The phrase “I was referred to you by” is a classic and professional way to introduce yourself when contacting someone new—especially in business, networking, or formal communication. It immediately builds trust by showing that your message comes through a shared connection rather than out of nowhere.
However, using the same phrase repeatedly can sound stiff, overly formal, or generic. In modern communication—emails, LinkedIn messages, job inquiries, or client outreach—tone matters. Sometimes you want to sound more polite, sometimes more confident, and sometimes more conversational.
That’s why having alternative ways to say “I was referred to you by” is useful. The right variation helps you sound natural, professional, and context-aware, while still giving credit to the person who connected you. This guide shares 25+ human-sounding alternatives you can confidently use in professional, academic, and everyday situations.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these alternatives when:
- You’re reaching out to a professional contact for the first time
- You’re sending a job-related or business inquiry
- Someone introduced you through a mutual connection
- You want to sound polite but less repetitive
- You’re writing emails, LinkedIn messages, or formal texts
- You want to match the tone (formal, neutral, or friendly)
Avoid using these alternatives when:
- You don’t actually have permission to mention the referrer
- The situation requires anonymity or confidentiality
26+ Other Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”
Below are 26 natural alternatives, each with meaning, usage, a helpful tip, and four clear examples.
1. “I was recommended to contact you by…”
Meaning: Someone suggested that you reach out to this person.
Usage: Professional emails, networking, business inquiries.
Tip: Sounds polite and credible without being too formal.
Examples:
I was recommended to contact you by Sarah Ahmed regarding this opportunity.
I was recommended to contact you by a mutual colleague.
John Lee recommended that I contact you directly.
I was recommended to reach out to you by my manager.
2. “Your name was given to me by…”
Meaning: Someone shared this person’s contact details with you.
Usage: Emails, introductions, formal messages.
Tip: Neutral and professional tone.
Examples:
Your name was given to me by Mark Collins.
Your name was given to me by a colleague in our department.
I received your contact details from Anna.
Your name was shared with me as a helpful contact.
3. “I was put in touch with you by…”
Meaning: Someone connected both of you.
Usage: Friendly professional communication.
Tip: Sounds collaborative and modern.
Examples:
I was put in touch with you by David Khan.
I was put in touch with you through a mutual connection.
Emma put me in touch with you last week.
I was put in touch with you regarding this project.
4. “I was advised to reach out to you by…”
Meaning: Someone suggested contacting this person.
Usage: Respectful, semi-formal contexts.
Tip: Good when seeking guidance or help.
Examples:
I was advised to reach out to you by my supervisor.
I was advised to contact you regarding this matter.
James advised me to reach out to you directly.
I was advised to connect with you for further details.
5. “I’m reaching out on the recommendation of…”
Meaning: You are contacting someone based on a recommendation.
Usage: Formal emails, job-related messages.
Tip: Sounds confident and professional.
Examples:
I’m reaching out on the recommendation of Michael Brown.
I’m reaching out on the recommendation of a mutual colleague.
I’m reaching out on the recommendation of my team lead.
I’m reaching out based on a strong recommendation.
6. “A mutual contact suggested I contact you.”
Meaning: Someone you both know encouraged the connection.
Usage: Networking, LinkedIn messages.
Tip: Friendly and conversational.
Examples:
A mutual contact suggested I contact you.
A mutual colleague suggested I reach out.
A shared connection recommended I contact you.
A mutual contact thought you’d be the right person to speak with.
7. “I was referred to you through…”
Meaning: The connection happened via a person or organization.
Usage: Business and professional communication.
Tip: Works well in formal writing.
Examples:
I was referred to you through our HR department.
I was referred to you through a colleague.
I was referred to you through a professional network.
I was referred to you through a mutual acquaintance.
8. “I was introduced to you by…”
Meaning: Someone formally introduced you.
Usage: Polite and professional.
Tip: Ideal after meetings or events.
Examples:
I was introduced to you by Karen at the conference.
I was introduced to you during last week’s meeting.
I was introduced to you by a mutual colleague.
I was introduced to you through our shared network.
9. “Someone suggested I get in touch with you.”
Meaning: A casual recommendation to contact someone.
Usage: Friendly but professional messages.
Tip: Good for informal professional settings.
Examples:
Someone suggested I get in touch with you regarding this role.
A colleague suggested I get in touch with you.
Someone suggested I reach out to you directly.
I was told you’d be helpful to speak with.
10. “I came across your name through…”
Meaning: You learned about the person via a source.
Usage: Neutral and flexible.
Tip: Use when the referral is indirect.
Examples:
I came across your name through a colleague.
I came across your name through our professional network.
I came across your name during a discussion.
I came across your name through a recommendation.
11. “I was encouraged to contact you by…”
Meaning: Someone motivated you to reach out.
Usage: Polite and respectful contexts.
Tip: Sounds positive and thoughtful.
Examples:
I was encouraged to contact you by my mentor.
I was encouraged to reach out regarding this opportunity.
A colleague encouraged me to contact you.
I was encouraged to connect with you directly.
12. “I was pointed in your direction by…”
Meaning: Someone guided you to this person.
Usage: Casual-professional tone.
Tip: Best for friendly outreach.
Examples:
I was pointed in your direction by a colleague.
