Asking Before Looking

This mewl will be shared by those who have Web Sites they need to keep on top of. Even if you have only one Web Site you still must deal with the volume of e-mail generated by your site. This means weeding through them, responding to them, filing them and responding to additional responses the initial reply creates.

If you are online for commercial gain, it should go without saying (but I guess I need to say it because so many sites do not respond promptly) that it is important that you respond to site e-mails in a prompt, detailed and courteous manner.

On the other side of the proverbial coin, what many site visitors do not realize is that by virtue of how they e-mail a Web site will indicate the type of customer or partner they will be. Too many unfortunately come off as demanding, terse or lazy in their initial contact. Not good.

Most sites have a F.A.Q. = Frequently Asked Questions. How do you think you are perceived when you type an e-mail for information readily available in the site owners F.A.Q.? That you could possibly be an unprofitable customer or partner. Not a good first impression to make. Why couldn’t you take the time to read the FAQ? Because it was easier for you to type your inquiry and put the ball in the site owner’s court?

Successful sites and businesses have their hands full taking care of profitable customers. You want to give the impression that you are going to be one of those who are a pleasure to do business with. Not someone who feels their time is more valuable than the site owner’s by expecting them to repeat what is on their site.

Before e-mailing any site or potential partner, make sure the information you seek is not already included for your convenience. Then, if after a reasonable effort (I know, some sites really lack in information and navigation — but that’s not the type of site this post is referring to) you do not find the information you seek, contact the site owner with courtesy and appreciation.

You may find you get a faster and more detailed response with this approach and lock up a new partnership in the process!