• Sample pages
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  Introduction

  Everyone gets too much email -- and much of it goes unread! Most email suffers from poor ―so-what‖ subject lines that are easily ignored. Add poor email etiquette, and you have a recipe for bad communication.

  This ebook helps you write business emails that recipients promptly read and respond to. You will discover how to:

  • Organize an email from the top down.
  • Write useful, compelling subject lines.
  • Understand and apply email etiquette.
  • Use the right tone.

  Medium or Message?

  Email is a medium of communication, like a phone or envelope. It is NOT the message itself. What does this mean?

  You can perform only two actions with email: You can have a conversation. You can send correspondence.

  That’s it.

  The key is deciding which of the two actions you are performing because the rules for each are different.
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  Email Conversations

  An email conversation is like a phone call. You are ―talking‖ to other people using email. It is similar to texting or instant messaging. This type of email is more casual than email correspondence. It is usually limited to intra-office communication, never customer communications.

  Depending on the requirements of your business or organization, you may use texting abbreviations. However, everyone in the conversation must understand what the abbreviations mean; otherwise, your reader will be confused. Keep in mind, some people still think LOL means little old lady! This is especially important for international companies with a large population of employees for whom English is a second language. Always aim for clarity and understanding!

  Email Conversations Are Legal Documents

  While email conversations are less formal than email correspondence, they belong to your company and are legal documents. They must be clear, correct and courteous. It is always good to proofread and spell check all emails since they represent you and your position within the company. Even if you use abbreviations, taking the time to ensure accuracy is a mark of professionalism.

  Email Correspondence

  Email correspondence is anything that would have gone on a piece of paper and anything that goes outside your organization to customers, potential customers, vendors, and so on. In this case, email is an electronic envelope. That’s it. The message moves the email into the realm of business correspondence, and the rules governing business correspondence apply. The fact that you are using an email is irrelevant.
• About the Author
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  Patricia Haddock is a communication and training consultant who helps her clients attract, retain and develop employees; increase productivity and effectiveness; and improve interpersonal communication skills.

  Patricia works with her clients to identify their desired outcomes and designs workshops that teach their employees business writing skills that can be used immediately on the job.

  Patricia has authored hundreds of organizational communications and information products, more than 600 articles for print and web, and 11 books, including:

  • The Time Management Workshop – AMACOM
  • Leadership Skills for Women -- Crisp Learning
  • Office Management: A Productivity and Effectiveness Guide -- Crisp Learning
  • Developing as a Professional – Crisp Learning

  Connect with Patricia Haddock online:
  info@patriciahaddock.com
  https://www.facebook.com/writingandediting
  LinkedIn--Patricia Haddock#PatHaddock

  Review her business writing workshops at:
  www.businesswritingworkshopsandcoaching.com

$4.95