September 9, 2010

Is Business E-mail Too Easy?

A concerned site visitor comments: "Do we overuse e-mail as a business communication medium? In many instances, e-mail is the "easy approach" but not necessarily the best approach." Yes we are. Many choose to take the lazy, easy way out and not pick up the old fashioned telephone or have an in-person meeting when that is what is called for or best … [Read more...]

How to Nicely Ask to Stop Forwarding to Your Business E-mail

This is one of the top questions I get asked: "How do I nicely ask someone not to keep forwarding me jokes and chain mails to my business e-mail address?" I think it is telling that folks ask me how to ask "nicely." I guess that shows their frustration with folks who do not understand that sending feel good "send to all your friends" type e-mails … [Read more...]

Do You Get E-mails that are Shooting Blanks?

A site visitor writes: "What does it mean when someone replies to your email with a blank message (i.e., empty message box; no message text, not even your original message)?" Hmmm... could be several reasons. If the e-mail is from someone you know, they could be using formatting that you are unable to read. Having your e-mail program set to read … [Read more...]

E-mail Etiquette Requires Your Reply

A site visitor writes: My brother-in-law, who I also work with, never acknowledges messages that I send to him unless I ask him a direct question...and, even then, he sometimes fails to respond...so I have no way of knowing when, or if, he's received my message...or what he thinks about it. There are times where I need his business direction and input … [Read more...]

E-mail & Bandwidth?

Several of my e-mail buddies across the globe have recently brought up the topic of e-mail and bandwidth. Is it an issue? To some, yes! Back in the day this was more of an issue than it is presently. Now that technology seems to feel as though it has been part of our lives forever, do you know that there are still folks relegated to dial-up accounts? … [Read more...]