A simple statement like “I was referred to you by” can sound a bit formal or impersonal. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your approach feel warmer, more conversational, or more professional, here are 35 alternatives that might be just what you need.
When it comes to making connections and building relationships, how you introduce yourself can make a big difference. These alternatives will help you sound thoughtful and considerate, while still conveying the necessary information.
What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?
“I was referred to you by” is a phrase commonly used when someone has recommended or directed you to another person for help, advice, or business purposes. It’s a way to establish a connection by acknowledging that someone else thought the recipient could be of assistance or value.
In business, networking, or professional settings, this phrase is often used to create trust by indicating that a mutual connection is involved.
When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”
This phrase is most often used in professional or networking scenarios. It’s typically used when reaching out to someone you don’t know personally but are trying to make a connection because someone else suggested they might be helpful. It establishes credibility and can make the conversation feel more approachable.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?
Yes, it’s both professional and polite, especially if you’re following up on a referral from someone you both know. The key is to mention the referrer respectfully and keep the tone conversational rather than overly formal.
Pros and Cons of Using “I Was Referred to You By”
Pros:
- Helps establish a connection and creates trust.
- This indicates that you’re not cold emailing, making the interaction feel more personal.
- Shows respect for the person who made the referral.
Cons:
- If overused, it can seem like a formulaic approach.
- In some cultures or contexts, mentioning a referral may feel uncomfortable or forced.
I Was Referred to You By Synonyms:
- “[Name] Suggested I Reach Out to You”
- “I Was Told You Might Be Able to Help Me”
- “I Was Given Your Name by [Name]”
- “[Name] Mentioned You Would Be the Right Person to Talk To”
- “I Was Directed to You by [Name]”
- “[Name] Thought You Might Be the Best Person to Help”
- “I Was Recommended to Contact You by [Name]”
- “I Was Referred to You by [Name] for [Reason]”
- “I Was Told You Could Provide Some Insight on [Topic]”
- “I Understand You Were Recommended by [Name]”
- “It Was Suggested I Reach Out to You”
- “I Was Directed Your Way by [Name]”
- “A Mutual Contact, [Name], Suggested I Get in Touch With You”
- “I Was Recommended to Connect With You”
- “I Was Put in Touch With You by [Name]”
- “[Name] Recommended I Reach Out to You for [Topic]”
- “It Was Suggested That I Contact You”
- “I Was Referred to You for Guidance on [Topic]”
- “[Name] Suggested You Might Be the Best Contact for [Topic]”
- “I Was Advised to Contact You by [Name]”
- “I Was Told to Reach Out to You for [Reason]”
- “I Was Directed Your Way for [Topic]”
- “[Name] Suggested You Could Help Me With [Topic]”
- “A Mutual Contact Referred Me to You for [Reason]”
- “I Was Put in Touch With You by [Name] for [Topic]”
- “I Was Recommended to Reach Out to You Regarding [Topic]”
- “I Was Referred by [Name] to Connect With You”
- “I’m Reaching Out Based on [Name’s] Recommendation”
- “I Was Given Your Name by [Name]”
- “I Was Told You Might Be the Right Person to Speak With”
- “I Was Given Your Contact Information by [Name]”
- “I Was Introduced to You Through [Name]”
- “[Name] Thought It Would Be Valuable for Us to Connect”
- “I Was Asked to Reach Out to You by [Name]”
- “I Was Directed to You by [Name] for Assistance with [Topic]”
“[Name] Suggested I Reach Out to You”
Meaning:
A casual and friendly way to mention the person who referred you.
Explanation:
This variation feels approachable and informal while still acknowledging the connection.
Example:
“Sarah suggested I reach out to you about the upcoming project.”
Best Use:
In less formal settings or when talking to someone in a creative field.
Worst Use:
In highly formal or hierarchical situations.
Tone:
Friendly, casual.
