You've Got Mail - These Email Phrases Drive Us Crazy
In a world where we can connect in a billion different ways – text messages, snaps, direct messages, pins, emojis, tweets – an email still reigns as king of communication within an office. Whether you’re emailing your best friend who doubles as your work wife or a potential new client, it’s imperative to be aware of email etiquette. In the business world, it’s likely that you email someone before ever meeting them in person, therefore, you want your emails to make a good impression. We’ve curated the below list of our top three phrases to avoid when sending an email and we’ve CC’d all of you so that your emails can be their very best. Please see below:
“Sorry to bother you…”
As a southern girl, it’s in my DNA to apologize. For everything. All of the time. However, beginning an email with an apology is never a good idea. The phrase immediately challenges your credibility and shows a lack of confidence. You’re sending an email, not a carrier pigeon. Therefore, it’s up to the receiver to decide when and where they want to check their inbox. If it’s unavoidable for you to write at an absurd hour, then tack on a simple, “Please reply at your convenience.” This way your reader will understand that the email is important but not urgent.
“To be honest with you…”
We all know that honesty is always the best policy. However, if you include this phrase
when emailing clients, they could think, “Wait, have you not been honest with me this entire time?” You want to build trust and relationships with your clients and customers. Therefore, always share your honest opinions with them! Even when the opinion may not be what they want to hear, they will appreciate your transparency.
“Not sure if you saw my last email…”
For those of us who are constantly emailing, we probably send a dozen follow-up emails every single day. Life gets busy and sometimes we don’t get our answers as quickly as we’d like. However, there are tactful ways to remind someone of an email. Remember, you’re wanting to grow a relationship with this person - not hound them like a passive-aggressive, crazy ex-girlfriend. When you do need to add on to a previous email or give a little nudge to get your answers, you can use words such as “additionally” or “also” to politely remind your reader of the thread. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it sweet.
We hope this list helps you the next time you’re reaching out to all of those in your working world. Remember than an email is a lot like a love letter – you send them, you receive them, and if you write them with care, you could change your fate for the better. ;)
Sincerely,
Team HSC
