Regarding Business Etiquette, With Compliments
How should an email be headed? What’s the right protocol when a client isn’t responding to written messages? Is it impolite to put “x” kisses on business compliment slips? (Yes, it is!) Can business card design include a cheeky motto?
These are just some of the business-related writing etiquette questions that arise on a regular basis. Here are a few top industry examples of good and bad writing manners in emails, specifically.
• Read before sending. A massive number of errors can be attributed to good old fashioned laziness when it comes to reviewing work. Autocorrect, forgetfulness and typing errors are all too easy. Bad spelling and grammar is HIGHLY unprofessional. This article won’t go out without a thorough read-through, and neither should the business correspondence of its readers!
• Answer emails quickly and personally; the sender has specifically used email because they want a swift reply. There a few people on the planet who feel valued when an auto reply drops into their inbox (unless it concerns the sender being absent and includes alternate contact details), so always reply promptly and tailor content to the recipient.
• Emoticons and abbreviations in email are acceptable in some circumstances (e.g. a colleague dealt with regularly), but for the most part should be avoided. They can appear childish and supercilious in the wrong context.
• Study a reliable business writing guide and keep it on-hand for reference. It can be highly effective to encourage all employees to bone-up on their spelling, grammar and written business etiquette.
October 5, 2011 | Posted by admin
Categories:
Tags: |



Recent Comments