Business e-mails - quality and professionalism

The Internet is a good source of advice regarding e-mails, do's and don'ts. Using e-mail properly is really just a case of professional care and - dare I say it? - good manners. One of the best sites I have come across is Judith's, she covers all aspects of e-mails. Her site is really worth visiting. I naturally asked if I could use some of her material for this blog (linking to her site) ans she replied within hours, despite the time difference between our countries.
Now, that is quality in action!

To quote:
"When it comes to your business e-mail communications, you need to make an impression that can lend to the determination that you are a credible professional enterprise and someone that will be easy and a pleasureto do business with. You have only one chance to make that first impression which will be invaluable to building trust and confidence."

and
"Sending non-business related e-mails, jokes, forwards or chain letters on company time to friends or coworkers reflects on your lack of professionalism."

Amongst other important things Judith covers

• The proper use of the subject field
• Using a previous e-mail to cover a new topic and not deleting the old (unrelated) subject
• Typing in all small or upper case letters
• Using a cryptic/non-specific title in the subject field - likely to mislead the recipient and/or be classified as spam
• Level of formality "One should communicate as if your e-mail is on your company letterhead at all times. This is your business's image you are branding!"

Really a must read for all of us micros and SMEs as it is sound, commercial sense.