Borrow trust from a shared connection. Referencing someone you both know turns a cold email warm and earns some of the highest reply rates of any template.
Template
Subject
{{mutual_connection}} mentioned you
Hi {{first_name}}, {{mutual_connection}} and I were talking about {{topic}}, and your name came up — they said you're the person thinking about {{prospect_priority}} at {{company}}. We've been helping {{similar_companies}} with exactly that{{brief_result}}. Open to a quick 15 minutes? Happy to loop {{mutual_connection}} in if it helps. {{sender_name}}
Example
Subject
Jordan mentioned you
Hi Sarah,
Jordan and I were talking about outbound that doesn't burn domains, and your name came up — they said you're the person thinking about pipeline at Acme.
We've been helping Series-B SaaS teams with exactly that — usually 2–3x reply rates without extra SDRs.
Open to a quick 15 minutes? Happy to loop Jordan in if it helps.
AlexWhy it works
- Leads with the shared connection — instant credibility and warmth.
- Names the specific priority the connection flagged, so it reads researched, not generic.
- Offers to loop the mutual contact in, which makes saying yes easy.
How to use this template
- 1Replace every
{{variable}}with details specific to the prospect. - 2Personalize the first line from real research — it's what earns the read.
- 3Keep it short (under ~120 words), and send the follow-up 3–5 days later if you don't get a reply.