Business Email Flamers

Back in the day, flaming was initially a term used to describe what would happen if you broke established online guidelines. Being “flamed” described the type of emails you could expect to receive pointing out the error of your ways.

When used as a verb, “Flaming” is online slang used to describe when an onliner “sends an angry, critical, or disparaging email”. Back then, you were flamed for what today would be considered benign issues. Things like breaking forum rules because it was clear you didn’t take the time to read them.

Then there are, and always will, be trolls. You know, those who just post nasty, accusatory or controversial things just to get people to react. Let the flame wars begin!

Email Flaming in 2020

This year has taken “flaming” to a whole new level. It is almost like, even in business emails, there are no rules. You can type, accuse, make any statement you like without accountability. Regardless of the facts or feelings of the person on the other side.

I have personally experienced this in my businesses. And no matter how nasty, misinformed or upset the person is, I take the high road. True professionals know that there is no circumstance in business communications to flame another contact. Ever.

Remember, your business email address represents your brand. If you get so upset with someone that you are sending an email that could be categorized as a flame, hit delete.

Yes, delete. This make sure that you have to start from scratch when calmer heads can prevail and wait until you cool off to respond. If at all. There are times where there is no constructive reason to respond.

Increasingly in our go-go-go business world where we don’t have enough time in a day, terse emails are increasing. And in some cases those senders are not even aware of how terse their tone is.

Publicly or privately chances are you may face being on the receiving end of emails or posts from those who are stressed, uninformed or disorganized. Or simply lacking in professionalism in their business communications.

How do you respond to a flamer – if at all?

Remember that saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”? This statement should be your guide. Not just when creating responses to business flamers specifically, but all your email in general.

If you find that you are flamed, it could be the sender is taking that approach because they are having a bad day or misunderstood something you typed. Sadly, they could just be a plain jerk.

Regardless of why someone may send you a ornery email or response; never respond in kind. Be better than that and reply in a courteous factual manner void of unnecessary adjectives and emotion.

Social Media Flaming

There is no reason to flame anyone ever. Caring educated communicators do not behave in this manner. But we see it all the time, don’t we?

Even if you communicate this way just on your personal social accounts, don’t think clients or customers won’t notice. It’s very common for folks to investigate and search for those they want to trust with their business.

When social media started it was just for fun. Now it is serious business and an arena that you must carefully manage your personal and professional profiles.

When You Do Mess Up

If someone with less class feels the need to flame you for an error or mistake you made, simply offer your humble apology. The last thing you want to do is flame back when you are in the wrong.

With folks like that you risk the back and forth continuing. Not to mention the possible increased tarnishing of your business image.

Those who flame do so to get a reaction from you or at the very least make you feel bad. Don’t add fuel to that flame.

If you were wrong, apologize — and the flame goes out. If someone is downright rude, don’t give them the oxygen that flame needs to stay ignited by responding.

When faced with rude, harsh or indelicate emails from online contacts, coworkers or business associates, always take the high road. If you must reply do so in a non-emotional professional manner.

You may be surprised at the pleasant reaction that you will receive in response. If not, you can hold your head high knowing you portrayed yourself and your business in a professional light.