I don’t hate e-mail. In fact, I prefer it, because I can usually explain myself more eloquently in a written missive than I can in a 30-second voice mail. But right now, I have more than 100 unread e-mails in my inbox, and going through them makes me understand why some people hate it. Just because e-mail is fast and easy, doesn’t mean it should be handled with any less care than other means of communication. In no particular order, here are my top five biggest e-mail pet peeves:
1) Messages that have nothing to do with me or my job. I often get e-mails that could be spam, but I open them anyway on the off chance they aren’t. These suspect e-mails are, instead, usually pitches from folks who haven’t done their research about our magazine. The name of our publication is Sales & Marketing Management. So why would I want to receive a pitch about a book on why housewives cheat? (And no, saying that some desperate housewives are former salespeople isn’t enough.)
2) Mass e-mails that are obviously mass e-mails. I understand that you can’t always send an individualized e-mail to everyone. But, c’mon, at least TRY to make me feel special. When I get e-mails that say “Dear JULIA” or, “Hi, &%Julia%&” then I know I’m little more than a name in a database.
3) Overly familiar e-mails from strangers. These start something like: “Hey Julia, what’s up? Give this a look. Thanks! :)” Who are you? If I don’t know you, please don’t start with the emoticons.
4) Rude e-mails. I can’t say for sure that people are being rude when they do this. But if I haven’t met you face to face and you’re sending me something, doesn’t it warrant even a tiny, “Here’s the information you requested”? Getting blank e-mails or forwards with no explanation or even a subject line leaves me wondering about the tone behind them.
5) Gargantuan e-mails. My inbox can only hold so much. In fact, it’s at a point right now where I get a warning that I’m going over my limit after every message I receive. Sending me huge attachments without making sure that I can receive them doesn’t make my overstuffed-inbox situation any better.
If you’re making any of these faux pas when you use e-mail to prospect to clients, it’s likely that your pitches are going in the trash. E-mail can be effective, but it has to be used the right way. Here are some pointers on what to do—and not do—when using e-mail as part of your sales process.
And please let me know: What ticks you off about e-mail?
Carrie--that is a great pet peeve (in as much as pet peeves can be great). I agree--I don't like the feeling of being prisoner to e-mail as the only means of communication with someone. I think the best signature lines are those with a phone number, e-mail, and a URL where I can learn more about the company.
Posted by: juliasmm | April 10, 2006 at 01:43 PM
I wholeheartedly agree on this post, but thought I would add a peeve of mine as well.
Emails that don't include signatures (contact details) at the bottom of them.
I find it unprofessional when people don't include them and then indicate to contact them with any questions you may have.
As a courtesy you should always include them even when replying. It gives the appearance that you have invested time in them and it also gives the person receiving them the option to contact you by phone if you prefer face to face.
Just my two cents....
Posted by: Carrie M. | April 06, 2006 at 11:41 AM