image credit: maria lamar

I heard on NPR last week that 80% of children under the age of 18 have never touched a postage stamp. Insane, right? Sadly, I’m not super surprised. With email and social networks taking center stage in today’s world, snail mail has become a bit of a lost art.

What isn’t a lost art? E-mail. Believe it or not, e-etiquette does exist, and if you’re not familiar with it, it’s high time to brush up on the art:

1. Introduction
Hi, hello, howdy — however you say it, get a name to go with it. Everyone knows that ‘to whom it may concern’ is lame, but even more lame = no name. See? It rhymes. Write it down.

2. Kick-Off
Right off the bat, state your intention. A lot of people like to kick off an email with a funny anecdote. Instead, get right to the point and save the funny for later.

3. Keep it Simple
I’m a big fan of using an initial email for nothing more than to request further communication. Let’s say, for instance, you’re approaching a potential advertising partnership. Rather than catching someone off guard with an extensive proposal in an initial email, why not simply introduce the basis of your idea, then write something like “If you’re at all interested, let me know; I’d be happy to send a more formal proposal.” You’re not only giving them the option to request more information, but you’re also putting the ball back into your court, allowing for an opportunity to show that you’re organized and follow through with your requests.

4. Call to Action
End the e-mail with the next step, whether it’s a request for an e-mail back for additional information, or a simple “I’ll be in touch in a few days to follow up.” Never leave your recipient guessing re: what happens now.

5. P.S.
Here’s your chance to get fun. Now that you’ve said everything you need to say, send over a compliment or funny anecdote, or talk about this hideous snow. Whatev.

Got it? Good. Now send me a practice email and I’ll grade you.

Kidding. Sort of.

A note from Jaime:

Before you hit “Send”, it’s important to check the things that people make mistakes with most often when sending out emails. A nice rule of thumb I like to use is check your “ETA”, or:

Email (are the right people on this email?)
To: (did you address is to the right person?)
Attachments (are your attachments actually attached?)