“I Was Told You Might Be Able to Help Me”
Meaning:
A humble approach that suggests you’re seeking help from someone who might have the answers.
Explanation:
This phrasing softens the request, making it sound more like you’re asking for guidance.
Example:
“I was told you might be able to help me with some questions about marketing strategies.”
Best Use:
When you’re reaching out for assistance or advice.
Worst Use:
When you’re contacting someone for a more transactional purpose.
Tone:
Respectful, polite.
“I Was Given Your Name by [Name]”
Meaning:
A neutral way of saying someone referred you.
Explanation:
This version is more neutral and doesn’t include a direct request for help, just the referral.
Example:
“I was given your name by Emily, who mentioned you could help with my research project.”
Best Use:
When introducing yourself to a new contact or in professional settings.
Worst Use:
When a more direct or friendly approach is needed.
Tone:
Neutral, professional.
“[Name] Mentioned You Would Be the Right Person to Talk To”
Meaning:
A way to acknowledge the referral while also setting the expectation that the person can help.
Explanation:
This implies that the person you’re reaching out to is specifically suited to assist, which adds a layer of respect.
Example:
“David mentioned you would be the right person to talk to about collaborating on this project.”
Best Use:
In business or professional networking.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal settings where a more relaxed tone is needed.
Tone:
Professional, confident.
“I Was Directed to You by [Name]”
Meaning:
A straightforward way to mention a referral while keeping the tone professional.
Explanation:
This phrasing implies that the person you’re contacting was recommended as the best point of contact.
Example:
“I was directed to you by Mike, who said you could provide some guidance on this issue.”
Best Use:
In formal, business-related contexts.
Worst Use:
In informal or creative settings where a softer tone would be better.
Tone:
Professional, formal.
“[Name] Thought You Might Be the Best Person to Help”
Meaning:
A softer, more respectful way to acknowledge the referral and ask for help.
Explanation:
This variation adds a bit of flattery, which can make the recipient feel valued.
Example:
“Jessica thought you might be the best person to help me navigate these legal matters.”
Best Use:
When you want to flatter the person you’re reaching out to and make them feel important.
Worst Use:
When the request is urgent and needs to be more direct.
Tone:
Respectful, appreciative.
“I Was Recommended to Contact You by [Name]”
Meaning:
A direct, respectful way to mention a referral.
Explanation:
This is a neutral and professional way to acknowledge the referral without being overly formal.
Example:
“I was recommended to contact you by John, who thought you could provide some insight into this project.”
Best Use:
In professional networking and business inquiries.
Worst Use:
In casual, informal situations.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“I Was Referred to You by [Name] for [Reason]”
Meaning:
A straightforward introduction that explains the purpose of the referral.
Explanation:
This gives context to why you’re reaching out, making the referral clearer and more relevant.
Example:
“I was referred to you by Sarah for advice on starting a small business.”
Best Use:
When you want to be clear about the purpose of your communication.
Worst Use:
When the situation doesn’t require a specific reason or when the connection is informal.
Tone:
Professional, clear.
“I Was Told You Could Provide Some Insight on [Topic]”
Meaning:
This version emphasizes the expertise or knowledge of the person you’re contacting.
Explanation:
It’s a great way to acknowledge someone’s expertise and set the tone for a professional conversation.
Example:
“I was told you could provide some insight on digital marketing strategies.”
Best Use:
When reaching out to someone with recognized expertise.
Worst Use:
When you’re contacting someone who isn’t an expert or in a non-professional context.
Tone:
Respectful, professional.
“I Understand You Were Recommended by [Name]”
Meaning:
A formal way to acknowledge the recommendation while keeping the focus on the referral.
Explanation:
This phrasing subtly emphasizes the recommendation and puts trust in the person you’re contacting.
Example:
“I understand you were recommended by Tim as the best contact for understanding global markets.”
Best Use:
In business or professional settings when establishing credibility.
Worst Use:
In informal or personal contexts where a warmer tone is necessary.
