“Using the right words can open doors and build connections effortlessly.”
When reaching out to someone, especially in professional or formal contexts, mentioning a referral can help establish trust and credibility right away. Instead of directly stating, “I was referred to you by,” there are more versatile and engaging ways to convey the same message. By varying your language, you can make your message feel more personal and tailored to the recipient.
When writing an article about alternative ways to say “I was referred to you by,” the focus should be on helping readers craft professional, creative, and context-appropriate introductions. Such an article can guide individuals in building meaningful connections while maintaining a polite and confident tone.
Tailoring your approach depends on the context. Whether you’re writing an email, making a phone call, or connecting on LinkedIn, aligning your language with the medium and purpose of communication can leave a positive impression. Choosing the right phrasing ensures you show gratitude for the referral while fostering an immediate sense of connection.
35 Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”
1. [Name] Suggested I Reach Out to You
Scenario: You’re connecting with a potential mentor, and a mutual acquaintance recommended them.
Explanation: This phrase highlights the mutual connection while showing initiative in reaching out. It’s polite and straightforward, ensuring the person knows you value their expertise.
Additional Tip: Mention briefly how you know the person who referred you. For example, “We worked together on a marketing project.” This builds trust.
2. [Name] Thought You’d Be the Right Person to Speak To
Scenario: You’re discussing an opportunity and want to emphasize the suitability of the contact.
Explanation: This approach subtly conveys respect for the person’s expertise. It positions them as the go-to authority, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
Additional Tip: Add a sentence on why the referral thought so. For instance, “They mentioned your experience with startups.”
3. [Name] Mentioned That You Could Help Me With [Topic]
Scenario: You’re seeking advice on a specific subject, like finance or career growth.
Explanation: This phrase makes your intent clear and focused, showing that you respect their time and expertise.
Additional Tip: End with a direct question like, “Would you be open to a quick chat this week?” This ensures your request doesn’t feel vague.
4. We Have a Mutual Connection in [Name]
Scenario: Networking at a professional event or through LinkedIn.
Explanation: This phrase works well when starting a conversation. It acknowledges the connection without overwhelming them.
Additional Tip: After stating the connection, immediately highlight your purpose to keep the flow natural.
5. [Name] Encouraged Me to Get in Touch With You
Scenario: A friend or colleague who values your contact highly suggests reaching out.
Explanation: Using “encouraged” adds a personal touch, showing you’re confident in the connection’s suggestion.
Additional Tip: If appropriate, share a compliment the referrer gave about the person you’re contacting, like “They spoke highly of your leadership skills.”
6. I Was Told You’re the Best Person to Approach Regarding [Topic]
Scenario: Approaching an expert or consultant for guidance.
Explanation: This phrase directly acknowledges their authority, making it flattering while establishing your request’s relevance.
Additional Tip: Pair this with a brief introduction about yourself to provide context.
7. [Name] Spoke Very Highly of You
Scenario: Building rapport during your initial outreach.
Explanation: This builds instant goodwill by complimenting the recipient. It also implies trust, which is critical in new relationships.
Additional Tip: Be specific about what was praised. For example, “They mentioned your ability to solve complex problems quickly.”
8. [Name] Recommended That I Connect With You
Scenario: Sending a casual introduction email or message.
Explanation: The word “recommended” conveys both respect and intention without sounding overly formal.
Additional Tip: If possible, cc the person who referred you in the initial communication for added credibility.
9. [Name] Thought You Could Provide Insight on [Topic]
Scenario: Seeking advice on industry trends or career decisions.
Explanation: This phrase positions your outreach as a chance for meaningful dialogue rather than a one-sided request.
Additional Tip: Express gratitude for their time upfront. For example, “I appreciate you taking a moment to read this.”
10. I Learned About Your Work Through [Name]

Scenario: Reaching out to someone with notable achievements or expertise.
Explanation: Highlighting their work creates a positive impression while establishing the referral link.
Additional Tip: Compliment their specific achievements, such as, “I admire your innovative marketing campaigns.”
11. [Name] Shared Your Contact Information With Me
Scenario: You were directly given their contact details.
