ex·plic·it –adjective
- fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal: explicit instructions; explicit language.
- clearly developed or formulated: explicit knowledge; explicit belief.
- definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken: He was quite explicit as to what he expected us to do for him.
Now that we are clear on the above, apply this to your e-mails. If you receive an e-mail that asks several questions — answer each one, point-by-point. Don’t just hit reply and type a general statement at the top of the e-mail that doesn’t cover all the issues presented.
Explicitness in your e-mail communications helps to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. If you top-post, (the bad habit of just typing a cryptic reply at the top of an e-mail without including any e-mail etiquette) you are taking the lazy way out and showing the person who e-mailed you that you are not capable of succinct replies.
Learn how to, and practice, the down-editing of your replies to avoid unnecessary back and forths for clarification. Down-editing will also show that it is important to you to be a clear communicator and will speak volumes as to what it will be like to communicate with you. PIA or joy?
Don’t just reply with what point or info you want to relay — reply to the specifics of the e-mail that was sent to you. Not doing so will demonstrate a lack of courtesy for those who e-mail you causing them to have to send an additional e-mail for clarification. In business, replying without displaying this level of attention to detail will undermine your potential for success as well as show your lack of professionalism.
At your service,
Judith
I’ve been doing this long enough to know what works, what’s pure hype and what site owners need to consider to learn how to do business online. That’s the reason many choose to work with me. They know they’ll get the straight scoop with no ulterior motive other than to ensure their success.
Business is business. Yes, some of the “how tos” may be different between the on and off-line worlds but the bottom line is business. To succeed online, just as in the off-line world you need a desired product or service that is priced right for the market. You need to run your Web site or eStore with the same level of seriousness as you would any off-line brick and mortar.
This is where selective methodology’s comes in. Business owners who are not well versed in online business practices seem to be solidly of the opinion that the can selectively pick and choose what they want to pay attention to or do. As though regardless of proven strategies and tactics that someone like me would advise, if they don’t like them or if they take too much time or money, the can safely be ignored. Believe this at your own risk.
Issues like competitive pricing, or even if one is entering a saturated market in the first place are blatantly ignored is lieu of an idea being positioned for failure. It doesn’t matter if your pricing is not in line with the value or quality of your service? It doesn’t matter if your target market is one that is being aggressively attacked by those who’ve been online for a decade already building brand and trust? Of course it matters!
How about responding to site inquiries with no clue of any professionalism or education — looking like you’ve never made it out of the sixth grade. “E-mail Etiquette isn’t necessary! I don’t have to pay attention to those details.” It is necessary and those “details” can make or break you.
No business plan, no idea of where you are going to get customers or site visitors, no clue as to if your “idea” is even viable enough to invest any time or money in isn’t a concern? It sure should be.
Business is business is business. Having an online business does not negate solid business planning. Having an online business doesn’t mean you communicate as though you are illiterate. Having an online business doesn’t mean you can charge what you want regardless of the reality of your online competitors.
One can hide their head in the sand or go to some dark corner and play mushroom and pretend all these issues are of no consequence. Then you wonder why search engines have an ageing delay that makes new sites survive online for 9 months or more before being index.
Business is business is business. Period.
At your service,
Judith
When I get addressed as “Dear Sir/Madam” in any e-mail, I know the Sender is lazy. How do I know this? Because my sites are so me. With just one or two clicks you know that “Judith” is the person behind the site. I’m not a Sir, nor do I really consider myself a Madam!
So, if one wants to contact me with a business related e-mail and uses this greeting, I know they are probably not too discriminating in who they are contacting with their offer. They just want to get their collateral in front of whomever is behind the site.
One would think they would want to know about the person behind the site before e-mailing therefore actually finding my name. Nope — they don’t care about who I am — they just want to get their message across with the least amount of effort. What do you think that says about your business or “opportunity?”
Then, there are those who e-mail and address me by name. Some use Ms. Kallos or Judith — either way, I know they took a moment of their time to know who they are e-mailing and to address me by name. How nice is that!? I can tell you I take offers or requests from folks who e-mail in that manner much more seriously than the mass form spammers who just want to copy and paste and hit Send.
Particularly in business, this little extra E-mail Etiquette effort goes along way to impressing the other side with the seriousness and professionalism of your request. What is a business person to do if they can’t find a name to specifically address their e-mail to? Pick up the old fashioned telephone and ask! Are we becoming telephobic?
Details matter when it comes to business e-mails. And, more times than not, e-mail is not the best mode of first contact. Make the extra effort to pick up the phone and give a call, introduce yourself and ask if you may e-mail additional information. Now, that’s how you do business!
At your service,
Judith
