If you’ve ever found yourself stuck using the same old phrase, “I was referred to you by,” you’re not alone. It’s a classic line, sure, but overusing it can make your communication sound a little dull and repetitive. Whether you’re writing a professional email, networking, or just introducing yourself, finding fresh and creative ways to express referrals can make a huge difference.
It helps you sound more engaging, confident, and personal — qualities that truly make your message stand out. I get it — sometimes it’s hard to find just the right words that fit your style and situation. That’s why I’ve put together 25 powerful alternatives to help you spice up your introductions and compliments.
These alternatives will not only expand your vocabulary but also add a touch of personality and flair to your communication. Ready to upgrade your language and impress your readers or listeners? Dive into these carefully chosen expressions, and watch your writing or speech come alive with style and precision!
Alternatives to “I Was Referred to You By”
1. I Was Introduced to You By
This phrase suggests a personal or formal introduction from a mutual acquaintance. It feels warm and direct, showing that there was a deliberate connection made.
Examples:
- I was introduced to you by Sarah during the conference last week.
- My colleague introduced me to you as an expert in digital marketing.
- I was introduced to you by John, who spoke very highly of your work.
- At the networking event, I was introduced to you by our mutual friend, Lisa.
- I was introduced to you by my manager to discuss the upcoming project.
Why It Works:
This phrase adds a personal touch and highlights the social connection, making the referral feel trustworthy and intentional.
2. I Came Recommended By
Using this phrase shows a clear endorsement from someone else, which can boost your credibility right away.
Examples:
- I came recommended by David, who praised your customer service.
- I was told to reach out because I came recommended by your previous client.
- I came recommended by a business partner who said you’re the best in the industry.
- I came recommended by a friend who used your services recently.
- I came recommended by my mentor as the right person to contact.
Why It Works:
It highlights the positive reputation and recommendation, building instant trust and respect.
3. Your Name Was Passed Along By
This phrase gives a sense of word-of-mouth referral and informal recommendation, often from a trusted source.
Examples:
- Your name was passed along by a colleague who thought you could help.
- I received your name passed along by a friend who mentioned your expertise.
- Your name was passed along by someone in my network looking for a great designer.
- I heard your name was passed along by the local business community.
- Your name was passed along by my former employer.
Why It Works:
It feels natural and conversational, showing that your reputation is spreading positively.
4. I Was Directed to You By
This alternative suggests purposeful guidance, implying you were sent their way because they’re the right fit.
Examples:
- I was directed to you by my advisor for help with this matter.
- I was directed to you by the support team for technical assistance.
- I was directed to you by a friend who said you’re the best consultant around.
- I was directed to you by someone familiar with your skills.
- I was directed to you by my mentor to discuss potential collaboration.
Why It Works:
It gives a sense of clear purpose and intentional referral, showing respect for their expertise.
5. I Received Your Contact From
This is a straightforward, professional way to say you got their information through someone else.
Examples:
- I received your contact from a mutual friend who spoke highly of your work.
- I received your contact from the HR department to discuss the job opportunity.
- I received your contact from my colleague who thought we should connect.
- I received your contact from the event organizer.
- I received your contact from a former client who recommended your services.
Why It Works:
It’s clear and professional, perfect for formal or business communication.
6. I Got Your Details From
This phrase is practical and often used in both casual and business conversations, especially when someone passes along a phone number or email.
Examples:
- I got your details from Tom, who said you’re great to work with.
- I got your details from the event signup sheet.
- I got your details from a colleague who thought you’d be the perfect fit.
- I got your details from a community group I’m part of.
- I got your details from your business card at the expo.
Why It Works:
It’s easygoing and direct, showing that someone shared your contact information in a helpful way — often used in networking or referral-based situations.
7. I Was Pointed in Your Direction By
This phrase feels warm and conversational, like someone guided you naturally without sounding too formal.
Examples:
- I was pointed in your direction by a friend who said you’re a pro in real estate.
- I was pointed in your direction by someone who used your services last year.
- I was pointed in your direction by a client of yours.
- I was pointed in your direction by my coworker when I asked about web design.
- I was pointed in your direction by a local small business owner.
Why It Works:
It’s a more informal referral phrase, ideal when you want to sound personable and grounded in real recommendations.
8. I Was Guided to You By
This expression suggests a more thoughtful or even professional referral, especially in consulting, healthcare, or services.
Examples:
- I was guided to you by my therapist for coaching support.
