How to reply to an introduction email (with examples)
Reply to an introduction email within a working day. Thank the person who introduced you in one line, move them to BCC, and give the other person one easy next step, such as two times you're free or a link to book. If you asked for the introduction, you reply first.
That covers most cases. The details change depending on which side of the introduction you're on, and whether you actually want the meeting.
Who replies first?
The person who asked for the introduction replies first. They wanted the conversation, so they should do the work of starting it.
If you didn't ask for it but someone introduced you anyway, it's fine to wait a day for the other person to reply. If they don't, reply yourself; leaving a mutual contact's introduction unanswered reflects on them as much as on you.
Move the introducer to BCC
Once you've thanked the introducer, move them from To or CC into BCC and say so. They see that you replied, and they don't get every scheduling email that follows.
Write it as one short line at the top: "Thanks, Alex (moving you to BCC)." Some people use "to BCC" or "bcc'd" instead; they mean the same thing.
BCC only stays private on that one email. Anyone who later replies all from an earlier message in the thread can pull the introducer back in, so keep scheduling replies on your newest message.
Reply templates
These templates use made-up names. Swap in the real details, and cut any line that doesn't fit the relationship.
When you asked for the introduction
This is the reply that matters most. Make it easy for the other person to say yes without a back-and-forth.
Subject: Re: Intro: [their name] and [your name]
Thanks, [introducer] (moving you to BCC).
Hi [their name], good to meet you. [Introducer] mentioned you [the specific thing that made the introduction relevant].
I'd like to hear how you [topic], especially [one concrete question]. Would 20 minutes next week work? I'm free Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, or you can pick a time here: [link].
Name one concrete question. It shows you're not after a general pitch, and it gives them something to think about before the call.
When someone was introduced to you and you're interested
Keep it short and hand the scheduling back to the person who asked, since they wanted the meeting.
Subject: Re: Intro: [your name] and [their name]
Thanks, [introducer] (moving you to BCC).
Hi [their name], happy to talk. Send over a couple of times that work for you next week and I'll make one of them work.
When you're interested, but not now
Saying "later" clearly is kinder than replying in three weeks with an apology.
Subject: Re: Intro: [your name] and [their name]
Thanks, [introducer] (moving you to BCC).
Hi [their name], thanks for reaching out. We're in the middle of [real reason] until [month], so I don't want to book something I'll end up moving.
Could you check back with me in [month]? I'd be glad to talk then.
When you don't want the meeting
You can decline politely without inventing a reason. Thank the introducer, say no plainly, and offer something smaller only if you mean it.
Subject: Re: Intro: [your name] and [their name]
Thanks for thinking of me, [introducer] (moving you to BCC).
Hi [their name], I appreciate the note. We're not looking at [topic] this year, so I don't want to take up your time with a call.
If it's useful, I'm happy to answer a question or two over email.
If the introduction should never have happened, tell the introducer privately rather than in the thread. A quick "I'd rather not take meetings like this" helps them next time.
Responding to an introduction on LinkedIn
The same rules apply in a group message, with less formality. Thank the introducer, then message the other person directly so they're not stuck in a three-way chat.
Thanks, [introducer]. [Their name], I'll send you a message so we can find a time.
How to reply to the introducer later
After the meeting, send the introducer a short private note. One or two sentences: you met, it was useful, and if anything came of it.
Hi [introducer], [their name] and I spoke on Tuesday. Really useful; we're going to [next step]. Thanks again for connecting us.
Skip confidential details. The introducer only needs to know their introduction was worth making, and someone who hears back has a reason to make the next one.
Mistakes that cost you the meeting
Most failed introductions don't fail on the call; they fail in the reply. Some patterns to avoid:
- Replying after a week, by which time the other person has forgotten why they agreed
- Sending your full pitch in the first reply
- Asking "when works for you?" with no times, which starts three more emails
- Leaving the introducer copied on every message
- Never telling the introducer what happened
Subject line for an introduction reply
Keep the original subject and reply in the same thread. Changing it makes the email look like a new cold message, and it splits the conversation for the introducer if you BCC them.
Where Homie fits
Replying well is easier when the introduction was a good one to begin with. Homie helps sales teams find who on their team actually knows a target buyer and how strong that relationship is, so introducers only get asked for connections they can make comfortably.
For the steps before this one, see how to ask for a warm introduction and how to introduce two people by email.
FAQ
How quickly should I reply to an introduction email?
Within one working day. A fast reply shows respect for the introducer and catches the other person while they still remember why they agreed.
What does "moving you to BCC" mean?
It means you've moved the introducer from the To or CC field into BCC. They see your reply but won't receive the rest of the scheduling thread.
Do I need to reply if I didn't ask for the introduction?
Yes. Give the person who asked a day to reply first. If they don't, reply yourself, even if only to say you're not the right person.
How do I politely decline an introduction?
Thank the introducer, say plainly that you're not the right person or it's not the right time, and avoid inventing reasons. If something went wrong with the introduction itself, tell the introducer privately.
Should I thank the introducer after the meeting?
Yes. A short private note saying you met and it was useful closes the loop and makes them more likely to introduce you again.
