 ASK
OUR EXPERTS...
I like your approach to “say it as it is” business advice. Can you
share some of your habits that help you communicate with your clients
better?
Thank you, I think (LOL)! I do like this question as it gives me a the
opportunity to vent a few “pet peeves” that are very common (but rarely
voiced) among like entrepreneurs. I would like to focus on email etiquette
in this column...
Habit 1: Let’s face it, the email communication chain was once a beautiful
convenience but now has become a road block in effectively doing business.
Let’s start by focussing on how we use our email “subject line”. In the “old
days” this “space” was a neat place to spew a quick opening to the email
content that followed. Today, however, this very introduction is at the
scrutiny of the mass deleting recipient desperately trying to sift through
the garbage spam looking to reply to a possibly valuable request from a
inquiring client or prospect. I see it this way; I would never introduce
myself in person without an introduction. So I make it a habit to address my
email correspondence by clearly stating in the subject line: “Attention XYZ
from Rising Women Magazine.” Wow! The mystery behind whether my email is
garbage or perhaps an important read is solved. I have also given the gift
of time to my recipient!
Habit 2: What’s really in a signature? Anne Veres, owner of Analyze That, is
one affiliated advertiser who would agree that a signature speaks volumes
about the personality behind it. With that said, and with email etiquette on
this columns agenda, I can’t stress enough how important it is to utilize
the “signature option” available to you under your Outlook or Outlook
Express “tool/option” bar. There is nothing more irritating than receiving
an email requesting information with no indication of who the person is and
how to contact them beyond the cyberspace jungle. With telephone
communication still the most personable means of connecting, I prefer to
partake in answering detailed questions verbally...not at the restriction of
the keyboard. Hmmm... “Knock knock...” Is there any wonder why the first
question asked is “who’s there?”
One last comment. Be courteous about how you use others email addresses
collected at networking functions, etc. Don’t automatically assume that
because business cards are made available on display tables or handed to you
in person, that that person wants to be on your e-newsletter. Ask first and
save yourself a potential customer!
To have your marketing questions answered by our line-up of Experts,
email experts@risingwomen.com
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