Core Rules of Business Netiquette - Advanced - Via Netiquette IQ

Many blogs, educational or other on-line sources will reference "core" Netiquette rules. Quite frankly, I have all of them rather simplistic. Here is a stronger, although basic set which, I trust, will distinguish this list from the rest!

Rules of Business Email Netiquette

1.       Keep the subject line pertinent — Make the reader want to open the email!

2.       Stay succinct — Do not assume your email will be given more than ten seconds.

3.       Be clear.  Check for bad grammar, formats, tone and weak, overused words.

4.       Be ethical and genuine — Tone usually comes across and can be a deciding factor in your connection and goals.

5.       Speak to the addressee — Do all you can to assure you are not speaking under or over the business language of your recipient.

6.       Watch out for a “knowledge gap.” Don’t assume recipients have the same knowledge about your product or service you do.  After you’ve captured their interest and have reached the “additional information” stage, try offering a step-by-step walk through of whatever you’re marketing to help them understand what you are trying to say.

7.       Write business emails as letters, not as ads.  In the B2B world, a forthright communication in letter format is much more effective than an email that looks and smells like an ad.

8.       Assume your email will be read by others — Do not be critical, be positive and praiseworthy.  Include important information to assist others not as knowledgeable, especially about costs.

9.       Have a complete signature block — Include title, company, phones, fax, email and URL links.  Do not limit how to contact you for more information.

10.    Select good times to send your email — Do not send during late hours, weekends, holidays or prime business times of the recipient.

11.    Use the viewing pane as a potential for getting attention — It can make the crucial difference.

12.    Never try to use a shred demographic as an advantage.

13.    Always spell résumé with two accents.
===============================
In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, "Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki

 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County New Jersey.
==========================================