REMINDER: Your Email IS You!

Some trivialize email proper practices. “Email is informal (very),” “Email is just a tool,” “Why take email so darned seriously?” These are actual quotes from emails sent through this website. Personal emails do not need to be formal, but manners should matter, just as in the offline world.

For example, clients know that I will kindly suggest corrections if I believe their branding may take a hit. That is because your email communications are part of your business branding efforts. But even with personal emails, you want to be someone viewed as friendly and easy to communicate with.

Sometimes, when I make these suggestions (which is even more critical with business email), I get excuses, stuff like…

“I know you — we’re not formal!” Clarity often falls by the wayside when being quick and informal in emails. Exhibiting courtesy and ensuring your tone is not terse is only for strangers?
“You’re being nit-picky! A greeting doesn’t make that big of a difference — does it?” A greeting does make a difference. It sets the tone and shows respect for the person you are communicating with. Folks will prefer emailing those who are friendly and courteous — even in their personal email communications.
“I don’t know how to resize photo attachments; you can do that on your side, right?” It’s 2023. You should know how to resize photos by now. Because you don’t want to learn something as easy as resizing images, that reflects you are not embracing the technology. Plus, you don’t know the other side’s possible bandwidth limitations to send humungous files willy-nilly.

Soak Up Anything that Improves Communications

The above reactions are not uncommon. All the issues mentioned only required just a bit of extra effort. The more you learn, the better you’ll use technology to your advantage, whether in personal relationships or business ventures.

Extra effort that takes negligible time but reflects a solid understanding of how to use email properly while showing courtesy to those you communicate with. Sounds like a no-brainer.

So, your email is you — never underestimate that. Your email speaks volumes about who you are, what you feel is important, and the effort you are willing to make for others.

Choose not to show courtesy; choose not to use technology properly; remain unaware of the skills required to use email properly; all the excuses in the world will not change how you are perceived.

Online, perception is the only reality. And it’s all in your control to control. Let’s go!

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