If You Wouldn't Do It on Business Letterhead ...

Then don’t do it in a business e-mail! I do print and radio interviews weekly due to someone messing up at work and causing trouble by doing something with e-mail that they shouldn’t. I am then always asked “Can you advise our readers/listeners on how one can avoid doing this (insert topic here) again or in the future?”. To which I always answer:

“If you wouldn’t do it on your company’s business letterhead, don’t do it in your business e-mails!”

For some reason there is this assumed informality when it comes to one’s use of e-mail. I get that for family and friends. But it is certainly not a wise assumption to make when it comes to your business e-mail activities! To assume otherwise could cause lost business, lost opportunities and even your job.

If you ever wonder what is the proper thing to do, ask yourself “Would I do this on company letterhead?” The answer to that question will guide you appropriately and allow you to be safe rather than sorry.

Be on your best behavior with every single e-mail you send on company time and when using your company e-mail address. Forget this assumption about informailty — there is nothing informal about success in business. Be the epitome of formality until which time you know relaxing your approach is accpetable. And in some cases that may never happen.

Strive for the highest levels of accuracy, clarity, proper grammar and professionalism. Nothing less should be settled for! That’s what professionals do. That’s the effort those with the desire and will to succeed never underestimate.

If you are a new to the online business world, or even if you’ve been online for awhile and still have disregarded the importance of Business E-mail Etiquette, read my article Business E-mail Etiquette Basics now.