Are you wasting time with e-mails that drag on, but say nothing? Do you get those kind of e-mails? Instead of writing a novel (even if someone else writes you one), start writing tighter e-mails today.
1. Answers questions posed to you first
This is only polite. Answer them as needed, don’t go into drawn out answers unless asked for more details. Never assume that someone needs a complete explantion.
2. Give your latest news
Don’t bother with the “I did dishes, then I watched tv, then I checked e-mail.” People don’t care about that. Real news. Like what you’re working on. If you sold anything recently.
3. Ask something of the other person
Whether you ask how they are doing (you don’t have to do this up front, you can ask how they are at the end, it makes for a somewhat nice roundup), or something specific that you know they are working on, ask them something.
Needless to say, always be polite. Open and close with a salutation of whatever kind works for you. The best e-mails are the ones that are short, but say so much. And of course, writing tighter e-mails will save you time. And that’s what we’re all looking for.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Write Tight E-mails
Posted by April at 11:13 AM
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2 comments:
Also, sometimes it is necessary to send separate questions in separate emails. Otherwise, the recipient will only answer one question.
I have to do this with my boss. I also end the email with "what do you think?" to help ensure I get a response.
That is a good point. I should have added (because I am always thinking it), only ask one or two questions. Overloading someone in one e-mail helps neither of you. I know when someone asks me too much, I never answer everything. In general e-mails, I would say hold off on additional questions for next time. It's not like there's any rush (usually) to cover everything in one single e-mail!
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