Tone:
Professional, formal.
“It Was Suggested I Reach Out to You”
Meaning:
A soft and polite way of saying you were directed to the person.
Explanation:
This approach works well when you don’t want to sound too direct but still want to acknowledge the referral.
Example:
“It was suggested I reach out to you about some possible collaborations.”
Best Use:
In informal professional settings where the tone needs to be approachable.
Worst Use:
When urgency or formality is required.
Tone:
Polite, soft.
“I Was Directed Your Way by [Name]”
Meaning:
A friendly and casual way of mentioning the referral.
Explanation:
This phrasing is suitable for less formal environments and gives the interaction a more approachable tone.
Example:
“I was directed your way by Claire, who mentioned you’d be great to speak with about my startup.”
Best Use:
In informal or semi-formal contexts, especially when you’re building rapport.
Worst Use:
In highly formal business situations.
Tone:
Friendly, informal.
“A Mutual Contact, [Name], Suggested I Get in Touch With You”
Meaning:
A friendly and indirect way to mention the referral, focusing on mutual connections.
Explanation:
This phrasing emphasizes that both you and the recipient share a common contact, which can help foster trust.
Example:
“A mutual contact, Rachel, suggested I get in touch with you regarding your experience in project management.”
Best Use:
When both parties are connected through a trusted mutual acquaintance.
Worst Use:
When the mutual contact is not well-known or when the situation requires a more direct approach.
Tone:
Friendly, slightly formal.
“I Was Recommended to Connect With You”
Meaning:
A more neutral approach is to mention the referral without specifying the individual who made the suggestion.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you don’t want to name the referrer or when the referral is more general.
Example:
“I was recommended to connect with you to discuss potential partnership opportunities.”
Best Use:
When you want to reach out without putting too much emphasis on the person who referred you.
Worst Use:
When the referral is specific and needs more context.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“I Was Put in Touch With You by [Name]”
Meaning:
A slightly more informal way of stating that someone connected you with the person.
Explanation:
This phrase has a relaxed tone, suggesting that the connection was intentional but not overly formal.
Example:
“I was put in touch with you by Jim, who thought you’d be the perfect person to talk to about sustainable marketing.”
Best Use:
In casual or semi-formal settings.
Worst Use:
In highly formal business contexts.
Tone:
Casual, conversational.
“[Name] Recommended I Reach Out to You for [Topic]”
Meaning:
A direct and clear way to convey the referral and the reason behind it.
Explanation:
This phrasing not only mentions the referral but also indicates why you’re contacting the person, making it more purposeful.
Example:
“Mark recommended I reach out to you for advice on investment strategies.”
Best Use:
When you want to be clear about the reason for contacting someone.
Worst Use:
When the topic is unclear or too broad.
Tone:
Professional, straightforward.
“It Was Suggested That I Contact You”
Meaning:
A softer, less direct way to say that someone recommended reaching out.
Explanation:
This phrase is less formal and feels more like a suggestion rather than a direct instruction.
Example:
“It was suggested that I contact you regarding potential collaborations between our companies.”
Best Use:
In less formal, conversational business settings.
Worst Use:
In situations that require a more urgent or formal tone.
Tone:
Polite, conversational.
“I Was Referred to You for Guidance on [Topic]”
Meaning:
A way to acknowledge the referral and indicate that you are seeking advice or direction.
Explanation:
This version emphasizes that you’re looking for help or guidance, making the request clear.
Example:
“I was referred to you for guidance on improving team productivity.”
Best Use:
When you’re seeking advice or mentorship.
Worst Use:
In situations where the focus is not on guidance, but on information or a specific service.
Tone:
Respectful, professional.
“[Name] Suggested You Might Be the Best Contact for [Topic]”
Meaning:
A subtle way of complimenting the person’s expertise while mentioning the referral.
Explanation:
This approach positions the recipient as an expert and lets them know why you’re reaching out.
