# Mutual intro template library > 36 messages across 10 situations. 7 additions are marked as drafts for review. h/t Brian Zweig, former VP at Ampush, who wrote the original set. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianzweig/ ## Initial referral request The opening ask. Sent to your mutual connection, usually on LinkedIn or email. ### Option 1: A small favor - Use when: You know the mutual well enough to ask a direct favor and offer to write the forwarding note. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Subject: Possible intro? Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, I was on LinkedIn and noticed you're connected to {{Prospect's full name}}. Can I snag a small favor from you, would you be comfortable making an introduction? Happy to ghostwrite the note as well; just let me know. Thanks! ### Option 2: Doing a little digging - Use when: You are reconnecting with a mutual and want a straightforward request with minimal setup. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, Can I please get your help? Doing a little digging, I noticed you're my LinkedIn connection to {{Prospect's full name}}. Would you be comfortable making an introduction? Happy to ghostwrite the message for you. Thanks! ### Option 3: Do you feel close enough - Use when: You are on casual terms and need to confirm that the LinkedIn connection is actually close. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, What's going on? I saw you're connected to {{Prospect's full name}} @ {{Lead company name}} on LinkedIn. Do you feel close enough to make an intro? If you need me to create a blurb or new email, just say the word. Thanks! ### Option 4: Couldn't hurt to ask - Use when: You do not know the quality of the LinkedIn connection and want to give the mutual an easy out. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies I know LinkedIn connections are hit or miss; I figured it couldn't hurt to ask. I see you're connected to {{Prospect's full name}}. Are they a meaningful or strong connection of yours? Would you feel comfortable making an intro? Thanks! ## Mutual doesn't respond Follow up a set number of business days after the initial note. Monday initial, the following Monday follow-up. ### Option 1: Just checking in - Use when: A business week has passed since your first request and you want to send a gentle follow-up. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, Checking in to see if you had a chance to review my request in the initial email. Is it possible to get an intro to {{Prospect's full name}}? ### Option 2: Did you read my email - Use when: You can be direct with the mutual and want to restate the relationship-quality question. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Did you get a chance to read my initial email? Do you feel close enough to {{Prospect's full name}} to make the intro? Thank you! ### Option 3: Any chance you can help - Use when: You want one final, concise follow-up before leaving the request alone. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Any chance you can help me with this one? If it's feasible, I would love an intro to {{Prospect's full name}}. Thanks! ## Mutual does not agree to the intro They know the prospect but won't make the introduction. ### Option 1: It's been too long since they spoke [DRAFT] - Use when: The mutual says it has been too long since they spoke with the prospect. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: stale Totally understand, {{Mutual's first name}}. If it's been that long, an intro probably does more harm than good. Let's leave it. If someone else comes to mind who knows {{Prospect's first name}} better, send them my way. Appreciate the quick reply! ## Mutual agreed to the intro Make forwarding effortless. Give them the note and permission to reshape it. ### Option 1: Fresh email request - Use when: The mutual agreed and you need a fresh email they can forward with your company context. - Send to: mutual - Channel: email - Relationship context: existing Subject: {{Prospect's full name}} intro to {{Your company}} Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, Will you please introduce me to {{Prospect's full name}}? I noticed you're my mutual on LinkedIn. {{Paragraph on what you do and why it matters to them}} Will you let me know if they're open to an introduction? ### Option 2: Blurb for a former colleague - Use when: The mutual is a friend or former colleague and you want to supply a flexible forwarding blurb. - Send to: mutual - Channel: email - Relationship context: existing Thanks, {{Mutual's first name}}! Very appreciative that you're willing to help me out here. Below is the blurb; feel free to shape it any way you see fit. --- I'm reaching out on behalf of my friend and former colleague {{Blurb}} ### Option 3: Context and blurb needed - Use when: The mutual agreed but needs both context and ready-to-forward copy. - Send to: mutual - Channel: email - Relationship context: existing Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, Thanks for getting back to me. I left a blurb below, which gives you a.) context and b.) a message to copy-paste or modify as you see fit. Are you comfortable passing this along to {{Prospect's first name}}? Much appreciated! --- I'm reaching out on behalf of my friend and former colleague. They're interested in having a convo to learn about {{Lead company}}'s growth marketing blueprint. {{Blurb}} ### Option 4: Lead on what's new - Use when: A recent company development is the strongest reason for the introduction. - Send to: mutual - Channel: email - Relationship context: existing Subject: Possible intro to {{Prospect's full name}}? Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, Will you please introduce me to {{Prospect's full name}}? I noticed you're my mutual on LinkedIn. {{A few sentences explaining something that is new about the company}} ## Mutual agreed, then goes dark Common. People say 'happy to help' and never circle back, either because they forgot or never planned to. ### Option 1: Closing the loop - Use when: The mutual agreed, enough time has passed, and you want to close the loop without pressure. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Just want to close the loop here and then leave you be. Is it safe to assume that you did not hear back? Thanks for helping me out. ### Option 2: What are my chances - Use when: The mutual agreed and you want a direct status check on the introduction. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Were you able to connect with {{Prospect's first name}}? What are my chances of an intro coming to fruition? ### Option 3: Follow your lead - Use when: You know the mutual well enough to ask whether to keep trying or let it go. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hey! Should we let this one go or keep at it? I'll follow your lead. Thanks! ### Option 4: Able to connect me - Use when: You want the shortest possible nudge after the mutual agreed to help. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hi! Any chance you're able to connect me with {{Prospect's first name}}? ## Mutual agreed, prospect declined Double opt-in intros are optimal, but expect drop-off between the mutual agreeing and the prospect accepting. ### Option 1: Grateful you attempted - Use when: The mutual tried, the prospect declined, and you want to respond with warm gratitude. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, No worries! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out regardless. Let me know if I can ever help you out. Take care! ### Option 2: Making an attempt - Use when: The mutual made a real effort and you want to acknowledge the time they spent. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, Bummer, thanks for the effort. Appreciate you taking time out of your schedule and making an attempt. Let me know if I can help you out in any way down the line. ### Option 3: Giving it a try - Use when: You only need a brief thank-you after the mutual reports that the prospect declined. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: existing Hi {{Mutual's first name}}, appreciate the update and giving it a try. ## Responded, try the next connection A common answer is 'I don't feel comfortable making the intro'. It comes up when they've lost touch since college, or the two parted ways badly. ### Option 1: Loose connection [DRAFT] - Use when: The mutual says their connection is too loose to support a credible introduction. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: loose or negative Good to know, {{Mutual's first name}}. No sense spending a loose connection on this one, so let's skip it. Appreciate you being straight with me. Anything on your end I can help with? ### Option 2: Not comfortable - Use when: The mutual is not comfortable making the introduction and no more context is needed. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: loose or negative Thanks for hitting me back and shedding some light on {{Prospect's first name}}. Enough said, let's just skip the intro. Really appreciate the help regardless! ### Option 3a: Not worth pursuing, negative details surfaced [DRAFT] - Use when: The mutual surfaced negative information that makes the prospect not worth pursuing. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: loose or negative I had no idea, {{Mutual's first name}}. Thanks for the candor, that's exactly the kind of thing I'd never find on LinkedIn. Let's drop this one. I owe you one. ### Option 3b: Not worth pursuing, negative details surfaced [DRAFT] - Use when: The mutual saved you from chasing a poor-fit prospect and you want to close with gratitude. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: loose or negative Really appreciate you flagging that, {{Mutual's first name}}. You probably just saved me a few weeks of chasing the wrong lead. Taking {{Prospect's first name}} off the list. Let me know if I can return the favor sometime. ## Lead contact made, intro in progress The handoff. Move the mutual to bcc and take it from there. ### Option 1: Dedicate some time - Use when: The email introduction is live and a teammate will lead the next conversation. - Send to: prospect - Channel: email or LinkedIn - Relationship context: introduced Thanks, {{Mutual's first name}}. Moving you to bcc to spare your inbox. Hey {{Lead's first name}}, Pleased to meet you via email. The team would love to schedule a call and hear everything that's going on at {{Lead company}}. {{CC'd first name}} (cc'd) manages the business, day to day operations and portfolio expansion. They'll lead the charge from our end, and I'll try my absolute best to participate. --- Hi {{Lead's first name}}, Pleased to meet you! Would love to hear what you're up to, share what we've been up to, and explore whether there's a mutual fit. How's {{date option 1}} or {{date option 2}} at {{time}} work for you? {{EA full name}} will help with the scheduling. Look forward! ### Option 2: Connecting live [DRAFT] - Use when: The introduction is live and you want to move directly to a short call. - Send to: prospect - Channel: email or LinkedIn - Relationship context: introduced Thanks, {{Mutual's first name}}. Moving you to bcc so we stop filling your inbox. Hey {{Lead's first name}}, Great to be connected. Rather than trade emails, would you be open