Explanation: This is clear and transparent, showing that the connection was intentional and pre-approved.
Additional Tip: Mention why the referrer shared their details to make your message more personal.
12. I’m Reaching Out on [Name]’s Suggestion
Scenario: Following up on a previous conversation about connecting with this person.
Explanation: This phrase is simple and to the point, ideal for casual or professional outreach.
Additional Tip: Add a sentence about your shared goal or interest to build alignment.
13. [Name] Believed You Could Assist With [Topic]
Scenario: Seeking specific guidance or resources.
Explanation: This phrase makes your purpose clear and respectful while emphasizing the trust placed in the referral.
Additional Tip: Offer a brief outline of what assistance you need to make it easier for them to respond.
14. [Name] Suggested I Contact You About [Opportunity]
Scenario: Exploring new job opportunities or partnerships.
Explanation: The phrase combines clarity with professionalism, ensuring your intent is understood.
Additional Tip: Share why the opportunity excites you to make your message more engaging.
Other Ways to Say “I Will Look Into It”
15. [Name] Thought You’d Have Valuable Insights on [Topic]
Scenario: Seeking mentorship or advice on a niche subject.
Explanation: This approach flatters their expertise while keeping your message polite and purposeful.
Additional Tip: Include a thank-you note for their potential help to leave a lasting impression.
16. [Name] Believed You’d Be a Great Person to Talk To
Scenario: Reaching out for career guidance or advice about a field.
Explanation: This phrase conveys enthusiasm and respect for their experience while establishing the credibility of the referral.
Additional Tip: Add a brief explanation of your shared interests, such as, “We both have a background in digital marketing.”
17. I Heard About Your Expertise From [Name]
Scenario: Contacting an expert for insight into their niche.
Explanation: Highlighting someone’s expertise is a great way to engage them. This phrase communicates admiration and focus.
Additional Tip: Follow up with a specific question to encourage a deeper conversation.
18. [Name] Said I Should Reach Out to Learn More About [Topic]
Scenario: Exploring knowledge or solutions related to a particular subject.
Explanation: This phrase combines a clear purpose with a personal touch, making your outreach relevant.
Additional Tip: Be specific about what you’d like to learn or discuss to make their response easier.
19. I Was Introduced to Your Work by [Name]
Scenario: You’ve been inspired or intrigued by someone’s work, and a mutual contact made the introduction.
Explanation: Complimenting their work shows genuine interest and sets a positive tone.
Additional Tip: Mention a specific piece of their work and explain why it stood out to you.
20. [Name] Thought We’d Benefit From Connecting
Scenario: Establishing a professional relationship for mutual benefit.
Explanation: This phrase makes your intent clear while suggesting a two-way opportunity.
Additional Tip: Offer a brief idea of how you can contribute to their interests or goals.
21. [Name] Shared That You’d Be an Ideal Person to Speak With
Scenario: Seeking someone’s unique expertise or role for collaboration.
Explanation: This approach acknowledges the value they bring while introducing your purpose.
Additional Tip: Express gratitude to both the person being contacted and the referrer, ensuring goodwill all around.
22. I Was Encouraged to Contact You by [Name]
Scenario: You’re reaching out after being motivated by a mutual connection.
Explanation: “Encouraged” implies that the contact believes strongly in their suitability to help you, fostering trust.
Additional Tip: Follow this phrase with a specific reason, such as “because of your expertise in e-commerce.”
23. [Name] Pointed Me in Your Direction Regarding [Topic]
Scenario: Looking for advice or recommendations in a specific area.
Explanation: This casual yet clear phrase keeps the conversation approachable while explaining the referral’s purpose.
Additional Tip: Acknowledge the referrer’s effort, such as, “I’m grateful [Name] thought of you for this.”
24. I Was Directed to You by [Name] Due to Your Expertise in [Field]
Scenario: Contacting a thought leader or seasoned professional in a particular industry.
Explanation: This emphasizes their authority while validating the referral as purposeful.
Additional Tip: Offer a brief overview of your own background to establish common ground.
25. [Name] Recommended I Speak With You About [Specific Subject]

Scenario: Seeking specialized insight or mentorship.
