International emails
It has already been stated in the last blog how instant mail communication can be properly utilized with correct Netiquette. This applies to international communications as well. Care and consideration should be given to the time windows. It cannot be expected for an overseas person to quickly reply to a message which is received off hours to them but prime time in the United States. There are many time zone references available on-line. If a message does need to be sent off hours, it is highly desirable for the sender to let the recipient know he (the sender) is aware of the difference and if a reply or action is anticipated, that an appropriate adjustment and/or expectation has been made.
Sending
"The sky is falling"
- Chicken Little
Proper Netiquette is sometimes overlooked by using an overemphasized subject line which does not deliver or correspond to some related topic or presumption in the content of the email itself. Although a good, accurate and relevant or interesting subject line is needed, exaggerated wording or format can be misleading and ruin a message. So can a weak or unrelated one that is vague. Even though a more attention grabbing subject field may elicit a greater chance of being read, to do so consistently, without merit, may produce a dismissive reaction on future communications. Similarly, the frequent use of excessive email program flags, such as red exclamation marks, will also usually produce the opposite of the intended effects. When utilized properly, importance in subject fields or signifiers will be appreciated, welcomed and read.
Unintended Bait and Switch
Just as email promotions from many companies, an exaggerated subject line might completely differ from the intended target message. Although this tactic may be deliberately used for spam marketing, it should not be used with non spam messages. Sometimes this action is not intended. One cause might be a lack of concentration in changing the subject line for the convenience of not having to open a new email template and completing the fields.
The reused template may also contain unintended urgent flags. The subject field might also contain previous multiple punctuation marks, all upper case letters or sensitive topics. There is rarely an instance to reuse messages or templates and new "clean slate" formats should be utilized. The potential risks of not doing so are too high.
Sending Templates
Similar to replying to emails with "personalized templates" is often transparent, templates for sending can be proper Netiquette although not ideal. Their use is highly preferred to a mail-n-merge whenever at all possible. These messages are best for general mail where a recipient is not well known, or likely may not be contacted again. Some examples of these are:
1) Thank you for meeting, orders, interviews, etc.
2) Company hire
3) Survey or opinion
4) Reminder
5) Retirement/Promotion/Award
6) Seasonal Event
7) Meeting schedule
8) Rejection of a bid, offer or job request
9) Company announcement
10) Referral of a colleague or group
Once again, it should be stressed that the best Netiquette for email is to personalize as much as possible to maximize positive tone, insure best results and preserve positive relationships.======================================================
Yesteraday's quiz was:
Which head of state sent the first email? Guess which year as well.
1. Queen Elizabeth
2. Ronald Regan
3. Fidel Castro
4. Mikhail Gorbachev
5. Sadam Hussein
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