Being I have a handful of websites, it is inevitable that I will receive emails where the Senders are assuming something about me or one of my sites. Some of these assumptions are improperly accusatory and based on little to no actual knowledge or … [Read more...]
Don’t Overreact Based on Assumptions
I post a lot about my experiences with other onliners to share how email can potentially affect how you are perceived. Running this site and many others, I am probably more exposed than most in regard to the number of inquiries and "personalities" I … [Read more...]
Responding to Others Misfortune
So many of us are now doing business online. Technology has become tightly integrated into our business activities and tools, with email now one of your primary relationship building tools. The Human on the Other Side of the Screen Showing … [Read more...]
Business Email: When the Bee Stings Give Them Honey
Rational or Reactional? How do you handle customers who send terse emails that make you wonder why so angry so quickly? Could be they do not realize how they sound. Or they could be intentionally rude. Regardless of their motive, in most cases … [Read more...]
True Professionals Give and Take E-mail Corrections with Grace
I have a bunch of websites and I do tons of writing that requires I read, reread, and read again. I can go back to things I have written some time later and find errors that I missed. Many times I'm surprised I didn't catch them in the first … [Read more...]
Rude Business E-mails: Take Time to Cool Off Before Replying
Misunderstandings abound in e-mail. Most times due to not taking the time to make sure that the message and intent is clear, while the other side reads into the e-mail things that may not be there. When it comes to business e-mails there those … [Read more...]
Don’t Jump to Conclusions in Your Business E-mail
E-mail makes it so much easier to boldly accuse or jump to incorrect conclusions. With all the sites that I manage, unfortunately, I have had the experience of receiving e-mails containing comments or claims that I know the very same folks would not … [Read more...]
Don’t Fall for the Terse Trap!
Life is crazy, right? Business is busy. But I've seen a trend where the frustration that comes with that is seeping into folks business e-mails. Increasingly it seems blunt, terse, stressed out e-mails with demanding requests fill our inboxes. … [Read more...]
Warning Will Robinson! E-mail Requesting Phone Call
Just when you think you've seen it all! On Monday I had an individual send me the following e-mail: "Please call me immediately. I have some questions about working with you." Then, this person's signature file followed with all their contact … [Read more...]
Keep the Courtesy in Conversations
Part and parcel of effective e-mail communications is the ability to communicate with clarity -- which includes making sure that the desired tone is consistently relayed as the conversation is ongoing. What happens all too often after the first … [Read more...]
Manners During Support Chats
When I go to a site with a chat feature, I do not hesitate to use it to get my questions answered. Heck, that is what it is there for and I take advantage of it when a site is so into customer service that they offer me that level of service … [Read more...]
How Do You Handle Rude E-mailers Through Your Site?
One thing I always make a point of doing when I don't understand something is to double-check that my actions or lack of knowledge are not leading to an incorrect perception. I certainly don't jump to whip off e-mails making terse accusations … [Read more...]