21 Other Ways to Say “Someone Referred Me to You”
“Someone referred me to you” is a common phrase used to explain how you came to know or contact a person, particularly in professional, academic, or networking contexts. It helps establish a connection and provides context for your outreach, but overusing this phrase can make conversations sound repetitive or generic.
Whether you’re writing an email to a potential employer, introducing yourself to a new client, or simply networking, having a wider variety of ways to express this idea can help you come across as more polished, intentional, and personable.
This article explores 21 effective alternatives to say “Someone referred me to you,” each accompanied by a long-form example sentence to show how it can be used naturally and appropriately in real-life communication.
Other Ways to Say “Someone Referred Me to You”
1. I was directed to you by [Name]
Example: I was directed to you by my former colleague, Sarah Thompson, who mentioned your deep expertise in digital marketing and thought we might have some synergy to explore.
Meaning: Indicates that someone has specifically pointed you toward this person for their knowledge, assistance, or services.
Usage: Best used in professional emails or formal introductions.
2. [Name] suggested I reach out to you
Example: Michael from the finance department suggested I reach out to you regarding our upcoming audit process, as he believes you’re the best person to speak to.
Meaning: Emphasizes the proactive nature of your outreach based on a recommendation.
Usage: Works well in both professional and friendly settings.
3. I’m contacting you on [Name]’s recommendation
Example: I’m contacting you on Dr. Levinson’s recommendation; she spoke highly of your research work and felt you could provide some insight into my thesis direction.
Meaning: Highlights a referral from someone whose opinion you value.
Usage: Ideal for formal introductions, academic environments, and high-level networking.
4. [Name] pointed me in your direction
Example: A friend of mine, Rachel, pointed me in your direction when I mentioned I was looking for a skilled graphic designer for my project.
Meaning: A more conversational way to express a referral that feels warm and personal.
Usage: Great for informal emails or casual introductions.
5. I was told you’re the person to speak with
Example: I was told you’re the person to speak with regarding the onboarding process, as you’ve helped several new hires navigate it successfully.
Meaning: Communicates that the individual holds authority or expertise in a specific area.
Usage: Polished, yet casual; fits both corporate and informal settings.
6. You were highly recommended by [Name]
Example: You were highly recommended by our mutual acquaintance, Thomas Reed, who praised your ability to simplify complex legal concepts.
Meaning: Adds credibility by showcasing trust in the other person’s skills.
Usage: Effective in professional outreach where you want to build trust quickly.
7. I heard about you through [Name]
Example: I heard about you through one of your former clients who was impressed by your consulting work and thought you’d be a great fit for our project.
Meaning: Indicates that someone’s positive experience influenced your decision to reach out.
Usage: Works in both formal and informal contexts depending on tone.
8. [Name] spoke very highly of you
Example: During a recent conference, my colleague Samantha spoke very highly of you and mentioned your extensive background in crisis communication strategy.
Meaning: Adds weight to the referral by showing admiration or respect.
Usage: Especially effective in networking or collaborative discussions.
9. I’m reaching out based on your conversation with [Name]
Example: I’m reaching out based on your conversation with Jonathan last week, where you discussed potential partnership opportunities.
Meaning: Suggests continuity in communication, maintaining context from a prior interaction.
Usage: Useful when you’re picking up a thread from a previous discussion involving a third party.
10. I got your contact from [Name]
Example: I got your contact from Ellen, who mentioned you might be the right person to talk to about the upcoming product launch.
Meaning: Direct and concise way to explain how you acquired someone’s information.
Usage: Neutral and adaptable across multiple communication types.
11. I understand you’re the go-to person for [Topic]
Example: I understand you’re the go-to person for anything related to supply chain optimization, and I’d love to get your perspective on a few challenges we’re facing.
Meaning: Shows respect for the person’s authority or specialization.
Usage: Excellent for conveying admiration and curiosity in formal emails or messages.
12. I was told you might be able to help me
Example: I was told you might be able to help me navigate some of the new regulations in our industry, as you’ve recently published a report on the topic.
Meaning: Expresses openness and a gentle request for guidance, while still acknowledging the referral.
Usage: Works well in both professional and informal messages when asking for help or advice.
13. [Name] mentioned you’d be a good person to talk to
Example: One of my mentors, Dr. Coleman, mentioned you’d be a good person to talk to about graduate programs in linguistics, particularly given your experience at Stanford.
