Do your e-mails sting, or are they kind, polite and encourage a positive impression of your business?
That may sound like a silly question, but I can tell you from experience that I get more e-mails that sting than don’t. In our rush-rush-rush culture, all too often business e-mailers cut corners in lieu of saving time. They type out curt, cryptic requests or comments that in many cases can be perceived are terse or demanding. They don’t mean that to happen — they are just in a hurry — but it is a fact.
This is even the case when e-mailing other business sites for partnerships, information or assistance. Keep in mind that whenever you e-mail anyone, anywhere for personal or business reasons, using your business e-mail address reflects on your business!
The time saved by not including a nice greeting, a coherent message and a “Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance!” is minimal and not worth the risk ignoring these basics can produce. When it comes to your business e-mail activities, never cut corners because you are in a rush. Refrain from typing cryptic sentences and hitting Send in lieu of taking the necessary time to communicate with clarity.
Yes, it does in fact take a little, minuscule, negligible amount of time to make sure your intent and tone are clear. And adding that extra touch of a thank you will most certainly ensure that others will be pleased to be of service and help you out. Remember, you get more bees with honey!
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)
Courtesy always prevails.
Well said, Angela!
It is a fact that Today’s business people all too often forget their roots, where they came from, what they were taught when growing up and worst of all- who helped them along the way!
Too many people are “Too Busy” to take the time to :- answer an email, answer it with real enthusiasm (like when they were looking for work)
Too busy to bother with spelling! Hah! that one is a goodie! I read OnLine advertisements by ” Major Manufacturers etc, who obviously do NOT check their advertisements, and Todays Newspapers Are FULL of “don’t have enough time to make this one look good” it’ll do! The readers will understand the message!
Too busy to send an acknowledgement to an email, a reply with a “Thank you For your time”! Just a reply to a job advertisement- Nope, no such luck for the Thousands of job seekers out there. I know from experience, it is VERY disappointing indeed!
What does one do to combat this?
Is it related to the New training given to people who want to succeed- in Time management? “if it is NOT a priority” = then don’t waste your time doing it!
Are we flooded with too much information, and no time to digest it all to obtain a balance?
What has tomorrow got to offer our predecessors? Our Future? Our Children?
One wonders!
Maria
Maria Reid
Hey, Maria:
You are spot on. I think many want to believe these issues are not important to simply justify their lack of effort. If you don’t think taking the time to respond to e-mails appropriately or at all is crucial to your business or career success — then, that makes one wonder what it is you do feel is important. One of the main staples of business success is effective communications!
Those who get that will succeed! Those who don’t — well, their competitors are thanking them for that approach!