Other Ways to Say "I Was Referred to You By" Professionally

When making a professional introduction, mentioning a referral can establish credibility and trust. Expressing a referral well can create a warmer, more personal connection right from the start. Here, you’ll find 30 professional alternatives for saying “I was referred to you by,” along with examples to help you navigate a range of contexts with clarity, respect, and professionalism.

Table of Contents

What Does “I Was Referred to You By” Mean?

This phrase is used to introduce yourself when someone, such as a colleague, client, or mutual acquaintance, has recommended you connect with a particular person. It conveys that a trusted individual has suggested the introduction, adding credibility and context to your outreach.

When to Use “I Was Referred to You By”

You might use this phrase in professional emails, LinkedIn messages, or introductions at networking events. It is especially helpful when you’re reaching out for the first time and need to establish trust or explain your connection to the person you’re contacting.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Was Referred to You By”?

Absolutely. It’s polite, transparent, and respectful, letting the recipient know why you’re reaching out and reinforcing that you’re not a stranger but someone recommended by a shared contact. This builds credibility and often makes people more receptive to your message.

Complete List of Alternatives for I Was Referred to You By

“I Was Referred to You by”
“I Was Advised to Contact You”
“I Was Recommended to Reach Out”
“I’m Reaching Out on [Name]’s Suggestion”
“A Mutual Contact Suggested I Contact You”
“I’ve Been Directed to Connect With You”
“I’m Following Up on a Recommendation From”
“I Was Informed You’d Be the Right Contact”
“I Was Pointed in Your Direction by [Name]”
“I’m Reaching Out at [Name]’s Recommendation”
“I Was Told to Reach Out to You by”
“I Was Directed to You by”
“I Was Referred to You by [Name]”
“A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch”
“I Was Given Your Name by”
“I Was Told About You by”
“I Was Advised to Contact You by”
“I’ve Been Given Your Name by”
“I Was Recommended to Connect With You by”
“I’m Reaching Out After a Recommendation from”
“I Was Encouraged to Get in Touch by”
“I Was Asked to Contact You by”
“I Was Directed to You by a Mutual Contact”
“I Was Suggested to Reach Out to You by”
“I Was Introduced to Your Name Through”
“I Was Given a Recommendation to Contact You by”
“A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch With You”
“I Was Referred to Your Expertise by”
“I Was Directed to Your Services by”
“I’m Reaching Out Based on a Referral from”

1. “I Was Introduced to You by”

Meaning: Indicates a connection was made through a shared acquaintance.

Definition: Highlights that a third party made the introduction.

Explanation: Use this when you’ve been formally introduced by someone in a mutual circle.

Example: “I was introduced to you by Mark Thompson and wanted to follow up on our conversation.”

Tone: Professional, friendly.

2. “I Came Across Your Name Through”

Meaning: Suggests that the person’s name came up as a trusted contact.

Definition: This phrase implies that you heard about the person indirectly.

Explanation: Useful when a shared contact mentioned the person as someone valuable to connect with.

Example: “I came across your name through Sandra Bell, who recommended I reach out to you regarding this project.”

Tone: Professional, respectful.

3. “My Colleague Suggested I Contact You”

Meaning: Emphasizes a recommendation from a colleague.

Definition: Acknowledges the source of the introduction.

Explanation: Perfect when you were encouraged by a direct colleague to reach out.

Example: “My colleague, Jason Reed, suggested I contact you to discuss collaboration opportunities.”

Tone: Professional, collegial.

4. “I Heard About You from”

Meaning: Implies that the person’s reputation or work was mentioned positively by another.

Definition: Acknowledges that a third party brought them to your attention.

Explanation: Use this when you’ve learned about the person through another’s recommendation.

Example: “I heard about you from Laura James, who praised your expertise in digital marketing.”

Tone: Professional, friendly.

5. “I Was Encouraged to Reach Out by”

Meaning: Shows someone urged you to make contact with this person.

Definition: Indicates you were prompted by a trusted source.

Explanation: This works well when someone enthusiastically recommended that you reach out.

Example: “I was encouraged to reach out by Dr. Spencer, who thought you’d be an excellent person to connect with.”

Tone: Warm, respectful.

6. “I’m Reaching Out Based on a Recommendation from”

Meaning: Indicates that a trusted source recommended you contact this person.

Definition: Highlights that the outreach is based on a personal recommendation.

Explanation: Use this to add credibility to your message.

Example: “I’m reaching out based on a recommendation from my mentor, Sarah Lee.”

Tone: Formal, professional.

7. “I Was Referred by a Mutual Connection”

Meaning: Highlights that you and the recipient share a connection.