- I was guided to you by a senior manager to explore this opportunity.
- I was guided to you by the help desk.
- I was guided to you by someone who had a great experience with you.
- I was guided to you by my trainer to work on nutrition.
Why It Works:
The word “guided” adds a sense of trust and authority — like someone helped you find the right person for the job.
9. I Was Put in Touch With You By
This phrase feels friendly and professional — it’s often used in emails, introductions, and even in sales or client onboarding.
Examples:
- I was put in touch with you by Emily at the agency.
- I was put in touch with you by my previous manager.
- I was put in touch with you by our mutual connection on LinkedIn.
- I was put in touch with you by my co-founder.
- I was put in touch with you by the team at the marketing summit.
Why It Works:
It shows that a mutual connection or process led you to them, and it’s excellent for professional introductions.
10. I Heard About You From
A simple and widely used phrase that works in both casual and formal communication, highlighting reputation or word of mouth.
Examples:
- I heard about you from a friend who hired you last year.
- I heard about you from an article online.
- I heard about you from someone in my industry circle.
- I heard about you from a podcast episode you were on.
- I heard about you from my team leader.
Why It Works:
This phrase leans into the power of reputation and social proof, showing that people are talking about you — and that’s a strong opener.
11. I Learned About You Through
A bit more formal than “heard about you,” this phrase is great for written communication and explains how you found out about someone or something.
Examples:
- I learned about you through your newsletter.
- I learned about you through a recommendation on Twitter.
- I learned about you through our local business network.
- I learned about you through my professor.
- I learned about you through an online review.
Why It Works:
It clearly shows how the connection was made, often linking back to research or professional learning — excellent for business or education settings.
12. I Was Put Forward By
This phrase is ideal when someone is vouching for you — it suggests that they believe in your value or skills.
Examples:
- I was put forward by Jane to assist with the new project.
- I was put forward by the recruitment agency.
- I was put forward by a past client of yours.
- I was put forward by my supervisor as a great fit.
- I was put forward by a peer who knows our shared interests.
Why It Works:
It gives a sense of endorsement — someone didn’t just mention you, they recommended you actively.
13. I Was Connected to You By
This phrase works well when someone created the connection directly, such as via email, networking, or a social platform.
Examples:
- I was connected to you by Maria from the startup group.
- I was connected to you by a mentor in my program.
- I was connected to you by LinkedIn’s “People You May Know.”
- I was connected to you by a professional referral group.
- I was connected to you by one of your past students.
Why It Works:
It shows a stronger link or interaction and works perfectly in digital or modern networking settings.
14. I Found Out About You Through
Use this phrase to show that you discovered someone through your own exploration, but with a credible source backing it.
Examples:
- I found out about you through an online search for top consultants.
- I found out about you through a testimonial video.
- I found out about you through your client’s blog post.
- I found out about you through a friend who loved your service.
- I found out about you through your feature in a magazine.
Why It Works:
It blends personal discovery and third-party validation, which adds interest and value to the message.
15. Your Contact Was Shared With Me By
This sounds formal and respectful — great when reaching out to someone new in a professional setting.
Examples:
- Your contact was shared with me by your assistant.
- Your contact was shared with me by a business partner.
- Your contact was shared with me by the HR department.
- Your contact was shared with me by my supervisor.
- Your contact was shared with me by someone you helped recently.
Why It Works:
This phrase emphasizes professional courtesy, often used in business communication when a direct introduction wasn’t made, but the intent is still respectful and clear.
Explore More: Other Ways to Say “At the End of the Day”
16. I Was Sent Your Way By
This phrase is friendly and conversational — it feels like someone thoughtfully guided you toward the right person for help or collaboration.
Examples:
- I was sent your way by a friend who said you’re amazing at branding.
- I was sent your way by a client of yours who raved about your services.
- I was sent your way by our mutual contact in the startup group.
- I was sent your way by someone who said you could help with this project.
- I was sent your way by the support team to continue this conversation.
Why It Works:
The phrase “sent your way” sounds warm, natural, and positive, making it perfect for both professional and casual outreach. It shows that someone believes in the person you’re contacting.
17. I Was Recommended to Reach Out By
This phrase adds clarity and intent, especially when someone explicitly told you to make contact.
Examples:
- I was recommended to reach out by my professor who knows your work.
- I was recommended to reach out by my mentor during our last session.
- I was recommended to reach out by a friend who’s a big fan of your work.
- I was recommended to reach out by the hiring manager.
