Forwardable intro email templates
The short answer
A forwardable intro email is a short, self-contained note your introducer can pass on unchanged. It says who you are, what you want, why this person, and how small the ask is, in four or five sentences. Write it in the third person so it reads naturally when forwarded.
When you ask someone for an introduction, you're asking them to do some writing on your behalf. Most people are happy to help but put it off, because explaining who you are and why you want the meeting takes thought. A forwardable email removes that work. Your introducer reads it, agrees with it, and forwards it with a line of their own on top.
Venture investors popularised the format because they receive and make hundreds of introductions. It works just as well for consultants looking for clients, operators looking for advice, and anyone who needs to reach someone one step outside their own circle.
The five-part structure
- Who you are, in one line. Name, role, and the one fact that makes you credible to this reader.
- What you're working on. The context that makes the meeting relevant now.
- Why them. The specific reason this person is the right one. This is the sentence that gets a yes.
- The ask, made small. A 20-minute call, a question answered, a coffee. Never "pick your brain".
- An easy out. "No worries if the timing isn't right" lowers the cost of saying no, which makes a yes more likely.
Write it in the third person ("Sam runs…", not "I run…"). It reads naturally when your introducer forwards it, and it's easier for them to add "I've known Sam for years and recommend a chat" on top.
Template: meeting a potential client
For consultants, fractional executives and advisors. The mistake here is pitching. The note should ask for a conversation about their problem, not a sales meeting.
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.
Template: meeting an investor
Investors decide in seconds whether a company fits their focus. Lead with traction and the one fact that shows fit with their portfolio or thesis. Offer the deck; don't attach it.
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.
Template: finding a contractor or advisor
When you're looking for someone to help you, not to buy from you, lead with the problem and be clear about what you're offering in return: paid work, a conversation, or simply your thanks.
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?
The message around it
Send the forwardable note inside a short personal message to your introducer. Explain the connection you spotted, say you've written something they can forward, and invite them to check with the other person first. See how to ask for a warm introduction for the full ask.
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]
Mistakes that stop a note being forwarded
- It's too long. If it scrolls on a phone, it's too long. Four or five sentences.
- It's a pitch. Save the pitch for the meeting. The note earns the meeting.
- It's generic. Without a "why them" sentence, it reads like a mass email, and the introducer will feel awkward sending it.
- It asks for too much. "Could they introduce me to their CEO and send me their pricing?" Ask for one small thing.
- It's written in the first person. Forwarded "I" notes read oddly and make the introducer rewrite them.
- It includes a big attachment. Offer the deck, the case study or the CV. Don't force it on anyone.
A 30-second checklist
- Could a stranger understand it with no other context?
- Is there a sentence explaining why this particular person?
- Is the ask a small, specific thing with a time limit?
- Is there an easy way to say no?
- Is it under 100 words?
Frequently asked questions
What is a forwardable email?
A short, self-contained note written so your introducer can forward it unchanged to the person you want to meet. It explains who you are, what you want and why them, in a few sentences, usually in the third person.
Should a forwardable intro be written in the first or third person?
Third person. It reads naturally when forwarded and lets the introducer add their own recommendation on top without rewriting anything.
How long should a forwardable intro email be?
Around 60 to 100 words: four or five sentences. It should be readable on a phone without scrolling.
Should I attach a pitch deck to a forwardable email?
No. Offer to send it. Attachments make the introducer's job heavier and can feel presumptuous to the recipient.