Definition: Shows that the connection was made through a known third party.

Explanation: Perfect for cases where the connection is indirect.

Example: “I was referred by a mutual connection, Tom Harris, who suggested you’d be the best person to speak with.”

Tone: Formal, cordial.

8. “A Trusted Colleague Recommended I Get in Touch”

Meaning: Emphasizes the referral came from a reliable source.

Definition: Indicates that a respected person encouraged this introduction.

Explanation: Use this to imply trust and value in the referral.

Example: “A trusted colleague recommended I get in touch to discuss potential collaboration.”

Tone: Respectful, professional.

9. “I Was Guided to Contact You by”

Meaning: Suggests you were advised by someone to reach out.

Definition: Implies that you were directly instructed by a mutual contact.

Explanation: This wording works well when a referral feels more like a guided suggestion.

Example: “I was guided to contact you by Dr. Phillips, who suggested your insight on this matter would be invaluable.”

Tone: Formal, respectful.

10. “I’m Contacting You on the Advice of”

Meaning: Indicates the outreach was advised by someone respected.

Definition: Emphasizes that the connection was made thoughtfully and professionally.

Explanation: Ideal when the person who referred you holds influence or authority.

Example: “I’m contacting you on the advice of Ms. Taylor, who speaks highly of your work.”

Tone: Polite, professional.

11. “I Was Told to Reach Out to You by”

Meaning: Implies that someone suggested or recommended reaching out directly.

Definition: Indicates that a specific person directly informed you to connect.

Explanation: This phrase is great when you want to express that you’ve been specifically advised to contact the person.

Example: “I was told to reach out to you by Helen Green, who mentioned your expertise in strategic planning.”

Tone: Professional, courteous.

12. “I Was Directed to You by”

Meaning: Implies that someone has specifically pointed you in their direction.

Definition: Suggests a more deliberate or intentional suggestion to make contact.

Explanation: This phrase works when someone has explicitly directed you to contact the person.

Example: “I was directed to you by my manager, who said you’d be a great person to help with this project.”

Tone: Polite, formal.

13. “I Was Referred to You by [Name]”

Meaning: A direct way of referencing the individual who recommended the contact.

Definition: Straightforwardly states who made the recommendation.

Explanation: This phrasing is ideal when you want to keep things clear and direct.

Example: “I was referred to you by John Anderson regarding a potential partnership opportunity.”

Tone: Professional, clear.

14. “A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch”

Meaning: Shows that a mutual contact recommended reaching out.

Definition: Implies that someone within your professional network advised you to make contact.

Explanation: This can be used when you are not directly connected to the person but share a common contact.

Example: “A contact of mine suggested I get in touch with you to discuss the upcoming conference.”

Tone: Friendly, professional.

15. “I Was Given Your Name by”

Meaning: Acknowledges that someone provided you with the person’s contact information.

Definition: A formal way of indicating you were given their name as a referral.

Explanation: Use this when a trusted individual has passed on their contact details to you.

Example: “I was given your name by Laura Smith and was hoping to discuss some potential ideas.”

Tone: Respectful, formal.

16. “I Was Told About You by”

Meaning: Implies you were informed about the person by someone else.

Definition: Focuses on the fact that you learned about the individual through a third party.

Explanation: Ideal for situations where the referral was indirect but still based on trust.

Example: “I was told about you by Rachel, who spoke highly of your recent project.”

Tone: Respectful, conversational.

17. “I Was Advised to Contact You by”

Meaning: Suggests that someone recommended reaching out to the person directly.

Definition: A polite way to explain that a referral came as advice from another individual.

Explanation: This is useful in more formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the advice you received.

Example: “I was advised to contact you by Mr. Williams, who thought you might be able to assist with my research.”

Tone: Formal, respectful.

18. “I’ve Been Given Your Name by”

Meaning: Indicates that someone has passed on their contact information to you.

Definition: Similar to “I was given your name by,” but with a slightly less formal tone.

Explanation: Works well when a professional has shared the person’s contact with you.

Example: “I’ve been given your name by our mutual colleague, Sarah, and would like to explore potential collaboration opportunities.”

Tone: Professional, polite.

19. “I Was Recommended to Connect With You by”

Meaning: Expresses that someone specifically recommended establishing contact.

Definition: Indicates that a person suggested you make this connection for a specific reason.

Explanation: Great for a warm introduction that implies the other party believes the connection would be valuable.

Example: “I was recommended to connect with you by David, who believes you have valuable insights into this area.”

Tone: Warm, professional.

