When it comes to professional introductions with referrals, the words you choose can significantly shape the first impression you make. A commonly used phrase like “I was referred to you by” is clear, but it can sometimes feel impersonal or overused.
Whether you’re writing an email, report, or cover letter, using referral-based networking phrases that feel warm, respectful, and tailored helps you build instant trust.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 thoughtful alternatives that add a personal touch to business intros, reinforce credibility, and elevate your professional tone. Let’s explore how to introduce yourself with a referral in more impactful and nuanced ways.
What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?
The phrase “I was referred to you by” indicates that someone recommended or connected you to the recipient, establishing immediate credibility and context. It’s a common expression in referral-based connections and helps initiate professional conversations with trust.
When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”
Use this phrase when making professional introductions with a referral, such as in networking emails, job applications, or client outreach. It signals that a mutual contact has endorsed the connection, helping to build rapport quickly and respectfully.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?
Yes, the phrase is both professional and polite, though it can feel generic. For added warmth and personalized business communication, consider alternatives like “I’m reaching out on [Referrer’s Name]’s recommendation” or “I was encouraged to connect with you by…” to better reflect your tone and intent.
1. “Someone I Trust Recommended You”
Meaning: Implies that a trusted individual vouched for the recipient.
Definition: A way to establish credibility through a third-party endorsement.
Tone: Warm and respectful.
Example: Someone I trust recommended you for this project, and I’d love to connect.
Explanation: This phrase shows respect for both the recommender and the recipient, creating instant rapport.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it to build trust early in your message. Tailor the phrase to reflect your voice or the formality of the relationship.
2. “A Professional Contact Spoke Highly of You”
Meaning: Conveys admiration and respect passed on from a shared network.
Definition: A way to introduce yourself based on positive word-of-mouth.
Tone: Professional and admiring.
Example: A professional contact spoke highly of you, prompting me to reach out.
Explanation: It communicates credibility and flattery, which can open doors for deeper engagement.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for networking. Adjust the level of formality depending on the platform (email, LinkedIn, etc.).
3. “Through a Trusted Source, I Learned About You”
Meaning: Indicates indirect but reliable discovery of the person.
Definition: A subtle way of acknowledging a referral without direct name-dropping.
Tone: Neutral and professional.
Example: Through a trusted source, I learned about your recent work in healthcare strategy.
Explanation: This phrase allows flexibility when you want to keep the referral source discreet.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for formal communication. You can name the source if appropriate to strengthen connection.
4. “You Came Highly Recommended by”
Meaning: Suggests the recipient is well-regarded in their field.
Definition: A direct compliment that introduces you with positive weight.
Tone: Confident and respectful.
Example: You came highly recommended by a former colleague of mine.
Explanation: Helps establish immediate respect and shared admiration.
Purpose and Personalization: Great for job inquiries or collaborations. Personalize by explaining what impressed the recommender.
5. “I Learned About You Through Industry Circles”
Meaning: Implies mutual involvement in a professional field.
Definition: A subtle, non-personal referral via shared professional communities.
Tone: Polished and professional.
Example: I learned about you through industry circles and wanted to connect regarding a project.
Explanation: Good for creating a sense of familiarity even without direct contact.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for cold outreach. You can add specifics about where or how you heard of them.
6. “I Was Introduced to You by”
Meaning: Indicates a direct connection made through another person.
Definition: A clear expression of a referral-based connection.
Tone: Professional and direct.
Example: I was introduced to you by Sarah during last week’s seminar.
Explanation: This phrase shows clear intent and context, helping the recipient recognize the connection.
Purpose and Personalization: Mention where the introduction happened for clarity and personalization.
7. “I Came Across Your Name Through”
Meaning: Shows that the recipient’s name surfaced naturally through a referral or network.
Definition: A softer way to introduce someone else’s influence.
Tone: Thoughtful and polite.
Example: I came across your name through our shared contact, David Chen.
Explanation: This builds subtle trust without sounding too formal.
Purpose and Personalization: Best for casual yet respectful outreach. Adjust depending on how well you know the source.
8. “My Colleague Suggested I Contact You”
Meaning: Highlights professional recommendation from a peer.
Definition: A direct suggestion from someone in your workplace or industry.
Tone: Friendly and credible.
Example: My colleague, Jenna, suggested I contact you regarding your training program.
Explanation: It combines professionalism with familiarity, making it ideal for B2B contexts.
Purpose and Personalization: Add a line about what the colleague said to make it more personal.
9. “I Heard About You from”
Meaning: Reflects informal discovery via word-of-mouth.
Definition: A broad phrase acknowledging where you first learned of the person.
Tone: Casual and approachable.
Example: I heard about you from a conversation at the marketing roundtable.
Explanation: It’s approachable yet credible, suitable for light networking.
Purpose and Personalization: Use when trying to initiate casual contact. Add details to create relevance.
10. “I Was Encouraged to Reach Out by”
Meaning: Indicates a trusted person suggested initiating communication.
Definition: Emphasizes external encouragement to make contact.
Tone: Supportive and respectful.
Example: I was encouraged to reach out by Emily from your legal team.