Example:
“John suggested you might be the best contact for advice on business development strategies.”
Best Use:
In business situations where you want to convey respect and establish the recipient’s authority.
Worst Use:
In more casual, informal situations where a direct approach is better.
Tone:
Respectful, professional.
“I Was Advised to Contact You by [Name]”
Meaning:
A formal, professional way of mentioning a referral.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys that someone with authority or expertise recommended reaching out.
Example:
“I was advised to contact you by Maria, who thought you could assist me with market research.”
Best Use:
In formal professional settings.
Worst Use:
In informal, friendly communication.
Tone:
Formal, professional.
“I Was Told to Reach Out to You for [Reason]”
Meaning:
A direct but still respectful way of saying someone told you to contact the person.
Explanation:
This version is less formal but still conveys that the referral came with a clear purpose.
Example:
“I was told to reach out to you for insights on digital marketing trends.”
Best Use:
When you need help with a specific topic and the referral is clear.
Worst Use:
In highly formal or corporate situations where more deference is required.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“I Was Directed Your Way for [Topic]”
Meaning:
A more casual way of saying someone directed you to the recipient.
Explanation:
This is a relaxed phrasing, ideal for informal professional interactions.
Example:
“I was directed your way for advice on improving my resume.”
Best Use:
When reaching out to someone in a less formal or semi-formal capacity.
Worst Use:
When contacting someone in a highly professional or formal setting.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“[Name] Suggested You Could Help Me With [Topic]”
Meaning:
A way to acknowledge that the person you’re contacting has specific knowledge or expertise related to your needs.
Explanation:
This is a more specific phrasing that conveys both the referral and the reason you’re contacting the person.
Example:
“Sarah suggested you could help me with the marketing strategy for my startup.”
Best Use:
When you need expert advice or assistance.
Worst Use:
When you don’t know exactly what the person can help with.
Tone:
Professional, appreciative.
“A Mutual Contact Referred Me to You for [Reason]”
Meaning:
This version emphasizes the mutual connection and why you’re reaching out.
Explanation:
The focus on a mutual connection can help establish rapport and trust quickly.
Example:
“A mutual contact referred me to you for assistance with writing a business proposal.”
Best Use:
In professional networking or collaboration requests.
Worst Use:
When the connection isn’t strong or relevant.
Tone:
Professional, respectful.
“I Was Put in Touch With You by [Name] for [Topic]”
Meaning:
A straightforward and polite way to mention a referral, while keeping the focus on the topic of discussion.
Explanation:
This phrasing establishes the referral while immediately directing the conversation toward the specific topic.
Example:
“I was put in touch with you by Jane for advice on managing remote teams.”
Best Use:
When you need specific help or advice.
Worst Use:
When you don’t know what exactly you’re seeking from the person.
Tone:
Polite, direct.
“I Was Recommended to Reach Out to You Regarding [Topic]”
Meaning:
A polite way to mention the referral while indicating the reason behind it.
Explanation:
This phrase is clear and professional, perfect for both formal and informal settings.
Example:
“I was recommended to reach out to you regarding a potential partnership opportunity.”
Best Use:
In professional networking or collaboration situations.
Worst Use:
In personal or informal communications.
Tone:
Professional, respectful.
“I Was Referred by [Name] to Connect With You”
Meaning:
A simple way to acknowledge the referral and express your intent to connect.
Explanation:
This version keeps it short and to the point, while still recognizing the referrer.
Example:
“I was referred by Greg to connect with you about upcoming opportunities in marketing.”
Best Use:
When you need to establish a quick connection in a professional context.
Worst Use:
In personal or casual interactions.
Tone:
Direct, professional.
“I’m Reaching Out Based on [Name’s] Recommendation”
Meaning:
A professional and neutral way to indicate a referral.
Explanation:
This phrasing works well in formal and informal settings and emphasizes the recommendation.
Example:
“I’m reaching out based on John’s recommendation to discuss possible project collaboration.”