to 20 minutes live? I'd love to hear what you're building at {{Lead company}} and share what we've been working on. I'm open {{date option 1}} or {{date option 2}}. If neither works, here's my calendar: {{Scheduling link}}. ### Option 3: Intro made on LinkedIn - Use when: The introduction happened on LinkedIn and you need to move the conversation to email. - Send to: prospect - Channel: email or LinkedIn - Relationship context: introduced LinkedIn messaging: Tnx, {{Mutual's first name}}! Hey {{Lead's first name}}, would love to connect. What's your email address? --- Email, after getting the lead's address: Hey {{Lead's first name}}, It's a pleasure meeting you! The team would love to schedule a call and hear everything that's going on at {{Lead company}}. {{CC'd first name}} (cc'd) manages the business, day to day operations and portfolio expansion. They'll lead the charge from our end, and I'll try my absolute best to participate. --- LinkedIn message from {{CC'd first name}}: Thanks {{Mutual's first name}} and great to meet you, {{Lead's first name}}. Would love to make a connection. How's {{date option 1}} or {{date option 2}} for a call? ## Miscellaneous scenarios The edge cases that come up often enough to have a script ready. ### Scenario 1: Agreed to the intro without a blessing - Use when: The mutual shared the prospect's email without creating a three-way introduction. - Send to: prospect - Channel: email - Relationship context: varies Hey {{Prospect's first name}}, I got your email from {{Mutual's full name}}; they said you'd be game to chat. I'd love to tell you what I'm working on over here and learn about your growth goals and plans for {{Lead company}} in {{year}}. What's a good time and date for a convo next week? Looking forward to it! ### Scenario 2: Mutual asks about the family - Use when: The mutual asks a personal catch-up question before acting on the introduction. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Thanks, {{Mutual's first name}}! The family is doing well. All healthy, so no complaints. How's everything going on your end? I've created the blurb (see below), but feel free to shape it any way you see fit. I appreciate the assistance! --- {{Blurb}} ### Scenario 3: Mutual isn't sure how they're connected, but is willing - Use when: The mutual is unsure how they know the prospect but is still willing to try. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Thanks for getting back to me, {{Mutual's first name}}. Let's give it a try, and if nothing else, I'm indebted to you. Below is a blurb, but consider it a starting point, feel free to edit as you see fit. --- {{Blurb}} ### Scenario 4a: Happy to help, but didn't ask for a blurb - Use when: The mutual agreed but did not ask you for a forwarding blurb. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Sounds good, {{Mutual's first name}}! Appreciate you taking the time to make the introduction. Would it be helpful if I write a blurb for you to share? --- {{Blurb}} ### Scenario 4b: Happy to help, but didn't ask for a blurb - Use when: The mutual agreed and you want to proactively include a forwarding blurb. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Sounds good, {{Mutual's first name}}! In case you need a blurb, see below. Feel free to edit as you see fit, or ignore it if it's not needed. ### Scenario 5a: Mutual agrees, but we do not use - Use when: The mutual is willing, but you decide the introduction is not worth using. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to help, but let's hold off on this one. I respect your time and energy and don't want you to have to extend it for this intro. ### Scenario 5b: Mutual agrees, but we do not use - Use when: New context suggests skipping the introduction and checking in with the mutual instead. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate the context on {{Prospect's first name}}. It sounds like we should skip the intro. Everything going ok, all things considered? ### Scenario 5c: Mutual agrees, but only through an indirect - Use when: The mutual only has an indirect path and the route is too weak to use. - Send to: mutual - Channel: LinkedIn or email - Relationship context: varies Hey {{Mutual's first name}}, Appreciate you hitting me back and letting me know about {{Prospect's first name}}. Let's just hold off on this one, but I appreciate your willingness to get creative. Thanks! ## Handling objections Raised after the intro lands, by either side. ### Scenario 1: Prospect has been introduced but wants more information [DRAFT] - Use when: The prospect received the introduction but wants more information before taking a call. - Send to: prospect - Channel: email or LinkedIn - Relationship context: introduced Happy to give you the full picture, {{Prospect's first name}}. {{One or two sentences on what you do and the specific reason you reached out to them}} The short version: I think we can {{how you can help them}}. If that's off base, say so and I'll leave you be. If it's close, is 20 minutes on {{date option 1}} or {{date option 2}} doable? ### Scenario 2: Mutual has the blurb but seeks more details [DRAFT] - Use when: The mutual has your blurb but wants the full story before putting their name on it. - Send to: mutual - Channel: email or LinkedIn - Relationship context: introduced Of course, {{Mutual's first name}}. Fair to want the whole story before you put your name on it. {{Two or three sentences: what you do, why this prospect specifically, and what you're asking them for}} Happy to jump on the phone for five minutes if that's easier than reading. And if you'd rather pass on this one after hearing it, genuinely no hard feelings.