Email Business Etiquette
By BB Lee

Email Business Etiquette!
by BB Lee (C)2002

Email etiquette is fundamental stuff...for most Online Business
people. In fact, think of how you respond to Online messages as
important image management. Handling your messages the correct
way will make you appear professional while building your
reputation Online as a responsive, attentive, business person,
who really cares about his customers. In the long run this
will surely build your "rep" and your income.

Researchers estimate up to 75% of business people Online do not use
good email etiquette. They risk their Online messages seeming
rude, offensive, blatant sales pitches, or plain annoying.
Here are a few suggestions to adapt to your situation.

1. Keep an open line of communication running between you and
your customers or subscribers. Post your contact information
in clear view on your web page. This will make it easier for
people to email you if they have questions or problems.

2. Answer all important email within a 48 hour period. If you
don't this would be considered poor business practice or just
plain rude.

3. Do not respond to angry email with like behavior. You have
much better things to do than start a "flame war." Instead
ignore their remarks and block their messages using your
email program. Or simply let them have the last word. This
will prompt an immediate end.

4. I've seen this far too many times. Do not respond to an
email message in all capitals packed with exclamation points.
This is rude and very unprofessional. I don't know about you,
but all capitals LOOKS LIKE SCREAMING TO ME!!!!!!

5. Spell check all your email before hitting the send button.
Why risk a bunch of typo's turning off a potential customer?
Most email programs have a spell check included. Use it!

6. Don't answer a client's email with a dozen affiliate links at
the bottom of your message. Do I have to explain this one?
This marketing method is prone to backfire and turn off potential
customer's and subscribers.

7. If you must use an affiliate link, tie it in with the senders'
question. If the sender asked for information on low cost
widgets, you could easily include your list of widgets along
with a link to your widget affiliate program.

8. Don't respond to a subscriber's or customer's email with a dozen
follow up messages promoting your affiliate programs. Many marketers
disagree, thinking this is a great opportunity to get their message
across. I disagree. In fact, the average person will automatically
delete your email after two or three follow-ups. So you are wasting your precious marketing time.

9. Handle customer/subscriber complaints promptly. Don't let
problems build up until you are simply overwhelmed with
too much work! Often,all is needed is a short response
with needed information.

10. Use your sig line modestly. Don't clutter your signature
file/line with several lines announcing all your affiliate
programs. This is also very unprofessional and might
dramatically reduce your business image to the reader.

11. Be exceptionally polite to all your customers especially
when corresponding by email. Go the extra mile. This will build
your reputation and perhaps attract new customers.

12. Keep your business email professional but friendly.
Don't get overly chatty and chummy with off the wall humor.
A few people might be offended by your wry wit. You also don't
want to sound stiff and phony. Keep communication real and honest.

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BB Lee is Editor/Publisher of SmallBizBits Home Biz Newsletter!
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