How to ask for client referrals, without feeling awkward

Written by: Sapphire Li, BA

Communications specialist, 8+ years writing and copywriting for companies
I'm gonna cut to the chase, I need a big favor
Table of contents

Template: how to ask a LinkedIn contact for an intro (even if you don't know them well)

LinkedIn InMail message
Hey {First name},
Congrats on 5 years with Revolve!1
I saw you're connected with Reneta Singer, Marketing Director at Compfy. I'm looking to connect to help her with her ads, any chance you can pass along a message? I'd really appreciate it.2
Hey Renata,
It's Vianna from Eminent. I'm in touch with a FB ads specialist who saw your ads and has a few ideas about its copy and targeting - would you like to connect?
3
I'm connected to a lot of folks in the SaaS space so if you need an intro to anyone, I'm happy to return the favor.4
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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.

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Template: how to ask someone you know professionally for a referral

Subject: Can I ask for a favor?
Hey {First name},
Great move finding those micro influencers, they deliver crazy engagement without eating a lot of budget.1
Update from my side: I have an opening for a client.
If you know someone who's keen to ramp up their signup rates and trial to paid conversions, can you do me a favor and pass along this message? (Feel free to edit anything.)2
Hey,
I heard that you're looking to really step up your signups and trial upgrades. I know someone who recently worked with Leafy and helped them hit $100k MRR. Let me know if you'd like to connect with her.
3

Thank you, I really appreciate it.4
If I can help you in any way, please let me know.5
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1.   Comment about something they did recently to open the conversation.

2.   Ask them if they know anyone who may be interested in achieving an important result your services deliver, without sounding too salesy. You don't have to hard pitch someone you already know and they wouldn't want you to hard pitch their contact either.

3.   Share a prewritten message they can pass along to make it easier for them to refer you. This also gives you some control over how your services are presented.

4.   Express your thanks ahead of time.

5.   Let them know you're open to returning the favor.

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Template: how to ask your email contacts for referrals

Subject: Personal work update
Hey {First name},
Personal update from me: I left my job at Accenture recently and I'm using my experience with enterprise customers to help SaaS startups land them 🙂1
If you know a startup who's looking to really step up their MRR, can you help pass along this message?2
Hey,
I heard that you're looking to acquire more enterprise customers. I know someone who worked with Accenture closing million-dollar contracts. If you'd like to connect with her for a free brainstorm, let me know.
3

Thank you, I really appreciate it.4
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1.   Share an update about your work and briefly describe what you're doing now without sounding too salesy.

2.   Ask if your contact knows anyone who's looking to achieve an important result your services help with.

3.   Share a prewritten message they can pass along to make it easier for them to refer you.

4.   Express thanks to let them know you appreciate their help.

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Template: how to ask a friend for an intro

Subject: Favor 🙏
Hey {First name},
How's it going?1
Can you do me a big favor? 🙏2
Can you pass along a message to your LinkedIn contact, Carol Singer from Revive? I can help her create some high converting content for her website. Here's a message you can pass along.3
Hey {First name},
How are you? I'm in touch with a really good conversion writer Vik, he has a few ideas for your website. Would you like to connect?

Thanks, I really appreciate it. Next drinks are on me - just let me know when 🙂4
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1.   Since you're writing to a friend, a casual greeting works fine.

2.   Simply ask if they can do you a favor.

3.   Mention which of their contacts you'd like to connect with and briefly explain how you can help them. Share a prewritten message they can pass along to make it easier for them to introduce you.

4.   Express your thanks and offer to treat your friend to something they like.

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Just checking in, your mom asked me to