long-term client relationships, and ruin reputations—just review former FEMA chief Mike Brown's emails as Hurricane Katrina raged, and you will understand. Add to this mix a lack of civility and common sense, and you have an explosive brew. Writing online is still, as author Patricia O'Conner writes, ''in its Wild West stage . . . with everybody shooting from the hip and no sheriff in sight.''
Therefore, establish some law and order by developing an email protocol, whether you are a multi-national or a single shingle firm. Simply stated it’s “the way we do business around here” in terms of communicating via email with co-workers and customers. It is a code of behavior, a set of standards as to how you will frame your words, manage your inbox, even extend your brand.
Consider this story: Within a software company’s accounting department, an employee received a query from one of the company’s international clients regarding an invoice. The client had asked how the employee was handling the invoice, as the company was anxious to receive the product. The employee’s response? “handling it.” Note that the response was in lower case, with no greeting or closing. The client’s response? Not pleasant-the client pulled his account, citing irreconcilable differences. And the result? Loss of revenue, loss of client, loss of reputation. Though we cannot account for the human factor, if a protocol had been in effect, the calamitous outcome might have been avoided because standards would have been in place as to how to respond to the client.
Below is a short list of questions to consider at your next meeting. Your answers could be the beginning of a company-wide document.
How do you greet and close messages?
Companies are crafting a series of key phrases used solely for openings and closings. Remember, you would never call without greeting someone. Why would you not in your emails?
What does your email signature say about your company?
It is an extension of your company’s brand. Professional with no cutesy sayings, it should contain all contact information. Establish a standard for font style and size-Verdana and Arial remain the fonts most commonly used. Also, because you have limited real estate, consider placing your signature block horizontally rather than vertically.
What is the company policy around blind copies?
Some companies only use them for e-blasts; others state that they are strictly verboten. Discuss why, when, and how you will use them. Caution: Some computer programs allow all those who you do not want to see your email to view it if the recipient hits “reply all.”
Do you have a message for the “out of office” auto-responder, and when do you turn it on?
Four hours? One day? A large bank requires that if an employee is immersed in an important project, it must be turned on if he/she is gone from the office for more than one hour. Other companies insist that they are available 24/7 for their clients, and thus allow no auto-responders.
How often do you check emails?
Some companies set their programs so that emails are only called up hourly, thus reducing down time and increasing productivity. Others require employees to check their emails a minimum of four times a day.
How soon do you return emails?
Within four hours? 24 hours? Some companies’ policies state that all emails need answering within the same business day.
Do you use emoticons?
Buzzing bees, dancing bears, smiley faces? Suggestion: Don’t do it.
How many emails before you pick up the phone?
The rule of thumb seems to be three. If the issues are not resolved, pick up the phone or walk down the hall.
What is your company’s policy about writing business letters, accessing confidential information, or handling racial or sexual harassment?
Your email policy should be compatible with these documents.
How will you insure that employees understand your protocol?
For example, who is the contact person when questions arise? How will updates be handled? Will you schedule trainings? These questions, too, need answering.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Miller, founder of Business Writing That Counts, is a national consultant and trainer who helps professionals reduce their writing time while still producing powerful documents. She and her team work with executives who want to hone their writing skills and professionals who want to advance their careers. Some of her clients are: Microsoft, Washington Mutual Bank, Verizon Wireless, and Cisco Systems. For more information, please call 425-485-3221, or visit www.businesswritingthatcounts.com.
