Addressing the Unknown

I get a several e-mails each day through my Email Etiquette and Web Site Consulting sites addressed “To Whom It May Concern.”  At both sites with a click or two you would know that Judith is the one behind the site and the person who you will be addressing when you e-mail with a question or inquiry.

When you e-mail a site, make the effort to look for who to contact by name. “To Whom it May Concern” tells me you are not concerned about who you are contacting. You just want to get your pitch in front of anyone. That certainly doesn’t make a positive impression.

Add to that the “Dear Sir” e-mails I get in my inbox and very quickly I can determine the serious inquiries from those who just want what they want from me (an answer, an opinion, advice, or for me to use their services).  E-mails addressed in this manner are not read — they go right to trash.

So, don’t make this mistake. If you cannot find a name or if it isn’t important enough to you to pick up the phone and ask for the appropriate contact information,  a simple “Hello” will stand a better chance of your e-mail being read over a “To Whom It May Concern” reflecting you actually have no concern other than yourself.

Some More Info for You:

1. To Whom it May Concern; Conerns No One
2. Tacky Blue Signature Blocks
3. Be Leery of Links in E-mail
4. Take 5, Then Click Contact
5. Read Before You Write