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In a world where inboxes are cluttered and 99% of cold emails go unanswered, forwardable emails are your secret weapon to stand out. They’re the ultimate connection booster for startup founders, sales reps, and anyone looking to make meaningful introductions happen.
A forwardable email is short, simple, and powerful. It’s designed to be shared with ease, helping you get in front of prospective customers, potential investors, or top talent without the awkwardness of a cold call. And when done right, these emails can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
This guide will show you how to craft a forwardable email that delivers. We’ll break down the structure, share best practices, and even provide templates to get you started. Let’s ditch the guesswork and write emails people actually want to forward.
What is a forwardable email?
A forwardable email is a short, shareable message designed to make introductions effortless. It’s not about direct outreach—it’s about equipping someone else to open doors for you. Forwardable emails are effective for scaling your network and making meaningful connections. They help you save time and tap into your existing relationships.
Common use cases for forwardable emails:
- Introducing your startup to potential investors
- Recruiting top-tier talent through advisors or peers
- Engaging prospective customers
- Securing partnerships via mutual connections
- Expanding your network of people in a similar role
Forwardable emails versus email introductions
While email introductions are direct and bring all parties into the conversation right away, forwardable emails offer a flexible way to tap into someone’s network at scale. Both have their strengths: introductions are ideal for immediate, high-touch connections, while forwardable emails make it easier to reach multiple people without overloading your contact. The main point of contact can separately forward your email to whoever they want, whenever they want.
In most cases, warm introductions are far superior because you’re in the loop. You can see what the connector wrote and follow up with your target contact on your own terms. With forwardable emails, you lack visibility.
However, because a forwardable email puts things in the connector’s control, sometimes they’re the perfect tool to get the ball rolling.
Let’s say you ask someone to send a warm intro email on your behalf. They say not right now. So, you follow up in a couple of weeks, but then they say they’d rather you send them an email that they can forward to their contact. Rather than let the opportunity die, you could opt to send a forwardable email rather than push for a direct introduction. The connector can then read the email and decide if they want to forward it to their contact with an additional note.
In terms of content, the email can be quite similar. The difference is that you’re sending it to the connector—instead of writing an email for your connector and asking them to send it to you and the target contact.
How to write and send a forwardable email
Follow these steps to craft the perfect forwardable email.
Step 1: Identify the recipient’s network
Before you write, identify the right person to help you. Check LinkedIn, your CRM, or even Commsor’s network intelligence tools to find connections who can forward your email to your target contact. Think strategically: who has the trust and influence to open the door?
If you don’t have one degree of separation, how can you get one step closer to your target contact?
Step 2: Draft an easy-to-forward note
Consider your forwardable email as the sleek sports car of communication: it’s compact, efficient, and gets straight to the point. Here’s how to structure yours for maximum impact:
- The Brief Intro: Start with 1-2 lines that establish who you are and why you’re reaching out. Bonus points if you mention a shared connection or a quick, memorable credential.
- Why It Matters: Give the forwarder a reason to care. Briefly explain the value or benefit for the person you’re trying to connect with.
- The Ask (aka the Engine): Be direct and specific. No vague “can you help?” requests. Instead, try something like: “Could you forward this to [Person’s Name] to discuss [specific topic]?”
- Visibility: You don’t necessarily get as much visibility with forwardable emails. To up your chances, ask the forwarder to CC you so you can follow up directly with a couple additional emails if needed.
Step 3: Review for clarity and tone
Before hitting send, reread your email. Ideally, wait an hour or two between writing and reviewing so you can look at the email with fresh eyes.
Is it concise? Clear? Free of jargon?
Did you highlight the value for both the forwarder and recipient?
Would you forward this email if it landed in your inbox? If not, tweak it until it’s a no-brainer. Then hit send.
Examples of forwardable emails
Check out these well-written examples.
Scenario 1: A sales rep targeting a prospective customer
Use this template to get the attention of a prospective customer.
Subject Line: Intro Request: {Your Name} + {Target Company}
Hi {Connector’s Name},
Thanks again for {recent interaction or shared experience, e.g., “your insights during yesterday’s meeting” or “catching up earlier this week”}. I always appreciate your perspective, and our conversation about {specific topic} was especially helpful.
As I mentioned, I’d love the chance to connect with {Target Contact’s Name} at {Target Company} for a quick chat about {specific topic or goal, e.g., “how they’re addressing challenges in [area]” or “ways they’ve implemented [strategy].”} I’m currently working on {brief context about your initiative or role}, and I think I could help with {impact}.
Please consider forwarding this email to {Target Contact’s Name} and CCing me.
Thanks so much for your help, {Connector’s Name}! Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
Best,
{Your Name}
Why It Works:
- Personalized tone: Acknowledges shared experiences and builds rapport.
- Specific and respectful: Explains the value of the connection without overloading with details.
- Thoughtful follow-up: Offers to reciprocate, making the request feel balanced.
Scenario 2: Startup founder seeking potential investors
Try this template when trying to connect with a potential investor.
Subject Line: Intro Request: {Your Name} + {Potential Investor’s Name}
Hi {Connector’s Name},
I hope you’re doing well! Thanks again for {recent interaction or shared connection, e.g., “your advice on scaling teams” or “introducing me to [Contact’s Name] last month”}. It’s always great to connect with you.
I’m reaching out because I’d love the opportunity to speak with {Potential Investor’s Name} at {Investor’s Firm}. As you know, we’re working on {brief description of your startup, e.g., “a platform that helps sales teams turn warm connections into revenue”}. We’ve recently hit some exciting milestones, including {specific achievement, e.g., “doubling our user base in six months”}, and I think {Potential Investor’s Name} might find our growth story interesting.
If you’d be open to forwarding this email to {Potential Investor’s Name} and CCing me, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your support, {Connector’s Name}. Let me know if you’d like any more context or info from me.
Best,
{Your Name}
Why It Works:
- Highlights credibility: Mentions key achievements and shared connections.
- Clear and value-driven ask: Explains why the introduction is relevant to the investor.
- Simplifies the process: Provides a ready-to-forward message to save time for the connector.
Scenario 3: Recruiting a senior hire via an advisor’s network
Use this template when fishing for a senior hire.
Subject Line: Intro Request: {Your Name} + {Potential Candidate’s Name}
Hi {Connector’s Name},
I hope this note finds you well! I’m reaching out because I’ve been impressed with your ability to connect great people, and I think you might be able to help me with an exciting opportunity.
We’re currently looking for a senior hire to join our team at {Your Company}, specifically for a {Position Title, e.g., “Head of Product”} role. I noticed you’re connected to {Potential Candidate’s Name}, who seems like a perfect fit based on their experience with {specific area or skill, e.g., “scaling early-stage product teams” or “driving growth at startups like [Company Name]”}.
If you’re comfortable making an introduction, I’d greatly appreciate it. Please forward this email and CC me.
Thank you so much for considering this, {Connector’s Name}.
Best,
{Your Name}
Why It Works:
- Engaging opener: Acknowledges the connector’s skill in building relationships.
- Specific ask: Clearly states the role and why the candidate is a fit.
- Effortless for the connector: Includes a ready-to-forward note for quick action.
In a world that’s exhausted with cold outreach, warm introductions can be a game-changer for your pipeline.
Learn more about Commsor, the easiest way to operationalize warm intros.
