What are some of the best practices or etiquette that should be followed when writing business e-mails?
http://esl.about.com/od/businessenglishwriting/a/bizdocs_3.htm
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0070880581/student_view0/sample_letters.html
http://www.businessemailetiquette.com/
When writing business emails, there are several best practices and etiquette to follow to ensure professionalism and effective communication. Here are some key guidelines to consider:
1. Use a professional and concise subject line: Clearly indicate the purpose or topic of the email to help recipients understand the context before opening it.
2. Use a professional email address: Create an email address that includes your name or the name of your organization. Avoid using personal or unprofessional email addresses.
3. Begin with a professional greeting: Start your email with a courteous and appropriate salutation, such as "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]."
4. Keep your message focused and concise: Be clear and to the point, keeping in mind that busy professionals appreciate brevity. Break lengthy content into paragraphs or bullet points for easy reading.
5. Be polite and professional in tone: Use a polite and formal language, avoiding jargon, slang, or abbreviations that might not be familiar to all recipients. Maintain a respectful tone throughout the email.
6. Use proper grammar and spelling: Double-check your email for any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Use a spell-check tool if necessary.
7. Use a professional email signature: Include a signature at the end of your email with your full name, job title, contact information, and any relevant links (e.g. company website, LinkedIn profile).
8. Proofread before sending: Always proofread your email for errors, clarity, and overall coherence. Take a moment to re-read and make any necessary revisions before hitting the send button.
9. Respond promptly: Aim to reply to business emails within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within 24-48 hours.
10. Use attachments judiciously: Only attach relevant documents or files that support your email's purpose. Ensure that the attachments are appropriately labeled and in a compatible format.
To further improve your email-writing skills, you can consider reading style guides or taking online courses that specialize in business communication.