I’m throwing this question “out there” as I am really curious how you would answer if asked this question. Yes? No? Sometimes?
I’ve been promoting Business E-mail best practices for over 15 years. And there are those I’ve worked with for just as long, knowing about all my sites and books on the subject, who e-mail me in a manner that makes it clear they choose to ignore the information and recommendations I’ve made and that is on this site.
Are they just lazy? Unwilling to make the effort? Do they not think that making a positive, professional, educated impression is important in business?
It indicates to me that they may think Business E-mail Etiquette is just one person’s opinion. Something Judith thought up to make them do things they don’t want to do and to not be able to do other things that they do want to do. So the easy way around not having to make these simple efforts or actually understanding the negative ramifications of one’s actions is to make the topic all about me. Just one person’s opinion they can choose to ignore.
I admit I am very serious about the topic. That’s because I have realized from the start when I became involved with e-mail (long before most even heard of e-mail), just how perceptions and opinions are formed by virtue of how one chooses to use e-mail to communicate when it comes to their business communications.
So what say you? Is Business E-mail Etiquette — let’s just stick with the basics for the purpose of this discussion — an opinion or a best practice?
What do you think about onliners who blatantly ignore or disregard this information? Is Business E-mail Etiquette something those who want to succeed should seriously consider or is much ado about nothing?
Come on — tell me what you think!
Some More Info for You:
![[Business E-mail Etiquette eBook]](http://www.businessemailetiquette.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bee-2012-100x140.png)
![[Take The Email Etiquette Pledge]](http://www.emailetiquettepledge.com/ee-rev-medium.jpg)
Judith, I do absolutely agree with you that e-mail etiquette is not just an opinion in any way. I do hesitate to use the term “best practice” though, as this bit of ‘management jargon’ turns many people off anything it is used for, including me!
Similarly, I think the term “netiquette” is used without the explanation that it is merely everyday face-to-face interaction in the online world. As I posted on one of your pages, I recently cut ties with a chap who eventually revealed his true self by his boasted total disregard for Netiquette, even though face-to-face he could cover up that same true self so well.
I don’t envy you having to deal in the business world with the doubters you detail from time to time. They will eventually come to realise the wisdom of your words, but of course their pride will not allow them to apologise or even tell you how right you have been proved to their cost.
Thankyou so much for all I’ve learned from your various columns, with I hope lots more.
Hey, Rodney!
Of course I can count on you to provide your POV and support! I understand what you mean about “best practices” however from what I’ve been told (and corrected about via e-mails through this site) that’s what it is called in the business world — so who am I to argue!
Whether we call it etiquette, Netiquette (Network Etiquette), online courtesies or “best practices” the truth is, particularly when it comes to your business e-mail skills, habits and choices, that they are a window into you as a person and what you will be like to do business with. But that’s just my opinion…
Dear Judith,
You asked “Do they not think that making a positive, professional, educated impression is important in business?”
I feel that it is very important, because I want to be perceived in the manner described above.
I subscribed to your tips e-mail and have found it to be extremely helpful and educational.
I do feel if you want people to take you and your company seriously you need to present yourself that way.
I made a faux pas in an e-mail that my boss asked me about and that is what sent me searching for something about e-mail etiquette where I then found your lovely site. I am now a faithful follower and I thank you for providing the information.
Candee
Hey, Candee:
Thanks for your comments and kind words! Those who think like you do will do well in business as it is the sign of a professional to know the issues important to your success.
Pleased to know you have found my efforts helpful and I do look forward to more comments from you!
Judith -
I do not think email etiquette is just one person’s opinion, though I do think a lot of people probably have not given the subject as much thought as you have. I am inclined to believe that the people you mentioned who are familiar with your work and have had the time to consider just how the way they email affects their appearance simply do not care either because they’re lazy or indifferent. I personally never thought at all how my emails were being perceived until I started receiving rude or otherwise unacceptable emails from coworkers and started to wonder how my emails were being perceived. Thank goodness for your site, which I’ve shared with the aforementioned coworkers (some of them have not shown improvement, but those people tend to have reputations around the office for being lazy, uneducated, etc. anyway – I wonder why).
