Sending an Impressive Email

I received a question yesterday about email. The person wanted to know how to send a business pitch via email. My first question was "why email?" The response explained how this person couldn't get the decision maker on the phone. Yes, this scenario does present a challenge. Inspired, I decided to jot down a couple of tips on how to write an impressive email. I hope this helps!

Step 1: Get to the point. If your email borders beyond two paragraphs - it is to long for an introductory email. In fact, ideally you want to keep the email within a paragraph. Be direct and don't go on and on and on and on about yourself. Explain what you need, why you need it, and how the other person can problem solve and/or benefit.

Step 2: Write to one person at a time. The mass email is impersonal and unprofessional. Yes, you are going to have to cut and paste the body of the main email and then write each person's name as the introductory at the top of the emails.

Step 3: Your subject line is an ad. Keep it simple, compelling and make it scream "open me first!" People tend to browse their emails early in the morning. They usually open what looks important first and will wait until the end of the day, if not tomorrow, to open up the other non-important emails. Write a clever subject line for your email.

There is no secret to getting past the cold call or cold email. However, these three simple steps can improve your chances!

Until next time,

Twyla