Why write better emails?

What do your emails look like? We spend a lot of time writing emails. Stop and think: What are your emails "saying" to others? I'm not just talking about content. There's much more to it.

Your emails send messages in three ways:

1. Your tone. Your email may be "curt": too short and business-like. Emails that have no opening and no personal words can sound cold, uncaring, and stand-off-ish.
The fix:
Add a "Hello, Kim"; add a warmer beginning line ("Enjoyed your presentation yesterday") and then jump into business; add a send-off ("Appreciate your time"). Those three simple pieces turn you into a compassionate person that connects with others.

2. Your competency. Any spelling, punctuation, wording, and grammar errors send a message about you...and believe me, it's a message that you don't want sent.
The fix:
Use Spell Check--each and every time; read your email out loud before sending; and, for longer emails, place the text into a Word document, to see if those little green squiggly grammar-check lines pop up. The few extra minutes to do so are worth it, for your reader's belief in your competency.

3. Your worthiness of respect. Any off-color comments; any added links to off-color jokes, YouTube postings, and web pages; any forwards with questionable content; any quotes or signature lines with questionable intent; any negative comments about another person (from a hint all the way up to back-biting)... all of these throw doubt on your character. Those reading your emails want to respect you; content that makes the reader think twice is content to leave out of your email.
The fix: Write with honor. Always.

Whether your email is for business or pleasure, use these simple tips, and you'll find that your reader will connect with you, appreciate you, and want to follow your lead.

All best until next time,
Erin