Intro Request From Mutual Connection
Forwardable blurb sent to mutual. Prospect engagement tracked in CRM with 'Intro from [Name]' source tag. Mutual thanked with outcome update. Relationship history preserved.
Before you start
- Mutual connection identified (LinkedIn, customer, advisor)
- Approved intro-request template
- Customer/advisor relationship in good standing
- Target prospect (name, company, role)
- Mutual connection details
- Reason for the intro request
The steps
- Confirm the mutual connection is willing — Before drafting an intro, confirm the mutual is comfortable making it. Ask in a low-friction message: 'Quick ask — would you be willing to introduce me to [Name] at [Company]? No pressure if not.' Respect their answer.
- Draft a forwardable intro blurb — Write a 3-4 sentence blurb the mutual can paste into their email: who you are (1 sentence), why you'd be useful to the prospect (1 sentence with specific value), one specific thing to discuss (1 sentence), how to respond (CTA). Keep it under 75 words — it's their email, not yours.
- Send the blurb to the mutual — Email or Slack the mutual: 'Here's a paste-ready blurb if you're up for forwarding. Edit anything.' Include the blurb, the prospect's email, and the specific outcome you're looking for. Make it as easy as possible for the mutual to forward.
- Wait for the mutual to send — Don't pressure. If the mutual hasn't sent in 5 business days, send one polite reminder: 'No worries if it slipped — let me know if it's still on the table.' If still nothing after that, drop it — relationship preserved, intro abandoned.
- Respond promptly when forwarded — When the prospect replies (or you're CC'd on the forward), respond within 1 hour during business hours. Lead with: thank the mutual, then propose a specific next step (a 20-min call with 2-3 time options). Keep the mutual in the loop on the first reply only — then drop them from the thread.
- Close the loop with the mutual — Whether the deal happens or not, send the mutual a follow-up: thank them, share the outcome (positive or otherwise), and offer reciprocity. Mutual connections are an asset — maintain them like one.
If it goes wrong
Mutual sends the blurb but the prospect doesn't reply
Wait 5 days, then send a polite ping directly to the prospect referencing the intro. Do not push the mutual to chase — that damages the relationship.
Prospect responds but the mutual goes silent on follow-ups
Drop the mutual from the thread cleanly with a thank-you. They've done their part — don't keep them on a chain forever.
Multiple intro requests to the same mutual feel exploitative
Cap intro requests per mutual to 1 per quarter. If you need more, build a co-marketing or formal partnership relationship — don't keep mining a connection.
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