Message a connection

I need to message Maria Lopez, a second-degree connection at BrightSide, to ask for a referral. Open with a one-line reminder of how we’re connected through Ana Martinez, state I’m applying for the senior product role, give two brief bullets of my fit, and end asking for a 10-minute introduction. Keep it friendly and under 120 words.

Before I message Maria Lopez, make it easy for her to say yes: surface the one concrete value she can deliver (introduce me to the hiring manager, refer internally), pull the mutual contacts and shared background that matter, and flag any sentence that sounds entitled or vague.

I drafted a short referral request to Maria Lopez mentioning Ana Martinez, but I’m afraid it sounds like I’m asking for a favor out of the blue. I don’t know how close Maria and Ana are. What’s the best revision to make it respectful and increase the chance she responds?

I keep messaging connections asking for referrals and get few replies. Where am I failing — subject, relevance, or timing — and what one change in my approach will improve response rates?