Ghost emails work best when they feel personal and make it effortless for both the connector and the target. Here are the patterns that consistently get replies.

Keep it short

Under 100 words is the target. Your connector is putting their reputation on the line — a long, dense email makes them look like they copied it from a template (because they did). A short, clean email looks like something a busy person actually wrote.

Lead with the shared context

The most powerful thing a ghost email can do is immediately signal that the connector actually knows both parties. Open with the relationship: "[Name] and I worked together at Salesforce" or "I've known [Name] for years through the Sequoia network." This sets the tone and earns the target's attention in the first sentence.

Make the ask specific and low-commitment

Avoid: "I think you two should connect."
Use: "Would you be open to a 20-minute call with [Name] about how they're approaching enterprise GTM? I think you'd find the conversation valuable."

A specific ask is easier to say yes to. A vague one requires the target to do work to figure out what they're agreeing to.

Write in the connector's voice

The email should sound like the connector wrote it — not like a sales rep. Avoid jargon, product pitches, and anything that reads like a template. If the connector is warm and casual, write casually. If they're formal, write formally. When in doubt, ask them what their usual tone is.

Templates

Standard warm intro

Subject: Intro: [Your name] ↔ [Target name]

[Target name] — wanted to introduce you to [Your name], who is [one-sentence description of what you do and for whom]. I think there's a real fit with what you're working on at [their company].

[Your name] — meet [Target name], [their role] at [company]. One of the sharpest people I know in this space.

I'll let you two take it from here.

Recruiting intro

[Target name] — quick intro to [Your name], who leads [function] at [company]. They're building something impressive and I thought of you immediately when they mentioned they're looking for [role type]. Worth a conversation.

Customer intro

[Target name] — I wanted to introduce you to [Your name] at [company]. They've helped [similar company] with [specific outcome] and I think [target's company] could benefit from a similar conversation. [Your name] is great — worth 20 minutes.