Business email etiquettes
A company needs to implement etiquette for the following three reasons:
1. Subject Line :
- Professionalism
- Efficiency
- Protection from liability
1. Subject Line :
- Should have minimum words
- Should be grammatically accurate
- Never have just an FYI
- Always have reference whenever required
- Give the reader accurate picture of what the mail is
- Fresh mail always start with salutation trails however need not have any salutation
- Acceptable salutation
- Hi Sadana
- Dear Mr. Joshi (only for extremely formal mail)
- Dear Rajesh
- Try to keep email brief (one screen length)
- All content should be left aligned and not indented.
- As for as possible to use bullet and point or short paragraph.
- Format your emailfor plain text rather than rich text.
- Use font that has professional or neutral look.
- Keep Backgroud plain.
- Avoid writing in paragraph where possible
- Use topic sentence to begin your paragraph.
- Give the paragraph movement ( i.e Use Active Voice )
- Average length of a para is 6 lines. However in emails one line para are acceptable.
- Spell small numbers out
- Dont start the sentence with numeral.
- Centuries and decades should be spelled out.
- Use bullet and point to explain your view effectively.
- Use number or letter to indicate sequence or importance.
- Use numbering when appropriate.
- Try combination of numeric and letters for complex issues.
- Make bullet points consistent.
- Avoid making bullet points so long.
- Be sure bullet points are related.
- Begin with action verbs when possible.
- Easy to read
- Neatly placed information.
- Can be indexed.
- Breaks monotony.
- Adds visual elements.
- Picture speak a thousand words.
- Create lasting impression.
- Add clarity to written communication
- Can work as diagram.
- Write in a positive tone.
- Avoid negative words.
- Use contractions to add a friendly tone.
- Try the direct route.
- Avoid aggresive tone.
- Using all CAPS can seems like you are yelling.
- Only use all CAPS when trying to make a point.
- Using all lower cases letters looks lazy.
- Use bold formatting to emphasize important words.
- Use black or blue colors for standard emails.
- Avoid attachments if possible.
- Do not include unnecessary files.Delete attachments while forwarding emails if possible.
- File name should indicate the content of the file.
- If there are more than 1 attachment, a list of attachment and a brief about them can be included in the email.
- Read your email at least 2 times.
- Use grammar and spell check.
- Look for conciseness and clarity.
- Make the effort to reply point to point
- Try and reply within 24 hrs.
- Remove parts of the previous mails that no longer apply to your response.
- Dont just type your message and hit reply.
- Keep only neccesary in loop.
- Do mention the action item.
- Use professional signature.
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