1. Review their LinkedIn profile and comment about a detail you came across to open the conversation.
2. Mention the biggest way, in simple, non-salesy terms, how you can help the Linkedin contact they know. Keep in mind you're not selling your services to them, just asking them for an intro. A sales pitch could make them worry you would lay it on thick with their contact and they could be more hesitant to introduce you.
3. Ask for an intro by offering a prewritten message they can pass along to make it easy for them. This also gives you some control over what they say about you.
4. Mention which networks you're a part of and let them know you're willing to return the favor.
Save these templates to ask for referrals