.
I also think that some people take any feedback as a personal attack and not an attempt to help them, and therefore will rebel against you in any way. It’s immature and doesn’t help them in the long run, but who can tell them that?
I continue to learn from your posts (which I have subscribed to!). Please continue to think up all of these things that people do not want to do!
Thanks!
-Eve
Hey, Eve:
You make a good point in regard to taking constructive criticism as a personal attack. If you think about it our culture has sort of evolved to the point where folks are never wrong any more. I know when I point these issues out it is in a kind and professional manner stating the potential benefits of using business e-mail properly and where improvement is recommended. All too often attitudes are copped and some get down right mad. Quite a few do take it as a personal dig instead of looking at the recommendations from the view point that as long as we live there will always be something to learn.
I’ve come to the conclusion that those who take business e-mail etiquette skills seriously, clearly is where you separate “the men from the boys” online. Online is all about perceptions, and when you disregard that fact — you’d better hope your competitors aren’t making the same error in judgment.
Thank you for you kinds words and support!
Greetings Judith,
Rodney and Eve Logan have it all wrong. I would not even get into the first sentence before discarding your email! Why? There is no greeting, nothing to suggest that you have even acknowledged the person you are writing to. I my opinion all emails should have a greeting followed by a farewell.
Please Judith school these people, as I have noticed you have included a greeting in each of your emails!
Cheers,
Tom
Hey, Tom:
Thanks for your comments! I agree 100% that when it comes to e-mails, you should have a greeting and closing. I think though, that when it comes to posts (such as these) and discussion boards, there is a more conversational style and a greeting and closing is not necessarily required.
As a matter of fact, I am one of the few on all the Blogs and forums I frequent that actually does include a greeting and closing — that’s just my style. I can attest that Rodney and Eve, who have both e-mailed me privately, do in fact set great e-mail etiquette examples and do include both a greeting and closing in their e-mails. It’s just that here, they are less formal — and that’s O.K.
Look forward to more of your input too!
Hi Judith,
I am totally with you on simple email etiquette. I always use an opening greeting and closing salutation, which not only is more polite, but helps distinguish between a string of emails in a conversation. I remember reading somewhere that during the earliest days of the Internet many people, from professionals to professors, loved the fact that being informal in email, including use of excessive lowercase, was accepted. I like having such relaxed standards, but I think a good balance is best.
Best regards,
John
Hey, John:
Thanks for your comments! Balance is good! Back in the day, using lowercase was more acceptable primarily because those using e-mail were in fact known to be educated professionals and perception was not an issue.
In today’s environment where we are using e-mail to gain and maintain business — it’s all about perception! And with that goes what you type and how you type it as a way for potential new clients (a.k.a opportunity) to determine if in fact you are an educated professional that they want to trust with their business.
It’s all whole different world online and going into 2010, that will continue to evolve and become even more competitive!
Hi Judith,
Thanks for opening a forum around this topic–certainly, yours are principles to be followed! As part of the interview process at my current employer, I had to take an online test that included writing a professional email to a colleague. This was fine by me, as I am particularly sensitive when it comes to email, often writing and rewriting until I’m convfident the tone and choice of words is right for the occasion. I’ve learned over time it’s the small things that count. Did I include a salutation or just the person’s name? The word “Hi” or “Hey” can make all the difference and serves to soften the communication. Did I sign my name? Did I write for high impact, going for breadth or message first (the inverse of all the academic writing so many of us slogged through at the college level)?
I appreciate your words of wisdom around the topic of email writing. I also keep a copy of Shipley/Schwalbe’s book Send close at hand.
cheers,
Keith
Hey, Keith:
Thanks for sharing! What you say is so true — it’s all those little things that many underestimate that can cause you to stand out from all the other e-mails one receives every day. Being business is all about relationship building, doing the things you mention so that you stand out positively are highly recommended! Good Stuff!