Templates
Referral Request
Polite referral asks that get responses and warm introductions.
To a Happy Customer
Subject: Quick favour?
Hi [Name],
So glad things are going well with [specific result they've achieved]. It's been great working together.
I have a quick ask: do you know 1-2 other [job titles] who might be facing similar challenges with [problem you solve]?
No pressure at all—but if anyone comes to mind, a quick intro would mean a lot. I promise to treat them exactly like I've treated you.
Thanks either way!
[Your name]
Why it works: Ties to their success, asks specifically (1-2 people), and makes it easy to say no.
To Someone Who Said No
Subject: One more thing
Hi [Name],
Totally understand that [product/service] isn't the right fit right now. Thanks for taking the time to explore it.
Before I go, I wanted to ask: is there anyone in your network who might be dealing with [problem]? Happy to have a no-pressure conversation with them.
Either way, I appreciate you considering us. Best of luck with [their initiative]!
[Your name]
Why it works: Turns a "no" into a potential opportunity. Shows grace and leaves a positive impression.
To a Past Customer
Subject: Hope you're well + quick ask
Hi [Name],
It's been a while since we worked together—hope things are going great at [Company]!
I've been thinking about some of the results we achieved together [specific result], and I'd love to help more companies like yours.
Is there anyone in your network who might benefit from [brief value prop]? A quick intro would be hugely appreciated.
No worries if not—just thought I'd ask!
[Your name]
Why it works: Reminds them of shared success and re-establishes the relationship before asking.
After a Successful Project/Milestone
Subject: Celebrating [milestone] + a favour
Hi [Name],
Congrats on hitting [specific milestone—e.g., "50 meetings this month" or "best quarter ever"]! It's been awesome seeing the progress.
Given how well things are going, I wanted to ask: would you feel comfortable introducing me to one or two peers who might be facing similar challenges?
I'd be happy to:
• Draft a quick intro email for you to send
• Mention how we'd worked together
• Make it completely no-pressure for them
Let me know if that works!
[Your name]
Why it works: Timing is everything. Asking after a win capitalises on positive momentum.
To a Networking Contact
Subject: Looking for intros
Hi [Name],
Great catching up recently! Enjoyed hearing about [something they shared].
I'm looking to connect with more [job titles] at [type of company] who are dealing with [problem]. Given your network, I thought you might know a few people.
Anyone come to mind? Happy to return the favour however I can.
[Your name]
Why it works: Specific ask (job title + company type + problem) makes it easy to think of someone.
Draft Intro Email (For Them to Send)
Subject: Intro: [Your Name] ↔ [Contact Name]
Hi [Contact],
I wanted to introduce you to [Your Name] from [Company]. We've been working together on [brief context], and they've helped us [specific result].
Given what you mentioned about [relevant challenge], I thought it might be worth a quick chat.
[Your Name], meet [Contact]. [One sentence about Contact and why this is relevant.]
I'll let you two take it from here!
[Referrer's name]
Why it works: Reduces friction for the referrer. They can send with minimal editing.
Referral Best Practices
- Be specific: "Do you know any VPs of Sales at SaaS companies?" is better than "Know anyone?"
- Make it easy: Offer to draft the intro email for them.
- Time it right: Ask after a win, positive feedback, or milestone.
- Follow up on referrals: Let the referrer know how the conversation went.
- Reciprocate: Offer to make introductions for them in return.
- Don't be pushy: One ask is enough. If they don't respond, let it go.