Explanation: This adds urgency and credibility, showing the outreach was intentional.
Purpose and Personalization: Adjust to reflect the recommender’s role or authority level for better connection.
11. “I’m Reaching Out Based on a Recommendation from”
Meaning: Signals that someone encouraged you to initiate contact.
Definition: A referral-based phrase emphasizing external advice.
Tone: Professional and respectful.
Example: I’m reaching out based on a recommendation from Professor Daniels.
Explanation: Shows the outreach is purposeful and backed by a trusted source.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for formal communication—mention the context of the recommendation for more depth.
12. “I Was Referred by a Mutual Connection”
Meaning: Highlights a shared contact to create common ground.
Definition: Indicates an introduction through someone both parties know.
Tone: Trust-building and neutral.
Example: I was referred by a mutual connection, Alex Rivera, who thought we’d work well together.
Explanation: Builds rapport by emphasizing a shared link.
Purpose and Personalization: Name the mutual contact to enhance trust and tailor your message to the recipient’s interests.
13. “A Trusted Colleague Recommended I Get in Touch”
Meaning: Emphasizes the reliability of the referral.
Definition: A recommendation from someone within your professional circle.
Tone: Respectful and confident.
Example: A trusted colleague recommended I get in touch regarding your latest research.
Explanation: This phrase adds credibility and shows the outreach is informed.
Purpose and Personalization: Mention what the colleague admired to add warmth and relevance.
14. “I Was Guided to Contact You by”
Meaning: “Suggests someone directed you to them for a specific reason.”
Definition: A guided referral that implies strategic outreach.
Tone: Considerate and purposeful.
Example: “Your assistant, Megan, guided me to contact you.”
Explanation: Suggests alignment or relevance in your communication.
Purpose and Personalization: Clarify why the guidance matters to your intent.
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15. “I’m Contacting You on the Advice of”
Meaning: Communicates respect for the recommender’s opinion.
Definition: Indicates an informed decision to reach out.
Tone: Professional and thoughtful.
Example: I’m contacting you on the advice of our mutual mentor, Dr. Bell.
Explanation: Shows you value expert guidance and are acting on it.
Purpose and Personalization: Tailor the rest of your message to reflect the recommender’s context.
16. “I Was Told to Reach Out to You by”
Meaning: Conveys that someone advised initiating contact.
Definition: A straightforward referral statement.
Tone: Neutral and polite.
Example: “My department head told me to reach out to you.”
Explanation: Keeps things simple and credible without excessive formality.
Purpose and Personalization: Add a sentence about why you were told to connect.
17. “I Was Directed to You by”
Meaning: Shows an intentional referral with purpose.
Definition: Suggests a specific person pointed you to the recipient.
Tone: Clear and professional.
Example: “The admissions office directed me to you for further clarification.”
Explanation: Makes your request seem informed and aligned.
Purpose and Personalization: Include what you hope to gain to personalize further.
18. “I Was Referred to You by [Name]”
Meaning: Identifies the individual who recommended you connect.
Definition: A formal referral acknowledgment.
Tone: Professional and straightforward.
Example: “James Bennett referred me to you regarding partnership opportunities.”
Explanation: Names create familiarity and trust.
Purpose and Personalization: Expand with context or shared experiences for deeper impact.
19. “A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch”
Meaning: Indicates casual recommendation through a professional or personal contact.
Definition: A softer, friendly approach to referrals.
Tone: Light and warm.
Example: A contact of mine suggested I get in touch about your design consulting.
Explanation: Effective in non-formal situations like creative or networking inquiries.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for social platforms—mention mutual interests or goals.
20. “I Was Given Your Name by”
Meaning: Suggests someone passed along your name for professional contact.
Definition: An indirect way to acknowledge a referral.
Tone: Polite and respectful.
Example: “Elena Morris gave me your name and praised your editorial work.”
Explanation: Opens communication with built-in trust.
Purpose and Personalization: Follow up with a personalized message that reflects the referral context.
21. “I Was Told About You by”
Meaning: Communicates discovery through another person.
Definition: A simple introduction through secondhand knowledge.
Tone: Friendly and direct.
Example: “Tom told me about you and spoke highly of your mentoring skills.”
Explanation: Keeps the tone natural and informal.
Purpose and Personalization: Add a compliment or shared interest to deepen the connection.
22. “I Was Advised to Contact You by”
Meaning: Shows guidance-driven outreach.
Definition: A formal phrase indicating advice received.
Tone: Thoughtful and respectful.
Example: “My supervisor advised me to contact you regarding your recent report.”
Explanation: It shows initiative and professionalism.
Purpose and Personalization: Clarify what you’re seeking to align your request with their expertise.
23. “I’ve Been Given Your Name by”
Meaning: Communicates a trusted handoff of contact information.
Definition: A way to credit the referral source clearly.
Tone: Professional and neutral.
Example: “A team member who praised your approach gave me your name.”
Explanation: Adds weight to your outreach with the referrer’s trust.
Purpose and Personalization: Explain why you’re following up and how it relates to your goal.
24. “I Was Recommended to Connect With You by”
Meaning: Shows someone sees potential value in your connection.
