Are Your Emails Hurting Your Image?
February 7, 2017
By Brian Maynor
“Just email me.”
We hear that phrase so many times a day that most of the time we barely even register it. Given the fact that most of us receive over 100 emails a day, it’s no wonder we’ve become desensitized to them.
Whether we’re in the office, the car, or walking to lunch it’s second nature to fire off emails almost without thinking, which is actually on of the worst things you can do for your image.
Emails are still a form of communication, and no disclaimer will justify or excuse typos, poor grammar or incomplete sentences. Here are some of the most common mistakes and some new ‘rules’ to remember before hitting send on your next email:
Keep them brief and to the point. Whether it’s conscious or not, we all heave a sigh when we open an email that fills the screen, whether it’s from the time commitment needed to digest them or the effort needed to find what’s important. Combat the 8 second attention span of most people and keep your emails concise and direct. You’re more likely to get a response that way.
Grammatical rules still apply. Just because it’s an email and sent from your mobile device does not mean the rules of grammar do not apply. Abbreviations, incomplete thoughts and typos plague emails because most of the time we are not focused when we compose them. This is another downside to the lackadaisical attitude we take toward emails.
Use the subject line wisely. Subject lines are usually the first thing we type after an address, but maybe they should be the last. Given that this is the first thing the reader will see, making it clear and actionable is paramount and influential to the type of reply you receive. Headers like [FOR APPROVAL], [INFORM] or [FOR COMMENT], just to name a few, are underused indicators that convey a clear calling to the recipient.
Don’t bury the lead. Everyone uses the preview pane to scan and prioritize messages, so you want to make sure the important information is at the very beginning. Not only do you want the instructions there, you also want the desired response. Not only does that increase the likelihood of your desired response it limits the likelihood of excuses or complete dismissal.
Take the time to be nice. While there are benefits to a short, concise email, there is a major drawback too. Short responses can be interpreted as curt, rude or insensitive. It does not necessarily take more words to compose a ‘nice’ email; it just takes a moment to consider your word choice. Another benefit of sending a pleasant email is that people are more likely to ‘hear’ what you have to say.
Before you hit send on your next email, close your eyes, take a breath and then re-read what you typed. You’ll be glad you did. And if you doubt it simply take a quick look through your sent folder.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