I was pointed in your direction regarding this issue.
Someone pointed me in your direction for advice.
I was pointed your way during a discussion.
13. “I was given your contact information by…”
Meaning: Someone shared this person’s details.
Usage: Formal and direct.
Tip: Clear and professional.
Examples:
I was given your contact information by the HR team.
I was given your contact information by John.
I was given your email by a colleague.
I was given your details for further discussion.
14. “I’m contacting you at the suggestion of…”
Meaning: You’re reaching out based on advice.
Usage: Polite and formal.
Tip: Great for email openings.
Examples:
I’m contacting you at the suggestion of my manager.
I’m contacting you at the suggestion of a colleague.
I’m contacting you based on a recommendation.
I’m contacting you following a helpful suggestion.
15. “I was told you’d be the right person to contact.”
Meaning: Someone believed this person could help.
Usage: Professional problem-solving contexts.
Tip: Sounds respectful and efficient.
Examples:
I was told you’d be the right person to contact regarding this issue.
I was told you’d be the right person to speak with.
I was told you’d be able to guide me.
I was told you’d be helpful in this matter.
16. “I was connected with you by…”
Meaning: Someone facilitated the connection.
Usage: Networking and professional emails.
Tip: Modern and neutral.
Examples:
I was connected with you by our mutual colleague.
I was connected with you through LinkedIn.
I was connected with you by the HR team.
I was connected with you regarding this opportunity.
17. “I was directed to you by…”
Meaning: Someone officially guided you.
Usage: Formal or organizational contexts.
Tip: Sounds authoritative.
Examples:
I was directed to you by the support team.
I was directed to you for further assistance.
I was directed to you by my supervisor.
I was directed to you as the appropriate contact.
18. “I learned about you from…”
Meaning: You discovered the person through someone.
Usage: Neutral and flexible.
Tip: Works well in emails and messages.
Examples:
I learned about you from a colleague.
I learned about you during a team discussion.
I learned about you from a mutual contact.
I learned about you through a recommendation.
19. “I was advised that you might be able to help.”
Meaning: Someone suggested this person as a solution.
Usage: Polite and indirect.
Tip: Great for requests.
Examples:
I was advised that you might be able to help with this.
I was advised you’d be the right person to contact.
I was advised to reach out for guidance.
I was advised to speak with you directly.
20. “I was asked to reach out to you by…”
Meaning: Someone requested that you make contact.
Usage: Professional instructions.
Tip: Clear and direct.
Examples:
I was asked to reach out to you by my manager.
I was asked to contact you regarding this matter.
I was asked to follow up with you.
I was asked to connect with you for next steps.
21. “I was guided toward you by…”
Meaning: Someone steered you in this direction.
Usage: Supportive professional tone.
Tip: Sounds thoughtful.
Examples:
I was guided toward you by a colleague.
I was guided toward you for advice.
I was guided toward you regarding this role.
I was guided toward you through a recommendation.
22. “I was referred your way by…”
Meaning: A casual version of a referral.
Usage: Semi-formal and friendly.
Tip: Good for emails and messages.
Examples:
I was referred your way by a colleague.
I was referred your way for further details.
I was referred your way by a mutual contact.
I was referred your way regarding this opportunity.
23. “I was encouraged to reach out after speaking with…”
Meaning: You were motivated after a conversation.
Usage: Polite and conversational.
Tip: Adds context.
Examples:
I was encouraged to reach out after speaking with John.
I was encouraged to contact you after a meeting.
I was encouraged to reach out following a discussion.
I was encouraged to connect after receiving advice.
24. “I was recommended as a point of contact by…”
Meaning: Someone suggested this person specifically.
Usage: Formal professional settings.
Tip: Best for corporate communication.
Examples:
I was recommended as a point of contact by HR.
I was recommended to contact you directly.
I was recommended to reach out to you.
I was recommended as a follow-up contact.
25. “I was referred to you for further discussion.”
Meaning: The referral was for continued communication.
Usage: Business and academic settings.
Tip: Neutral and polished.
Examples:
I was referred to you for further discussion on this matter.
I was referred to you for additional details.
I was referred to you for next steps.
I was referred to you for guidance.
26. “I was advised that you’d be the best person to speak with.”
Meaning: Someone believed this person was most suitable.
Usage: Respectful and professional.
Tip: Excellent for first emails.
Examples:
I was advised that you’d be the best person to speak with.
I was advised you’d be the right contact.
I was advised to speak with you directly.
I was advised that you could assist.
Bonus Section: Polite & Professional Email Openers
- I hope this message finds you well. I was recommended to contact you.
- I’m reaching out following a referral from a mutual colleague.
- Your name was shared with me as a helpful contact.
- I was advised to connect with you regarding this matter.
- I was encouraged to reach out after a recent discussion.
Final Writing Tips
- Always get permission before mentioning someone’s name
- Match your tone to the situation (formal vs. friendly)
- Be clear and concise in your opening line
- Avoid overexplaining the referral
- Use polite language when making requests
- Keep your message focused and respectful
- End with a clear purpose or next step
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I’m Jasper the Author behind this website, dedicated to delivering clear, accurate, and engaging English content. With strong grammar expertise, I aim to help readers strengthen their language skills through practical examples and easy-to-follow explanations.
