Email etiquette: the 10 golden rules of email!

When was the last time you sent a traditional business letter? A week ago, last month, last year? Have you ever even sent one?
Since the introduction of the ‘world wide web’ the traditional letter has coped a hiding and for the bulk of professionals it’s very seldom that one is sent!
In fact for a number of up and coming business professionals, its entirely possible that they have never sent a letter!

Below are the ten golden rules to follow the next time you send an email:

1. First and foremost, treat your emails in the same manner you would a letter. Professionally! Begin with a greeting, and end with your ‘sign off’!
2. Before clicking “Send/Receive”, read over your email to check if it makes sense! An email that makes no sense shows that you don’t take any pride in your work, and the work of the organisation you are involved in.
3. When forwarding on an email from a colleague that has spelling and punctuation errors, do the right thing and correct them!
4. Try not to send important emails when you’re angry or upset! As simple as it sounds, you may pass on the wrong message if your mind is elsewhere.
5. When contemplating what to write in the email, always keep in mind a scenario whereby the email goes public! If you wouldn’t want the public to see it, then don’t write it!
6. Respond to emails as quickly as possible. What may not seem urgent to you may be for the other party! Their day could be structured around that response, so make a note to respond, or respond when you receive an email.
7. Keep it simple! Don’t waffle on and beat around the bush in your emails! Get straight to the point, and if it simplifies the email, don’t be afraid to use bullet points.
8. If you can’t keep it short, try to start the email with a brief request and summary of the email. This will ensure people address the actual purpose of the email!
9. Write an appropriate subject line. You want the recipient to know what the email is about when they see the subject line! So keep it relevant.
10. Formatting. You want your email to look good! Keep it formatted in a manner that is not only easy to read, but attractive to the eye!

With such a strong reliance on emails, it’s imperative that we have our email etiquette ironed out and that the proper protocol is a habit rather than a chore! Following the ten golden rules will go a long way to keeping your emails in line!
Visit our website www.rensol.org or email ross@rensol.org for more information.