Explanation: This phrase ties the referral to a specific need, making your request easier to understand.
Additional Tip: Add a timeline to your request, such as, “Would you have time for a quick call this week?”
26. I Was Referred to You Through [Name’s Position/Relationship]
Scenario: Explaining the relationship behind the referral to build credibility.
Explanation: Sharing how you’re connected through someone’s position adds professionalism and clarity.
Additional Tip: Use this in formal settings to establish credibility quickly, especially in emails.
27. [Name] Suggested You Might Have Insight on [Topic]
Scenario: You’re exploring ideas or solutions in a professional setting.
Explanation: This phrase keeps the conversation light yet professional, encouraging an open discussion.
Additional Tip: Include a sentence about why their insight is valuable, such as “Your experience in leadership development stood out to me.”
28. [Name] Said I Should Learn From You
Scenario: Seeking guidance or mentorship in a particular field.
Explanation: This informal yet respectful phrase is ideal for friendly networking settings.
Additional Tip: Show eagerness to learn by mentioning specific areas of interest.
29. I Came Across Your Profile Thanks to [Name’s Recommendation]
Scenario: Reaching out after finding someone’s details through a referral.
Explanation: This phrase adds context, making it clear why you’re contacting them.
Additional Tip: Include one detail from their profile or work that inspired you to reach out.
30. [Name] Mentioned That You’re the Go-To Person for [Topic]
Scenario: Highlighting their reputation in a specific area of expertise.
Explanation: Flattery, when genuine, is a powerful tool to capture someone’s attention.
Additional Tip: Balance the compliment with a clear and concise request.
31. [Name] Spoke About Your Great Work in [Field]
Scenario: You’re approaching someone well-known for their achievements in a specific area.
Explanation: Highlighting their “great work” sets a respectful and admiring tone. It shows that the referral wasn’t just casual but grounded in admiration for their efforts.
Additional Tip: Follow this with how their work resonates with your goals, like “I’ve been exploring ways to improve team management, and your strategies seem invaluable.”
32. I Got Your Contact From [Name] Regarding [Opportunity]
Scenario: You’re pursuing a job, partnership, or a business lead.
Explanation: This direct approach is perfect for business-related communications. It demonstrates clarity and purpose without overcomplicating the message.
Additional Tip: Add context about the opportunity, such as, “They mentioned you’re looking for someone with skills in UX design.”
33. [Name] Believes You Can Provide Great Insight on [Topic]
Scenario: Seeking expertise or perspective on a niche subject.
Explanation: This phrase establishes the recipient as a valuable resource while reflecting the referrer’s confidence in them.
Additional Tip: Respect their time by suggesting a brief call or email exchange. For instance, “Would 10-15 minutes work for you to share your thoughts?”
34. I Heard About You From [Name] During [Event/Context]
Scenario: Following up after a recommendation at a networking event or gathering.
Explanation: This adds context to your introduction and reminds them of the event or setting where they were mentioned.
Additional Tip: Include a shared takeaway from the event or context to show attentiveness, like “We discussed how AI is transforming marketing strategies.”
35. [Name] Passed Along Your Details and Suggested I Connect
Scenario: The referrer provided direct contact information.
Explanation: This approach is concise and straightforward, suitable for emails or LinkedIn messages. It highlights that the contact was intentional and endorsed by someone else.
Additional Tip: End with a question or call-to-action to encourage a response, such as, “Could we arrange a quick meeting to explore this further?”
Conclusion
Expanding your professional or personal network through referrals is a powerful tool. Using alternative phrases like the ones listed above helps you communicate effectively, maintain professionalism, and stand out in a crowded inbox.
To make the most of referral-based communication, always personalize your message, respect the recipient’s time, and maintain a tone of gratitude. While there are challenges to using referrals, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks when done tactfully.
Remember, the goal is to build meaningful relationships that are beneficial to all parties. Craft your messages carefully, stay authentic, and approach every connection with a genuine intent to learn, grow, or collaborate. Let your words open doors and create lasting impressions

Hi, I’m Zadie Smith: I’m dedicated to helping others master English through practical tips. I enjoy making complex ideas simple and accessible for everyone.