Developing new skills, venturing into a new profession, landing a fantastic job, expanding your business—these are all worthy goals. However, they all involve, sooner or later, meeting new individuals. After all, growth requires stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Enter the introduction email: the cornerstone of every successful career, network, and business. But how do you craft an introduction email that elicits a response and leaves a positive first impression?

This article presents easy-to-implement tips for writing a compelling introduction email, accompanied by examples and templates for six distinct scenarios.

Table of contents

• How to write an introduction email
• Career networking introduction email
• Business networking introduction email
• Introduction email connecting two people
• Sales email after content download
• Sales prospecting intro email
• Business-to-business introduction email

How to write an introduction email

While you’ll encounter numerous situations where introducing yourself or others is necessary, certain fundamental principles apply to all introduction emails.

Be concise

Unless you’re pouring your heart out to a close friend, NO email should be lengthy. This applies to marketing emails, sales emails, and introduction emails—without exception! Consider your introduction email as the advertisement and the subsequent meeting or call as the product. It needs to be captivating enough to spark interest but concise enough to encourage a response.

Source

State your purpose clearly

This is a universal email best practice. Regardless of the introduction’s nature, you’re reaching out because the recipient possesses something you desire, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Be upfront about your current situation and what you’re seeking, and acknowledge that the recipient has what you need. This direct approach ensures brevity and allows the recipient to quickly grasp the context and respond promptly. Need assistance with your email marketing? Get the guide » The Complete Email Marketing Toolkit

Make a specific request

“I’d love to pick your brain” or “Would you be open to a conversation?” are too vague. Clearly specify the time frame, communication method, and purpose, framing it as a yes-or-no question. For instance, “I have some inquiries regarding [topic] and would appreciate your insights. Would you be available for a phone or Zoom call next week?”

Personalize with a detail about them

Essentially, every introduction email requests the recipient’s time—time to read it, time to meet, and so forth. While you can (and should) offer to reciprocate once you’ve met, show appreciation upfront by researching them beforehand and referencing it in your email.

Avoid overt flattery. Simply stating “I observed X” implicitly conveys your admiration without sounding like “I’m flattering you to secure a meeting.”

Introduction email templates and examples

Below are example introductions and templates for various purposes, incorporating the email copywriting tips provided.

Introduction email #1: Career networking outreach

Template

Subject line: [Relevant connection/topic of interest] Hi [name], I’m Kristen McCormick, and I [found you on X/was referred to you by X]. [Statement about yourself that gives context about why you are reaching out]. [Say something specific about their specific value/achievements]. Would you be available for a phone or Zoom conversation this week? I’d appreciate the opportunity to ask about your experience [for X purpose] and explore any ways I can assist you. If so, please share some convenient days and times, and I’ll send you a calendar invitation. Thanks! [name]

Example

Subject line: Dartmouth alumni / content marketing Hi Garett, My name is Kristen, and I found you on LinkedIn while searching for fellow Dartmouth alumni in marketing. I’m currently in marketing operations but aim to transition into a more content-focused role. I was impressed by your diverse content experience, spanning ads, email, SEO, and even design. Would you be available for a phone or Zoom conversation this week? I’d love to learn from your experience as I navigate my career path and explore any ways I can be of assistance. If so, please share some convenient days and times, and I’ll send you a calendar invitation. Thanks! Kristen

Note that we have many networking email templates and subject lines here.

Introduction email example #2: Business networking outreach

Template

Subject line: Reaching out via [person who referred you] Hi [name], My name is [Name], and [Name] of [relevant origin] recommended that I contact you. I am in the process of [state what you are trying to accomplish] and seek to connect with individuals who have successfully done so—which is evident in your case! [State specific detail you appreciated about them.] Would you be available for a phone or Zoom call this week? I’d appreciate the chance to learn from your journey and gain your insights on some questions I have. If you’re available, kindly let me know what days or times work for you, and I’ll send a calendar invitation. Thank you! Sincerely, [name]

Example

Subject line: Reaching out via Valorie Jackson Hi Leslie, My name is Susan Moor, and Valorie Jackson of NASM suggested I get in touch. I am launching my own senior move management business (Clear Paths for Seniors) and would love to connect with others who have successfully navigated this path—your achievements in this field are truly inspiring! I was particularly struck by the “My philosophy” page on your website, which deeply resonated with me. Would you be available for a phone or Zoom call this week? I’m eager to learn from your experience and gain insights on some specific questions I have. If you’re available, kindly let me know what days or times work for you, and I’ll send a calendar invitation. Thank you! Sincerely, Susan

Seeking more tips and ideas? We’ve got plenty in store! Get the guide » 130+ of the Best Online Marketing Tips for Generating More Traffic, Leads, & Sales

Introduction email example #3: Introducing two people

Note that with this type of introduction, a touch of “flattery” is acceptable, as you’re quickly conveying to each person why connecting with the other is worthwhile.

