by Greg Hague
This is part two of a three part series.
Emails from you? I read every one.
I often learn more about people from emails than anything they do. Are they articulate? Can they spell? Do they proof or just type and shoot? Emails are a resume, a window into who you are.
Want to write better emails? Here are a few tips that may help:
1. First ask yourself, should I email or pick up the phone?
2. Don’t waste the subject line. Say something intriguing. Give me a reason to click.
3. Start with your action item. What do you want me to do?
4. Get to the point. You have only a few seconds to capture my attention.
5. Use minimum words. Get rid of the oatmeal. What’s the point?
6. Make sentences brief. Minimize conjunctives.
7. Use short, well-spaced paragraphs, bullets & numbers. It’s easier to read.
8. Compliment me. Say something nice. I eat it up.
9. Add personality. Write like it’s you, not a drone.
10. Indicate when no reply is necessary. I love those words.
11. Limit emails to one subject. It’s better to send three with one point than one with three points.
12. Emails are no place for foul language, neither is life.
13. A “branded” signature makes a professional statement about you and your company.
14. Convert attachments to text when feasible. It’s easier to read on a smartphone.
15. Make certain that those you “bcc” know not to “reply all.”
16. Before you hit “send” take one last look. There’s no pulling it back.
Savvy Says . . .
If you care about your image, use care in writing emails.