Do your emails get the attention and rapid response they deserve?
Here’s how to make sure people read and answer your messages while they’re still fresh:
- Grab them with your subject. The subject line should read like a compelling newspaper headline.
One technique is to use the subject line to tell people what you want up front:
“Please come to the 3 p.m. meeting,” for example, or “Do you have the Jones file?” - Limit yourself to one subject per message. Don’t overload readers with questions and data.
Single-topic emails are easier to answer than lengthy essays or questionnaires. - Ask for action. Tell the reader what you need him or her to do — present a report at the
3 o’clock meeting, or bring the Jones file to your office. Specify whether you want a response to your email. If it’s not necessary, tell them. - Be consistent. Tracking emails is easier when you keep the same subject line.