Your network is your most powerful asset, and for founders this is especially true. Progress often hinges on your ability to expand this web of connections, but asking for introductions in a productive and convenient way can be a challenge.
What is a Forwardable Email?
The solution? A forwardable email, one that can be easily forwarded, provide context, and establish a relationship while keeping it simple for the middleman. It is a short, pre-written message that can easily be passed along. Crafting a forwardable email is an important skill to develop, and it is not as simple as it sounds.
Writing an easily forwardable email is important for a number of reasons – It allows you to lay out your proposition (company introduction, intention to meet, etc.) clearly and on your terms. It is also considerate of the other person’s time. When you ask for an introduction, rather than needing to craft a note for their connection, they can simply pass along your message.
When to Use
Forwardable emails are useful in many situations — when you are asking for investor or industry introductions, when a friend offers to connect you with someone, or following up with an ask after a meeting or event. Forwardable emails bridge gaps and connect you with new people and opportunities.
What Makes a Good Forwardable Email?
In order to craft a good forwardable email, you must include a brief and clear explanation of context that demonstrates why a connection is relevant, along with a clear and specific ask. The email should be ready to send as-is, and sound polite and concise.
Also, and so many people get this part wrong, your forwardable email should arrive as A NEW EMAIL THREAD. If you add your message to an existing thread, your previous correspondence with the intermediary may be included. A new thread, with a new subject line, will keep the message clean and require less oversight/editing by the person making the introduction.
Here’s a template:
[name of your mutual connection], thank you for your offer to pass this along to [the person you are attempting to contact]. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to show our appreciation..
[Name of person you’re connected with], I/We truly appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself/ourselves
- Your name, your role within the company
- Your company described using one to two sentences
- Why this connection is relevant (a sentence)
- Your ask (your goal is to share more information, not to sell or close within your first interaction)
[your name]
Keep it brief, follow up if needed, and always be professional.
Closing Thoughts
Sending forwardable emails makes it easy for others to help you, while ensuring that your message arrives as you intended. By cutting down on what is required of them, you are more likely to establish meaningful connections that turn into powerful new relationships.
