The New Rules of Email

Dec 11
  
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  <p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">This week, we’re covering the new rules of email. I got this content from the AARP magazine earlier this year. </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I thought this would be a nice “soft pitch” for our last episode of the year – I figured you would appreciate not having to think too hard! </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The article starts with a common email opener: “I hope this finds you well.” I’m guilty of this one. Here’s the problem: If someone truly isn’t doing well, this email feels disconnected. </p><p class="" data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>Here are four great email openers and why they work:</strong></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’m looking forward to working with you.” </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Sets the tone for a business collaboration.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Another option: “I’m so excited you are on board with [whatever it is].” </p><p class="" data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I received your contact information from [mutual acquaintance].”</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Puts your mutual contact’s name in the first sentence so the recipient won’t think the email is spam.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">This is even more effective if you then contextualize why the mutual acquaintance mentioned the recipient to you. </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I follow you on LinkedIn and was intrigued by your latest post on [topic.}</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Might flatter the recipient and uses specifics.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s wonderful to meet another [insert descriptive term that clarifies your bond, such as a school you both attended.]</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Emphasizes a commonality.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">You might also find a commonality in previous places of employment or passions. </p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;<strong>Common openers to avoid: </strong></p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>“It’s nice to ‘meet’ you virtually.”</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;(Not funny and conveys a lack of professionalism.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I hope you don’t mind me reaching out to you directly.”</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Sounds overly passive and minimizes what follows in the email.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I’d like to offer my services.”</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Reads like a copy-and-paste.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">“I saw you at [location] and knew I had to reach out.”</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">(Has an underlying stalker tone. Can be improved by including the reason for reaching out.)</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</p><p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">When it comes to trying to sell something – and that includes selling yourself – remember they have to KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST you first. </p>
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              <span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/email+etiquette" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--email-etiquette" rel="tag">email etiquette</a></span><span class="blog-item-tag-wrapper"><a href="/tec-podcast/tag/professional+correspondence" class="blog-item-tag blog-item-tag--professional-correspondence" rel="tag">professional correspondence</a></span>
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              <a href="/tec-podcast?author=617ae7024d577d7cd7e6f36a">
  
  <span class="author-name">Lesa Edwards</span>
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