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How to ask for a warm introduction, what to write, and how to pick up with people you've gone quiet on. 14 notes you can copy and send today, no sign-up needed.

6 guides · 14 copy-ready templates · under 7 minutes each

The forwardable note

Intro: Sam (Brightline) → Jordan

Sam Rivera runs customer operations at Brightline, a 40-person software company. They're about to double the support team and want to learn from someone who's done it. Sam would love 20 minutes with Jordan to ask how they structured the team and what they'd do differently. Happy to work around Jordan's schedule.

Checks with Jordan firstReady to forward

The template shelf

Every note, ready to copy.

Every message from every guide, in one place. Copy one and swap in your names, or open it in its guide to see when to send it.

The ask to your introducer

Hi Alex, I saw you worked with Jordan Lee at Northwind. I'm trying to meet people who've scaled a support team past 50, and Jordan's name keeps coming up. Would you be comfortable asking if they'd be open to a 20-minute call? I've written a short note below you can forward, so it should only take a minute. And no pressure at all if it's not a good fit. Thanks, Sam

When to send it: How to ask for a warm introduction →
The forwardable note

Sam Rivera runs customer operations at Brightline, a 40-person software company. They're about to double the support team and want to learn from someone who's done it. Sam would love 20 minutes with Jordan to ask how they structured the team and what they'd do differently. Happy to work around Jordan's schedule.

When to send it: How to ask for a warm introduction →
Replying to the introduction

Thanks Alex, moving you to BCC. Jordan, great to meet you, and thanks for making the time. Would Tuesday at 10am or Thursday at 2pm work for a 20-minute call? Happy to fit around you. Sam

When to send it: How to ask for a warm introduction →
Forwardable: potential client

Priya Shah is a fractional CFO who has led finance at three Series A and B software companies, most recently taking Loop from $4m to $15m in revenue. She's heard Northwind is preparing for its next raise and would welcome a 20-minute conversation with Jordan about how they're thinking about finance leadership through it. No agenda beyond comparing notes, and no worries if the timing isn't right.

When to send it: Forwardable intro email templates →
Forwardable: investor

Sam Rivera is the co-founder of Brightline, which helps mid-sized logistics companies cut failed deliveries. They launched in March, have 14 paying customers and are growing 20% month on month. Sam is raising a $2m seed round and thought of Morgan given Harbour Ventures' investments in Freightly and Dockside. Would Morgan be open to a 20-minute call? Sam can send a short deck beforehand if useful.

When to send it: Forwardable intro email templates →
Forwardable: contractor or advisor

Alex Chen runs product at Tandem, a 30-person health software company. They're moving their platform to meet new hospital data requirements and are looking for someone who has led a similar project, either as a paid contractor for three months or for a one-off advisory conversation. Alex thought of Riley given their work on the same change at Medisafe. Would Riley be open to a short call to see if there's a fit?

When to send it: Forwardable intro email templates →
Wrapping message to your introducer

Hi Casey, I noticed you worked with Jordan at Northwind. Would you be comfortable asking whether they'd be open to a chat? I've written a short note below that you can forward as is, or edit however you like. Very happy for you to check with Jordan first, and no problem at all if it's not a fit. Thanks so much, Priya --- [forwardable note]

When to send it: Forwardable intro email templates →
Checking with the other side

Hi Jordan, A friend of mine, Sam Rivera, would love 20 minutes with you. Their note is below. I've known Sam for five years and think you'd enjoy comparing notes on scaling support teams. Would you be open to an introduction? Completely fine to say no, I won't pass anything on unless you're keen. Alex

When to send it: Double opt-in introductions →
The introduction

Jordan, meet Sam. Sam runs customer operations at Brightline and is about to double their support team. Sam, meet Jordan. Jordan built the support team at Northwind from 8 people to 70. I'll leave you two to find a time. Enjoy the chat! Alex

When to send it: Double opt-in introductions →
When the answer is no

Hi Sam, I checked with Jordan, and the timing isn't right for them at the moment. Sorry I couldn't make this one happen. Happy to think about who else might be helpful.

When to send it: Double opt-in introductions →
A specific ask to a referrer

Hi Jordan, I noticed Harbour led Loop's Series A last month. Companies at that stage often need finance leadership before they're ready for a full-time CFO, which is exactly the work I do. Would you be comfortable asking the founders if they'd like a chat? I've put a short note below you can forward. Totally fine if it's not the right time. Priya

When to send it: How fractional executives find clients through their network →
Something reminded me of you

Hi Morgan, I was in a meeting today where someone described a pricing problem exactly like the one we untangled at Northwind in 2021, and I thought of you. It's been far too long. How are things at Harbour? I'd love to hear what you're working on these days. Sam

When to send it: How to reconnect with dormant contacts →
Congratulations on their news

Hi Riley, Just saw you've started at Medisafe. Congratulations, that sounds like a great fit. I still use the planning template you shared with me years ago. Would be great to catch up properly if you're up for a coffee once you've settled in. Alex

When to send it: How to reconnect with dormant contacts →
An update for someone who helped you

Hi Casey, You gave me some advice about going independent back in 2022, and I wanted to tell you it worked out. I've been consulting for three years now and just passed my twentieth client. Thank you again. I'd love to hear how things are going with you. Priya

When to send it: How to reconnect with dormant contacts →

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