Best Use:
In networking and business development situations.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal communications.
Tone:
Neutral, professional.
“I Was Given Your Name by [Name]”
Meaning:
A straightforward and respectful way to mention the referral.
Explanation:
This version is concise and gets straight to the point without being too formal.
Example:
“I was given your name by Susan and would like to discuss potential opportunities in your department.”
Best Use:
When reaching out for job opportunities or professional advice.
Worst Use:
When the relationship with the referrer is weak or unclear.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“I Was Told You Might Be the Right Person to Speak With”
Meaning:
A more general way to indicate a referral is when the exact person who referred you isn’t mentioned.
Explanation:
This can work when you’re unsure of how to introduce the referral or don’t want to specify the person.
Example:
“I was told you might be the right person to speak with regarding partnership opportunities in the tech industry.”
Best Use:
When you’re unsure who to refer to specifically or when the referrer isn’t central to the conversation.
Worst Use:
In cases where specific context and referral information is necessary.
Tone:
Polite, professional.
“I Was Given Your Contact Information by [Name]”
Meaning:
A direct and neutral way to mention that you received the person’s contact details from a referral.
Explanation:
This phrasing is simple, yet professional, focusing on the contact exchange rather than the connection itself.
Example:
“I was given your contact information by Claire and would love to discuss a potential partnership.”
Best Use:
When you want to clearly explain how you came to contact the person.
Worst Use:
When a more personal or warm introduction is necessary.
Tone:
Neutral, professional.
“I Was Introduced to You Through [Name]”
Meaning:
A polite and slightly formal way to mention the referral, highlighting the introduction.
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the introduction rather than simply mentioning the referrer. It’s useful when the referral is more about making a connection than seeking advice.
Example:
“I was introduced to you through David and would appreciate your thoughts on my startup idea.”
Best Use:
In professional networking situations where you’re establishing a new relationship.
Worst Use:
In informal conversations where a more relaxed tone is required.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“[Name] Thought It Would Be Valuable for Us to Connect”
Meaning:
This phrasing gives a sense of shared value, indicating that the referral isn’t just about you but benefits both parties.
Explanation:
It shows that the referrer has thought carefully about the connection, making it sound more purposeful and valuable.
Example:
“John thought it would be valuable for us to connect and discuss possible joint ventures.”
Best Use:
In collaborative or business situations where both parties can benefit from the conversation.
Worst Use:
When the connection is not mutually beneficial or too forced.
Tone:
Respectful, thoughtful.
“I Was Asked to Reach Out to You by [Name]”
Meaning:
A polite and slightly formal way of saying that someone specifically asked you to get in touch with the recipient.
Explanation:
This version emphasizes that the referral was intentional, possibly indicating the importance of the contact.
Example:
“I was asked to reach out to you by Maria regarding an upcoming project we’re both working on.”
Best Use:
In formal settings where the referral comes from a figure of authority or respect.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal contexts where a softer tone is needed.
Tone:
Professional, respectful.
“I Was Directed to You by [Name] for Assistance with [Topic]”
Meaning:
A more formal way to state that someone directed you towards the recipient for specific help.
Explanation:
This phrase gives the impression that you’re seeking help and acknowledges the referrer’s role in directing you to the appropriate person.
Example:
“I was directed to you by Linda for assistance with creating a business strategy for my startup.”
Best Use:
In formal requests for assistance or advice.
Worst Use:
In situations that don’t require direct help or when the connection is more casual.
Tone:
Formal, polite.
Conclusion
When you’re reaching out based on a referral, the way you introduce yourself and acknowledge the connection can make a huge difference in how the recipient perceives your request. By choosing the right phrasing, you show respect, clarity, and purpose in your communication.
Whether you’re using a warm, casual approach or a more formal tone, these 35 alternatives to saying “I was referred to you by” help ensure that your outreach feels thoughtful and personalized.
