Powerful Emails

I want to talk about writing powerful emails today. I touched briefly on this early in the year, but today I want to get to a bit deeper on how to respond to client emails.

First, never ignore an email. If you don't have time to respond to the questions or concerns, reply with "I've received your email. I will address this shortly, but I want you to know that I am aware of it and I will address it."

If you are responding to a client or potential client's email, read it twice before you send it. You don't want to send an email filled with typos or a tone that can be misinterpreted. Speaking of tone, unless you are friends with the person to whom the email is being sent to- leave emotions out of it. If a client or coworker has made you upset, walk away from the email. Again, reply with "I've received your email. I will address this shortly, but I want you to know that I am aware of it and I will address it," and wait a day or two before you do respond. Letting anger seep into an email is always unprofessional- even if you are provoked.

Don't over communicate, either. If the email chain starts to go past four responses, call the person. You shouldn't use email as a book or main point of communication. If you are starting to reply to emails- again over 4 responses- then a phone call or in-person meeting is in order. Don't allow someone else to drive the email conversation to the point of no return. Pick up a phone or schedule to meet over coffee to talk about the issue on the table.

I hope this information has been helpful. I think we can always use reminders on how to conduct email during such a virtual work space culture.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Is the new Blackberry right for your business?

Ok, I've tried out all the phones. But, I couldn't help but hear a slow buzz building over the new Blackberry model. Blackberry phones are great because they really do operate as a functional computer in your hand. Open documents, create documents, etc... And it doesn't help that the iPhone really has made the Blackberry look like the black sheep of smart phones.

So what is all the buzz about with the new Blackberry? I'm here to provide you with some more info. If you have the 411, you may be able to decide if your current phone works for your business or if the new Blackberry can help you drive new business.

Pro # 1. The new Blackberry (BB) has two internal operating systems. One for personal use and one for work. This means you can toggle between apps for your personal life and apps for managing your business, employees and business' social media accounts.

Pro # 2. Email is going to be fast.... I mean super fast. I'm sure not a day goes by that you don't have an email from a friend or business person that says, "sent from my Blackberry." Have you ever wondered why all these people are not switching to the iPhone? Well, BB's email is known for being fast but the new OS promises even quicker (is that possible?) email service. This is a great feature when closing deals or solving customer issues.

I'm sure there are going to me more BB OS benefits showcased through commercials and a heavy online social media campaign. My advise? Don't discount the BlackBerry until you have tried it. Sure, you may not have all the Droid run apps but you will gain a lot of business benefits that will do more for you than a word game or celebrity alarm clock!

Twyla