20. “I’m Reaching Out After a Recommendation from”

Meaning: Shows you’re following up after a recommendation to contact the person.

Definition: Emphasizes that the reason for your outreach is based on someone’s suggestion.

Explanation: This works well when following up after a conversation or interaction that led to the recommendation.

Example: “I’m reaching out after a recommendation from Emily, who thought we could discuss a possible partnership.”

Tone: Friendly, respectful.

21. “I Was Encouraged to Get in Touch by”

Meaning: Suggests that someone urged you to reach out to the individual.

Definition: Implies someone gave you strong encouragement to make contact.

Explanation: This phrase is great when you’ve received a strong nudge or encouragement from a professional.

Example: “I was encouraged to get in touch by Tom, who believes your expertise would be invaluable for my project.”

Tone: Respectful, professional.

22. “I Was Asked to Contact You by”

Meaning: Suggests you were specifically asked or instructed to make contact.

Definition: Indicates a direct request for you to reach out.

Explanation: This works well in situations where there is a more formal request for the connection.

Example: “I was asked to contact you by my supervisor, who suggested you would be a great resource for my upcoming assignment.”

Tone: Formal, polite.

23. “I Was Directed to You by a Mutual Contact”

Meaning: A way of indicating you were referred through a shared acquaintance.

Definition: Emphasizes that the referral came from someone you both know.

Explanation: Ideal for situations where a mutual connection recommended reaching out.

Example: “I was directed to you by a mutual contact, Adam, who mentioned that your experience could be valuable for this project.”

Tone: Friendly, professional.

24. “I Was Suggested to Reach Out to You by”

Meaning: Suggests that someone proposed you should connect with the person.

Definition: Shows that the person was recommended as a valuable connection.

Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to convey that you were specifically advised to make contact.

Example: “I was suggested to reach out to you by Janet, who thought you might be able to provide some guidance on this matter.”

Tone: Polite, professional.

25. “I Was Introduced to Your Name Through”

Meaning: Indicates that you were introduced to the person’s name by someone.

Definition: Suggests the introduction occurred through indirect means.

Explanation: Great for situations where you’ve learned about the person through a recommendation or referral.

Example: “I was introduced to your name through our mutual friend, Claire, and thought I’d reach out.”

Tone: Warm, polite.

26. “I Was Given a Recommendation to Contact You by”

Meaning: Expresses that you received a suggestion to get in touch with the person.

Definition: Highlights the idea that the contact was recommended based on someone’s input.

Explanation: This is ideal when you’ve been given specific instructions to reach out to someone.

Example: “I was given a recommendation to contact you by Sarah, who thinks you could provide valuable advice.”

Tone: Formal, respectful.

27. “A Contact of Mine Suggested I Get in Touch With You”

Meaning: Similar to other alternatives, this one acknowledges a third-party referral.

Definition: Indicates that you were directed to make contact based on someone’s suggestion.

Explanation: This is ideal when you want to convey that the person suggested this connection as a means of collaboration or advice.

Example: “A contact of mine suggested I get in touch with you to discuss potential opportunities.”

Tone: Friendly, professional.

28. “I Was Referred to Your Expertise by”

Meaning: Highlights that the connection was made based on someone referring you to their expertise.

Definition: Suggests that your interest is based on the person’s reputation or skill set.

Explanation: This phrasing works well when you’re seeking the person’s expertise or advice.

Example: “I was referred to your expertise by Daniel, who said you’d be the perfect person to assist with this project.”

Tone: Respectful, professional.

29. “I Was Directed to Your Services by”

Meaning: Implies that the person directed you to the services they offer.

Definition: A formal way to indicate that the services were recommended by a third party.

Explanation: Use this when seeking a specific service or offering based on a referral.

Example: “I was directed to your services by a colleague who highly recommended your consulting skills.”

Tone: Professional, courteous.

30. “I’m Reaching Out Based on a Referral from”

Meaning: Indicates that the outreach is due to a formal recommendation.

Definition: A polite way of explaining that the contact was made as a result of someone’s referral.

Explanation: This is useful when following up after a formal or professional referral.

Example: “I’m reaching out based on a referral from Lisa, who believes you could assist with my needs.”

Tone: Formal, polite.

Conclusion

Expressing that you were referred to someone is more than a simple statement—it’s a chance to open the door to meaningful, professional connections. Using polite and thoughtful language demonstrates respect and builds a foundation of warmth and trust.

Each alternative here provides a unique way to acknowledge a referral, letting you find the perfect phrase to suit your tone, audience, and objective.

Choosing words that feel genuine and respectful will help you start on the right foot, whether you’re connecting for advice, collaboration, or mentorship.