Template

Subject line: [Name] <–> [Name] Hi [name], I’d like to introduce you to [Name], [include relevant details/highlights about this person]. [He/she] is currently exploring new opportunities, and I immediately thought of [company]! [Opportunity seeker’s name], [name] is the [role] at [company]. [Call out relevant details/highlights about this person], making [him/her] the ideal person to discuss potential opportunities. I’ll leave you two to connect! Best, [name]

Example

Subject line: Justin <–>Olivia Hi Justin, Allow me to introduce you to Olivia Channing, a content marketer with five years of experience in B2B, encompassing SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and more. She’s currently seeking new opportunities, and Sparkwise instantly came to mind! Olivia, meet Justin, the Director of Marketing at Sparkwise, the mastermind behind their exceptional content. He’s the best person to speak with regarding potential opportunities. I’ll leave you two to connect! Best, Kristen

Introduction email example #4: Sales email after content download

Template

Subject line: [Goal] made simple Hi [name], I noticed you downloaded our [guide name], which is often sought after by individuals aiming to [achieve goal]. If this resonates, [business name] might be a perfect fit. [One sentence about how your business solves that problem and why it’s better than the rest]. Would you be available this week to discuss your [area of specialty] objectives? Best, [name]

Example

Subject line: Ad budget optimization made simple Hi Brianna, I observed your recent download of our PPC Pro Tips Guide, a resource often utilized by those seeking to reduce wasted ad spend, maximize their budget, or both. If this aligns with your goals, AdPro could be an ideal solution. We designed this platform specifically for small ad agencies like yours, automating budget optimization by leveraging a broader range of data than Google Ads alone. Would you be available this week for a conversation about your PPC objectives? Best, Kristen

Introduction email example #5: Sales prospecting

Template

Subject line: A superior approach to [achieve goal] Hi [name], I noticed on your website that you’re utilizing [tool] for [purpose]. While [tool] is suitable for [persona] aiming to [achieve this small goal], it’s not ideal for [reader’s persona] [that does this larger function/with this larger goal]. [Your product/business] is designed for [the larger function], [achieving this bigger benefit/goal]. Would you be available this week for a [X-minute demo/call]? Let me know, [name]

Example

Subject line: A superior approach to texting Hi Naomi, I observed on your website that you’re using Chatter for business texting. While Chatter works well for small businesses seeking feedback and reviews, it’s less suitable for larger businesses that utilize texting for customer interactions throughout their journey. Bizchat facilitates multi-channel communication with customers at every stage, enhancing funnel retention and ultimately boosting the bottom line. Would you have time this week for a 20-minute demo? Let me know, Kristen

Introduction email example #6: Business to business outreach

Template

Subject line: [Offer] for [Business name] Hi [name], I’m [name], and I’m reaching out to introduce myself and explore opportunities to bolster the [company name] brand. I own a [industry] agency called [agency name], specializing in [state your relevant and unique specialty]. We’ve empowered numerous businesses in the [industry] sector to [achieve this benefit] and would be thrilled to explore how we can do the same for you. Let’s schedule a call at your earliest convenience to discuss this further. Are you available this week? Best regards, [name]

Example

Subject line: Video ads for BizMaven Hi Angela, My name is Cody, and I’m reaching out to introduce myself and explore ways to enhance the BizMaven brand. I own a video ad agency called CodyReel, specializing in impactful social video ads with emotional resonance. We’ve helped numerous B2B marketing businesses elevate their brands and improve ROI and would love to explore how we can do the same for you. Let’s schedule a call at your earliest convenience to discuss this further. Are you available this week? Best regards, Cody

Mastering professional introduction emails

Whether you’re seeking to expand your skill set, gain new perspectives, build your personal brand, or grow your business, tapping into resources beyond your immediate network is essential. A professional yet personalized approach is key. By mastering the art of the introduction email using these tips and examples, you’ll cultivate a valuable network that you can both leverage and contribute to, ultimately propelling you towards your goals! Key takeaways for writing a compelling introduction email:

• Keep it concise
• State your purpose clearly
• Make a specific request
• Personalize with a detail about the recipient Seeking more email writing tips and templates? We’ve got you covered:
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