It is important to consider that when emailing people you are on show, whether
you like it or not, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of my ?pet' subjects
on which I speak when giving a public presentation about the Internet. I am constantly
amazed at the number of people who have never thought about it, including secretaries,
but once it's mentioned they say ?oh, yes, I hadn't thought about that!' Let's face
it - many people use email at work AND at home - but who they are does not change.
It is best to type messages in full, and do not use phonetic spelling or lots
of abbreviated words and half sentences. I know it is common practice on chat programs
to shortcut the process, but email is quite different, and these days, generally
accepted almost the same as a written letter. The reason not to type email in the
shortcut form is that it can become habit-forming and not something you would want
to promote to prospective clients, bosses or other business associates. It is important
to remember that your 'professionalism' is on show 24 hours a day via email - a
small point, but important.
Another thing - develop a signature block and let people know who you are and
what you do! I have it set as an automatic feature whenever emailing, or replying
to email, and sometimes forget to delete it when emailing my parents or other family
members - but that doesn't really matter. The thing to remember is that anyone is
a potential business associate and letting them know who you are and what you do
helps promote your business or your industry. It is a business card that is on show
all the time.
Third - take notice of the correct spelling of people's names. I've lost count
of the number of times that people have replied to an email of mine and spelt my
name as either Kathy or Cathy - it's neither. In addition, I'm sure the spelling
of your own name is just as important to you and it is quickly noticed when someone
spells it incorrectly.
It's these little things that make the difference between an average business
operator and one who does that extra something - every little thing counts when
it comes to attracting clients and associates and keeping them. Taking the time
to care about these things and looking after even a client's name goes a long way
to developing good business relationships.