Meaning: Positions the recipient as a trusted and knowledgeable resource.
Usage: Useful in academic, career, or mentorship-related inquiries.
14. I was referred to you by a mutual connection
Example: I was referred to you by a mutual connection in the startup community who spoke highly of your ability to scale early-stage ventures.
Meaning: Keeps the referring party anonymous if needed, but still indicates trust.
Usage: Flexible in tone—can be used formally or informally depending on the rest of your message.
15. A colleague suggested I contact you
Example: A colleague suggested I contact you to learn more about your team’s project management strategies, especially in hybrid work environments.
Meaning: Clearly acknowledges where the lead came from, while staying neutral in tone.
Usage: Ideal for peer-to-peer communication within industries or organizations.
16. I believe you were recommended to me for [Reason]
Example: I believe you were recommended to me for your experience in building high-performance teams in the tech sector.
Meaning: Politely highlights the recommendation while focusing on the value or expertise offered.
Usage: Works well in cold outreach or when trying to build professional rapport.
17. Your name came up in a recent conversation
Example: Your name came up in a recent conversation I had with some industry peers who spoke about your innovative work in sustainable packaging.
Meaning: Positions the recipient as relevant and noteworthy within their field.
Usage: Subtle and indirect; appropriate for networking or introductory messages.
18. [Name] connected me with you
Example: Jenna connected me with you after I expressed interest in community-building strategies for nonprofits, and she said you’ve done excellent work in this space.
Meaning: Suggests a direct handoff or introduction between parties.
Usage: Best used when there’s already been some exchange, or when continuing a warm lead.
19. I was given your name as someone who could assist me
Example: I was given your name as someone who could assist me with developing a remote training curriculum for our new hires.
Meaning: A respectful, slightly formal way to explain that the person was identified as capable or helpful.
Usage: Suitable for initial emails or inquiries in formal professional settings.
20. I was advised to speak with you
Example: I was advised to speak with you by my advisor, who believes your insight could help shape the direction of my research.
Meaning: Adds a sense of authority to the referral by using the word “advised.”
Usage: Appropriate in academic, medical, legal, or hierarchical situations.
21. You were brought to my attention by [Name]
Example: You were brought to my attention by my supervisor, who noted your recent work in AI and suggested I connect with you for potential collaboration.
Meaning: Emphasizes that the referral was deliberate and based on respect or relevance.
Usage: Good for professional or formal writing, particularly in B2B or academic contexts.
When to Use Different Alternatives
In Professional Communication
When crafting professional emails or business introductions, using polished expressions like “I’m contacting you on [Name]’s recommendation” or “You were highly recommended by…” adds clarity and credibility. These alternatives convey respect while clearly communicating the connection.
In Casual Conversations
If you’re talking to someone informally or networking socially, more relaxed phrases like “[Name] pointed me in your direction” or “I heard about you through…” can help keep the tone warm, friendly, and approachable.
In Academic or Formal Contexts
Academic environments or formal institutions often call for elevated language, so phrases such as “I was advised to speak with you” or “I’m reaching out based on your conversation with…” show attention to tone and context while maintaining professionalism.
Conclusion
Saying “Someone referred me to you” is functional, but as we’ve seen, there are plenty of alternative phrases that better match different situations and levels of formality. From formal referrals to casual introductions, having the right words enhances your communication and helps you build more authentic relationships.
By expanding your vocabulary and choosing the most appropriate phrasing, you can make your message more engaging, clear, and respectful—regardless of who you’re reaching out to.
FAQs
What does “Someone referred me to you” mean?
It means that another person recommended or suggested you contact someone for help, guidance, or a specific purpose.
Is it necessary to name the person who referred me?
Not always. If the referrer is well-known to both parties or their recommendation adds weight, it’s helpful. Otherwise, using neutral phrasing is fine.
Are these phrases interchangeable?
Many of them are, but their tone and formality vary. It’s important to choose the one that suits the setting and your relationship with the recipient.
How can I politely reach out to someone I was referred to?
Start with context—mention the referral early, be respectful of their time, and clearly state why you’re reaching out or what you hope to discuss.
Can I use these alternatives in job applications or networking emails?
Yes, most of these expressions are suitable for professional and networking purposes. Just ensure your tone matches the setting and your intent is clear.
