E-MAIL ETIQUETTE

Let’s say I send Bob an e-mail with four questions I need answered. I find it both exasperating and discourteous when Bob answers my questions by hitting ‘New’ rather than ‘Reply’.

By sending the response to me via ‘New’ I am not in touch with my questions (which Bob may not have responded to for days). Receiving something like this:

Hi Len,
Here are the answers to your questions:
- Friday
- No
- Yes
- 18
Bob

I have no idea what the questions were! Had Bob hit ‘Reply’, the questions would be in the same e-mail I originally sent for me to easily relate to.

Had Bob hit ‘Reply’ and gone directly to the end of each line of my questions and responded in a manner as I would have (in red and bold), I would find the most expedient, efficient and courteous manner to retrieve the information I am seeking. I would receive something like this-

Bob,

When would you like the proposal delivered to your client? Friday (in red)
Will we need to include the budget? No (in red)
Will you be accompanying me on the presentation? Yes (in red)
How many copies of the presentation should we prepare? 18 (in red)

With great respect,
Len

In today’s fast paced world that we live in, every time saving courtesy that we can extend to our business associates, family and friends is greatly appreciated. This allows them to recapture lost time and thereby reducing stress. Isn’t this what we all want? So be respectful to all the people you contact via e-mail, using your best e-mail etiquette.

Len Merson,
Founder, C.E.O.
Chaos Over, Inc.
1-88-VERY CALM (Toll Free line)
619.980.7372 (Direct line)
619.291.1709 (Facsimile line)
Lmerson@chaosover.com