In the context of a business email, you could write something like: "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam." For detailed help on starting the email off, check out the wikiHow . For more personal emails, such as when a friend has suggested you contact another friend or family member of theirs, start by saying "Dear X," and then explain yourself with something like: "My friend Gigi suggested I contact you about XYZ, so I am emailing in the hope you may be able to help me." This gives the reader immediate context about who you are and why you're contacting them.