Too many assume too informal of a tone in their business e-mails. Yes, with those you know very well, be as informal as you like. But for all other business e-mails, you should be as formal as possible until the situation clearly dictates otherwise.
Informality in business e-mail is like wearing a wrinkled suit, a tie with a stain or an outfit that is too tight or revealing. People notice you but for all the wrong reasons. You know folks who do this in your office or workplace — what is the perception they leave?
When you e-mail a new client, associate or partner, if you are too informal (not addressing with respect, using proper grammar, sentence structure, spell check, etc.) your inquiry may not be taken as seriously. Nor will the perception of what you will be like to work with or do business with be positive one.
When e-mailing a group or new contacts that don’t know you very well, by being too informal those that don’t know you may make incorrect assumptions as to your educational level or your expertise about the topic at hand. Professionals act and communicate like professionals at all times regardless of mode of communication or venue — that’s because they are professionals.
It will never cause any harm to use the epitome of formality when forging new business and professional relationships. Let the other side set the tone of their ongoing communications formality. That combined with your discretion will guide you as to when is best to begin a more informal approach.
Business is all about perceptions. That is why everyone spruces up their appearance off-line. Consider your business e-mails part of your online business wardrobe.
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I have seen this happen in real life many a times… Informality comes in the social networks where you know people individually but in official hours, this is not accepted.. There is a saying in our are..”If you want respect, start respecting others..”
Hello,
Thanks for stopping by! Many folks do not realize how many nuances and e-nuances are involved in how they are perceived! It is the little things that many do not consciously acknowledge that lead to if we are perceived as educated and an educated respected professional is our field. No detail is too small or should be assumed to inconsequential to be ignored or disregarded.
At your service,
Judith
P.S. Your comment was on topic so that is why I have broken my usual rule of not approving comments where visitors do not use their name and instead use their nickname, domain or keywords. Please do me a favor and on future comments, if you want them to be approved, use your name so we all know who we are talking to. (See the link at the top of the page: Comment Policy). TYVM!