Email Etiquette for the Super Busy
The super busy often use email as a fast method of communicating. Although emailing can be efficient when it comes to sending and receiving messages it can be easy to inadvertently lose sight of the fact there’s a real person who is about to see the message you’ve sent. Using email etiquette correctly can save you from making a communication hiccup or social blunder.
Length
Make emails you send in a hurry and hope to get a fast response back to as short as possible. The shorter your email is the easier it will be to read, and the more likely you are to get your message across quickly, concisely and afford a timely reply.
Prioritize
Prioritize information you want to deliver by placing any action needing to be taken by your correspondent at the beginning of your email. Any further down and the important part of your email may be accidentally overlooked.
Abbreviate
If you are aware that you are sending an email to someone who is computer speak savvy, abbreviate when possible. Using FYI, for example, means ‘for your information.’ ASAP is an abbreviation you are likely to benefit from using also as it is clear what you mean to readers and saves you time when typing. Likewise TIA, ‘thanks in advance,’ can save you from having to reply in response to action taken as requested.
Reply separately
It’s tempting to send a ‘reply to all’ if you are super busy. However this is best avoided unless your email really is relevant to everyone you’re sending it to. Some replies are better sent separately however busy you are as this is more personal and precise.
Attachments
Attachments may be difficult to open or off-putting if you are sending an email to someone else who is super busy too. Only send one if absolutely necessary if you desire a speedy response.
Bullet points
If the email you are sending is a request for certain tasks to be taken let it be known the order in which they need to be completed if necessary by using bullet points to point out different steps.
Deadlines
If you are requesting someone to take fast action be sure to include a visible deadline in your email, preferably in the title as-well as in the main body of the text.
Responding to emails
It can be frustrating to receive emails you need to spend time deciphering when you are in a hurry. However it’s likely that someone will be waiting for your reply. If you don’t have time to read an email properly you can still send a brief reply stating that you’ll deal with it ASAP. This shows you have received it and intend to get around to it later when you have time.
Professionalism
When sending business related emails remember to be polite and refrain from using emotive words. Whether a colleague you’re sending an email to has annoyed you or you are sending a complaint, try not to comes across as being angry.
Email etiquette for the super busy requires them to think fast, and be clear and concise when communicating.
