Morality Ethics » Computer And Ethics And Netiquette

Email etiquette begins with your subject line. The subject line is the most important part of your message because your name and the subject line are the basis for your message getting read - or deleted.

Have you ever hovered over the keyboard, deciding whether or not to open an email message? Chances are you made your decision based on the subject line of the email.

Think of your readers' minds as filters. Most working people receive a great deal of email every day, and almost everyone can tell you they've accidentally deleted a legitimate email. When people are under time pressure, they tend to filter what they respond to. With loads of email in their inbox, the subject line may give them the only clue as to how important the email is.

Remember also that email is often filed for later reference. If your subject line is not descriptive, it will be difficult and confusing when the reader wants to refer to it again once it's filed.

• Don't leave the subject line blank. If there are no clues as to the content, your reader will have trouble deciding whether to open it, and will have difficulty filing and retrieving it later.

• Think like a marketer. Put your bottom line in the subject line, and include an action verb.

Instead of: Article for review; Write: Your comments on CMI article needed by 3 pm Monday.

• Be specific. Use a date, as your reader may not be in the office the day you expect them to reply.

Instead of: Next week;
Write: November 12

• Streamline it: Use short, clear, uncluttered subject lines. Minimize unnecessary words.

Instead of: We are having problems locating the missing documents for tomorrow's meeting; Write: Missing documents for meeting tomorrow - help needed

• Make it complete: Make sure your subject line has enough information for the person to refer to later, once it's filed.

Instead of: Follow up;
Write: Follow up to Sept. 21 meeting with John Smith

• Don't send nonsensical or useless subject lines.

Instead of: FYI, Hi, Hello; Write: FYI -information you asked for re November 18 conference

• Change the subject line to reflect new topics. If you expand on a topic, but need to reference information from before, add the new topic to the subject line

• Use abbreviations if you are certain your readers will understand your meaning. For example, mgr, admin, info are fine.

You are invited to use these email etiquette tips to write clear subject lines that invite readers to open your emails.

You're also invited to receive a free report: "Breakthrough Communication Skills" packed with powerful tips for business success, at http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com when you join my Communication Capsules newsletter.

Would you like to attract new customers, increase sales, and boost your career? Click here for simple How-to Guides that give you immediate results. http://www.goldmansmythe.com/howto.html

From Lynda Goldman, business communications and etiquette consultant and author of 30 books, including How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression.

Source: www.articlesbase.com