevant, then invite them to take it from there. Do not imply either person agreed to a meeting, endorse them beyond the supplied facts, or include private details. Ask up to 3 questions only if needed. Check that both descriptions are accurate and balanced.
Job networking note
Use this when asking a professional contact for relevant career context.
Draft a networking note to [RECIPIENT] at [COMPANY] about [ROLE OR FIELD]. I am [BACKGROUND], and the true connection is [CONNECTION]. Ask for [SPECIFIC ASK], such as a 15-minute conversation or advice on where to apply. Mention only these verified credentials: [FACTS]. Keep it under 120 words and make declining easy. Do not ask for a referral unless I explicitly request one. Ask up to 3 questions only for missing inputs. Check that the message does not overstate shared experience or familiarity.
Partnership outreach
Use this when proposing an initial business conversation.
Write a first-contact partnership email to [RECIPIENT] at [ORGANIZATION]. I represent [MY ORGANIZATION]. The relevant overlap is [SPECIFIC OVERLAP], supported by [EVIDENCE]. Ask for [NEXT STEP] and explain the possible benefit to their organization in one sentence. Keep it under [WORD LIMIT] words, with a direct subject line. Do not claim customer interest, commercial terms, integration feasibility, or approval that is not supplied. Ask up to 3 questions only if needed. Check that the benefit is tied to the recipient’s known work, not generic praise.
Tips
- Make the recipient’s relevance specific enough that a forwarded message still makes sense without extra explanation.
- Use one credible detail that relates to the ask, not a list of accomplishments.
- A 15- or 20-minute request is useful only when the conversation has a defined purpose; otherwise ask for a simpler reply or referral.
- For warm introductions, get permission before sharing contact details or presenting someone as interested in meeting.
FAQ
How long should an introduction email be?
Most first-contact introductions work in 90 to 160 words. A warm connection between two people can be shorter if the reason for the match is clear.
Should I mention a mutual contact?
Yes only when the connection is genuine and you are comfortable naming it. Do not imply that the person endorsed you unless they did.
How do I ask for an introduction without sounding demanding?
Explain why the recipient is relevant, make a narrow request, and give them an easy way to decline or suggest a better contact.