- I was recommended to reach out by my colleague after seeing your portfolio.
Why It Works:
This alternative shows clear encouragement from someone else and implies trust, which builds credibility right from the first message.
18. I Discovered You Through
Use this when you found the person through a resource, platform, or network and want to show that your approach is thoughtful and informed.
Examples:
- I discovered you through your YouTube channel.
- I discovered you through an article you wrote on Medium.
- I discovered you through a friend’s recommendation.
- I discovered you through your webinar on productivity.
- I discovered you through an online directory of freelancers.
Why It Works:
It emphasizes intentional discovery and lets you connect through specific sources or platforms, making the message feel more personal and real.
19. Someone Suggested I Contact You
This phrase works well when you don’t need to name-drop but still want to show that someone trusted your skills.
Examples:
- Someone suggested I contact you regarding this opportunity.
- Someone suggested I contact you for help with my resume.
- Someone suggested I contact you as a potential speaker.
- Someone suggested I contact you about collaboration ideas.
- Someone suggested I contact you for advice on branding.
Why It Works:
It creates a sense of curiosity and recommendation while keeping the referral anonymous, which can be useful in sensitive or informal settings.
20. I Was Given Your Information By
This is direct and clear, making it ideal for professional messages where you need to state how you got someone’s contact info.
Examples:
- I was given your information by our mutual colleague, James.
- I was given your information by the front desk team.
- I was given your information by my business mentor.
- I was given your information by your assistant.
- I was given your information by a mutual friend at the networking event.
Why It Works:
This phrase is straightforward, adds context, and shows that your outreach is based on a trusted hand-off.
21. I Was Told About You By
This one leans into storytelling and reputation, making it easy to slide into a warm and sincere message.
Examples:
- I was told about you by a friend who worked with you last year.
- I was told about you by a mentor who respects your expertise.
- I was told about you by someone who attended your workshop.
- I was told about you by my supervisor during our meeting.
- I was told about you by a colleague in the same field.
Why It Works:
It gives a natural flow to your introduction, setting up the tone for a genuine connection based on what others say about the person.
22. I Was Referred Your Way By
This is a slight variation that sounds casual but intentional, perfect for less formal introductions.
Examples:
- I was referred your way by a happy client.
- I was referred your way by my designer who said you’re great to work with.
- I was referred your way by someone who values your insight.
- I was referred your way by a mutual connection.
- I was referred your way by a coach who follows your work.
Why It Works:
“Your way” softens the phrase and makes it feel friendly and approachable, while still maintaining the power of a referral.
23. I Was Introduced Through
This works well when a formal introduction took place — even briefly — and you want to acknowledge it while continuing the conversation.
Examples:
- I was introduced through an email thread with you last week.
- I was introduced through a shared group on Facebook.
- I was introduced through a professional networking platform.
- I was introduced through the company’s referral system.
- I was introduced through a mutual acquaintance at the seminar.
Why It Works:
It sounds polished and lets you pick up where the connection started, especially in professional or academic environments.
24. Your Services Were Recommended By
This phrase is best used when the conversation is about hiring, collaborating, or using someone’s expertise or offerings.
Examples:
- Your services were recommended by a colleague who worked with you last year.
- Your services were recommended by someone in our mastermind group.
- Your services were recommended by my coach.
- Your services were recommended by a past client of yours.
- Your services were recommended by my business advisor.
Why It Works:
It spotlights professional credibility and value, making it ideal for B2B communication, sales, or client outreach.
25. I Was Encouraged to Contact You By
This one expresses motivation and trust — it’s more than a casual referral, it shows someone pushed you to take action.
Examples:
- I was encouraged to contact you by my professor.
- I was encouraged to contact you by a fellow entrepreneur.
- I was encouraged to contact you by the guest speaker from your event.
- I was encouraged to contact you by my coach, who speaks highly of you.
- I was encouraged to contact you by someone you mentored before.
Why It Works:
The word “encouraged” adds emotional weight — it shows someone didn’t just mention the person, but strongly believed you should connect.
Conclusion
Finding the right way to say “I was referred to you by” doesn’t just make your message sound more professional, it makes it more human. By choosing the right phrase, you show confidence, clarity, and personality — qualities that help you make real connections, whether in an email, a phone call, or a DM.
No more overused phrases. Let your words reflect your personality and purpose. Try using one of these 25 powerful alternatives the next time you’re introducing yourself — and watch how people respond differently.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
