Direct outreach

Warm intros from your network

Ask former colleagues and friends who know your buyers for one introduction each.

Cost
Free

Free to use. No paid tier is needed to list or post.

Verdict
works

Works: a short intro from a trusted contact converts well.

Difficulty
Easy

Mostly self-serve. Sign up and post, with light checks.

Effort
Low

About 2 to 4 hours a month.

First result
1 to 4 weeks

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Steady

a trickle that lasts while you run it.

Best for

Products with a network to draw on.

Not for

Products your network would not recommend.

Pros

  • High trust
  • Free

Cons

  • Limited by your network
  • Uses goodwill

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · No website to check: this channel works by word of mouth or offline

01What it is and who is there

A warm intro is an introduction from someone who knows both you and the person you want to meet. Former colleagues, friends, investors and customers can each make one or two. Because the introducer vouches for you, replies are far more likely than with cold outreach. The limit is the size of your network and the goodwill you spend.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

It is free. It costs goodwill, so ask carefully and thank people.

03Is it right for you?

It fits B2B products, services and AI tools where a few customers matter a lot. It fits poorly for products your network would not recommend. If you have no network in your market, build one first.

04Before you start

  • A list of people who know your buyers.
  • A short, forwardable blurb about your product.
  • A clear description of the kind of person you want to meet.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. List 20 people who might know your buyers.
  2. Ask each one for a specific intro, not "anyone who might be interested".
  3. Send a forwardable email they can pass on with one click.
  4. Follow up quickly with the person introduced.
  5. Tell the introducer how it went and thank them.

06What to post or submit

Ask:

Hi [name], I'm building [product] for [who]. Do you know anyone at [type of company] who deals with [problem]? If so, could you forward the note below? No pressure at all.

Forwardable blurb:

[Your name] built [product], which helps [who] [result]. They're looking to talk with [role] about [problem]. 15 minutes, no pitch unless you want one.

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not ask for intros to people the introducer barely knows.
  • Do not make the introducer write the pitch.
  • Do not forget to thank them.

08How to measure it

  • Track intros requested, made and converted.
  • A realistic test: 20 asks over a month.

09Time budget

  • Before: 1 to 2 hours for the list and blurb.
  • Ongoing: 1 hour a week.

10Pair it with

11Sources

  • No external source. Practice-based guide.

Sources

No external source. This channel is a practice-based tactic; the guide says where rules apply.