If you’re wondering why the CEO of one of your suppliers, competitors or business partners hasn’t yet replied to your most recent e-mail, you’re not alone.
Executives are swamped with e-mail these days, saying they receive an average of 36 electronic messages each day, according to an OfficeTeam survey of more than 150 business leaders nationwide.
But you can increase the chances that your note gets read — and replied to — sooner by following five “power e-mail” tips, says Diane Domeyer, OfficeTeam executive director.
Think before you write. Knowing your ultimate goal will help clarify your message.
Keep it short. The more succinct you are, the more likely you’ll receive a prompt reply.
Use the subject line to your advantage. Generic terms result in delayed reading.
Include an action step. If you’re looking for action, say it. Don’t beat around the bush or insinuate you want something. Be direct.
Keep it simple. Include only one piece of information per message. The fewer issues someone has to reply to in an e-mail, the easier it is to respond quickly.
