Business E-mail Etiquette and Percpetions

Having championed the topic of E-mail Etiquette for over 15 years, the one thing at the core of Business E-mail Etiquette is how you are perceived.

per·cep·tion –noun

1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of rare perception.

In e-mail, perception is created by virtue of the words you use and how you choose to use them. Typos, lack of formality and e-mails that reflect improper structure and little skill with the written word, will in fact provide a perception that you are not the pro your potential customers are looking for. Even if you are; they won’t know that.

Unfortunaltey, there are those who still resist the simple Business E-mail Basics I’ve published, as though they are too much work or in the guise of not wanting anyone telling them what to do. Rather than embrace this information, all too often they take the “shoot the messenger” approach.

A recent example of this was a comment on this very site stating:

“Who is Judith ? What credentials do you possess to be the expert on e-mail etiquette ?”

Being I’ve discussed this singular topic more than anyone I am aware of for this length of time and the fact I’ve been a successful online business consultant and coach for almost 16 years, I’ll let that, and my sites speak to the answer of that inquiry.

So let’s forget about the messenger and focus on the core of my message.

What many underestimate in business, is that business is competition. Online add the word über! To give your business the competitive edge, you need to be perceived as the more knowledgeable, competent and professional over those who may be viewed as your direct competitors.

To question authority or credentials in lieu of understanding this simple premise, indicates a lack of understanding about how business is done, acquired, maintained and grown.

You will find your competitors are speeding past you on the highway to success if you do not make the effort to communicated in a manner that gives them confidence you are the man, woman or company for the job — regardless of my credentials.

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception. ~Aldous Huxley

Some More Info for You:

1. Business E-mail Etiquette: The One Thing That Matters
2. E-mail Etiquette = Business Success
3. Business E-mail Etiquette: Stop the Forwarding Form Letter
4. What Does Your E-mail Address Say?
5. Business E-mail Etiquette Includes Reading?