"Etiquette is not about being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy to others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!"
|
I help individuals and businesses polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
Visit my website to see what I can do for you!
| |
|
|
|
|
It may come as little surprise to most people to learn that it is important to me that I respond to all (legitimate) emails I receive and I try to be thorough in my reply, addressing all points and acknowledging all comments.
But what do you do if there are comments that you would prefer not to recognize or questions you don't want to answer? I will admit I have struggled with this issue, in part because of my wish to be courteous, and because, as a business etiquette expert, I know that I "set the tone". However, I have come to the conclusion that just because something is asked does not mean it has to be answered.
For example, a colleague attended a luncheon where he met a woman whose business involves a nutritional supplement product. They enjoyed a conversation over their meal and he was impressed with her outgoing, friendly nature. Later that day, she sent him an email, stating that it was a pleasure to meet him at the luncheon, she enjoyed their conversation, etc. Lovely ... nice follow-up. But then she added the comment that she had noticed that he had had very little in the way of fresh fruits or vegetables on his plate at lunch and was there some reason for that?
Excuse me?
Upon telling me about this experience, my first reaction was "Hmm, I see a not-so-subtle sales pitch coming." My second thought? The best way to handle this question was to ignore it. The only person who has the right to question someone's fruit and vegetable intake would be a spouse/partner, mother or physician, and considering that we are talking about a grown man, I think that the first two would be pushing the boundaries!
In terms of your email:
- Respond to it promptly, even if you are not going to take immediate action on a request. Your response lets the sender know that the message was received, not sent off into outer space.
- Make the subject line relevant to the message. Emails are often sorted and filed, thus a pertinent title will aid in quick reference and retrieval as needed.
- Include a complete signature line! At minimum, this should include your name, business/company and telephone number.
- Answer all relevant questions and be pre-emptive whenever possible; it reflects on your organizational skills and level of professionalism.
However, when the questions begin to infringe upon your "personal space" don't feel obligated to answer! Chances are, that will be the end of it. |
|
Remember...
Just because someone feels comfortable asking you a question via email doesn't mean you have to answer it.
It is not only acceptable to have personal boundaries, it is a good thing. They are the limits we set in terms of behavior, speech, and electronic communication (among other things) to protect ourselves from being affected or manipulated by the needs of others.
| |
Please feel free to send me any of your
etiquette or customer service questions or stories!
|
Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912
www.jodiblackwood.com
|
|
|