Definition: Highlights relationship-based introductions.
Tone: Encouraging and warm.
Example: “My former professor, Dr. Lee, recommended that I connect with you.”
Explanation: Makes your outreach feel intentional and valuable.
Purpose and Personalization: Mention the reason for the recommendation to personalize further.
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25. “I’m Reaching Out After a Recommendation from”
Meaning: Indicates follow-up action based on a referral.
Definition: Communicates timing and motivation for outreach.
Tone: Respectful and proactive.
Example: I’m reaching out after a recommendation from Mark, who thought we’d collaborate well.
Explanation: Implies trust and mutual interest.
Purpose and Personalization: Build on the recommender’s comment or connection to customize your tone.
26. “I Was Encouraged to Get in Touch by”
Meaning: Highlights gentle persuasion from a shared contact.
Definition: Suggests initiative inspired by encouragement.
Tone: Positive and intentional.
Example: “Our shared consultant encouraged me to get in touch.”
Explanation: Adds warmth and human connection.
Purpose and Personalization: Use when you want to soften the formality while staying professional.
27. “I Was Asked to Contact You by”
Meaning: Suggests you’re acting at someone’s request.
Definition: A direct phrase indicating instruction.
Tone: Assertive and polite.
Example: “My advisor asked me to contact you about potential collaboration.”
Explanation: Establishes urgency and legitimacy.
Purpose and Personalization: Add why the contact is relevant to your message for clarity.
28. “I Was Directed to You by a Mutual Contact”
Meaning: Implies shared trust through a common network.
Definition: Highlights referral through someone known to both parties.
Tone: Trustworthy and cooperative.
Example: “A mutual contact in our nonprofit community directed me to you.”
Explanation: Shows alignment in mission or interests.
Purpose and Personalization: Identify mutual goals or values to build rapport.
29. “I Was Suggested to Reach Out to You by”
Meaning: “Someone suggested it in passing or during a conversation.”
Definition: Casual and friendly referral-based intro.
Tone: Approachable and polite.
Example: “A colleague suggested I reach out to you during a team event.”
Explanation: Keeps the tone light and informal.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for casual networking—add where the conversation happened for context.
30. “I Was Introduced to Your Name Through”
Meaning: “Suggests someone intentionally shared the recipient’s name.”
Definition: A subtle and indirect way to express a referral.
Tone: Polished and neutral.
Example: “I heard your name during a panel discussion last month.”
Explanation: Works well when there’s no direct contact but still a strong context.
Purpose and Personalization: Mention the setting or shared interest that prompted the introduction.
31. “Someone recommended that I contact you.”
Meaning: Suggests someone offered a specific recommendation for outreach.
Definition: Communicates formal advice to initiate contact.
Tone: Courteous and respectful.
Example: “My project advisor recommended that I contact you.”
Explanation: Strengthens your outreach with authority.
Purpose and Personalization: Match tone with the importance of the recommendation source.
32. “A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch With You”
Meaning: Communicates encouragement from your network.
Definition: A casual referral phrase that conveys friendliness.
Tone: Warm and informal.
Example: A contact of mine suggested I get in touch with you regarding your consulting services.
Explanation: Offers a soft entry point into professional conversations.
Purpose and Personalization: Great for outreach on platforms like LinkedIn—include shared goals.
33. “A colleague recommended your expertise in…”
Meaning: “Indicates that the recipient possesses a specific skill or knowledge.”
Definition: Directs attention to the person’s value in a niche area.
Tone: Respectful and admiring.
Example: “A colleague in product strategy referred me to your expertise.”
Explanation: Flattering and professional, creating a positive impression.
Purpose and Personalization: Add a line about what specific expertise caught your attention.
34. “Someone directed me to your services.”
Meaning: Reflects an intent to engage with what the recipient offers.
Definition: Referral to a business or professional offering.
Tone: Purposeful and polite.
Example: “Someone who praised your design work directed me to your services.”
Explanation: Communicates clear interest with built-in trust.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for business communication—mention what makes their services relevant.
35. “I’m Reaching Out Based on a Referral from”
Meaning: Emphasizes the referral as the reason for initiating contact.
Definition: Professional phrase used to introduce communication via recommendation.
Tone: Neutral and professional.
Example: I’m reaching out based on a referral from your colleague, Samantha.
Explanation: Shows the outreach is intentional and informed.
Purpose and Personalization: Include a short note on the referral’s context to build connection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right words especially when using referral-based connection phrases like “I was referred to you by” can elevate your message and foster deeper, more credible introductions. Thoughtful language not only strengthens professional networking communication, but also adds warmth and authenticity.
Whether you’re drafting emails, essays, or proposals, using personalized business communication builds stronger rapport. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident in expressing referral-based introductions with clarity and intent. Try incorporating these phrases in your own style and watch your connections grow. Thanks for reading; may this post be a practical and lasting resource in your writing journey.
Hi! I’m Amelia Ashford, the admin of Lexoqust.com. Here, we dive deep into the world of synonyms to help you express yourself better.From everyday words to advanced vocabulary, Lexoqust makes your writing richer and more refined.
