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Networking introduction messages: five examples you can make your own
Five original examples, a simple message structure, and a respectful way to follow up.
A good networking introduction gives the other person enough context to decide whether—and how—to reply. It can be brief without being generic. Explain why you chose them, what connects your work, and one thing you would like to ask.
The five examples below are fictional, original starting points. Use only details that are true for you, and adapt the wording to the relationship and the place you’re sending it. On TieSpark, member messaging opens after you both connect.
Give your message three parts.
- A relevant detail: a project, skill, shared interest, or previous conversation that gives you a reason to reach out.
- A little context: your role or current goal, and what you could contribute where that is relevant.
- One easy next step: a question they can answer briefly, permission to send more information, or a short call with a clear purpose.
Avoid inventing familiarity or praising work you haven’t actually seen. Don’t attach a long proposal, ask for several favors at once, or make someone book a meeting just to learn why you contacted them.
1. A new professional connection.
Use this after you connect with someone whose work overlaps with a topic you’re exploring.
Example · A shared professional interest
Hi Alex, thanks for connecting. Your profile mentions helping small retailers improve their websites. I photograph products for independent shops, and I’m trying to understand what makes a useful image handoff. What’s one thing you wish photographers included?
Why this is easy to answer: it identifies a specific overlap and asks one practical question. Replace the question with something you genuinely want to understand. If the conversation develops, suggest a short call instead of adding a meeting request to the first message.
2. A potential collaborator.
Be clear about what you need, what you bring, and whether there is a defined project. This example asks permission to send details before expecting a commitment.
Example · A defined project
Hi Priya, I saw that you build websites for independent professionals. I’m a brand designer planning a five-page portfolio site for a client, and I’m looking for a development collaborator for a paid project next month. Would you be open to a short brief so we can see whether the scope and timing fit?
What to personalize: the type of work, the timeline, and the arrangement. Don’t imply that funding or a client is confirmed when it isn’t. The five-line collaboration brief can help you prepare the follow-up.
3. A potential referral partner.
Start by understanding how the other person works. A first conversation should not presume access to their clients or a commitment to send business.
Example · Related services
Hi Jordan, I noticed you provide bookkeeping for independent consultants. I help the same kind of businesses improve their proposals and project processes. I’d be interested in learning where our work overlaps. Would you be open to a 15-minute conversation about the clients each of us is best placed to help?
Keep the expectation clear: you are exploring fit. If you later want to make a referral, check that both people welcome the introduction before sharing their details.
4. A follow-up after meeting.
Mention something from the conversation and follow through on what you offered. A useful thank-you doesn’t need to include another request.
Example · A promised resource
Hi Morgan, thanks for talking through your workshop plans today. Your point about leaving more time for questions helped me rethink my own session. Here’s the planning checklist I promised: [link]. If you try it, I’d be interested to hear which parts were useful.
Before sending: replace the placeholder with a working link you have permission to share. If you agreed on a task or date, state it plainly. Don’t turn a friendly follow-up into a sales sequence the person never requested.
5. Reconnecting with someone you know.
Remind them of the shared context and explain what made you think of them. You don’t need to apologize at length for the time that has passed.
Example · A former coworker
Hi Casey, I was thinking about the onboarding project we worked on together and your approach to customer interviews. I’m starting a similar project in my new role. How have things been on your side? If you have time, I’d enjoy catching up and comparing notes.
Make it honest: if you have a specific request, explain it rather than disguising it as a catch-up. Give the person room to say they’re busy or that the topic isn’t a fit.
Before you send—and if they don’t reply.
- Check the name, the context, and any links.
- Keep only the details needed to understand your reason for writing.
- Ask one question or suggest one next step.
- Respect the community’s rules and the person’s communication preferences.
- Leave out private client information and anything you don’t have permission to share.
If they haven’t replied, allow time for their schedule. One brief follow-up after a reasonable interval can clarify your request; repeated messages can create pressure. A simple “Just checking whether this is relevant for you—no problem if the timing isn’t right” is enough. If there is still no reply, leave it there.
Put more effort into finding a relevant connection than perfecting a universal template. Our guide to building a professional network can help you choose who to approach and what to do after that first conversation.