I love e-mail. Maybe it's because
I'm a writer, but for me it's so much easier to write my thoughts
than to verbalize them. I tend to stumble over my words when
I'm talking to someone. I guess my brain doesn't work fast
enough. ;-)
Unfortunately, however, because
e-mail is so "anonymous," common courtesy sometimes
flies out the window. More than once, I've been contacted
by individuals who would like an estimate for a writing project.
Several messages may pass back and forth as I gather information
to provide them with a figure that I hope will be fair to
both of us.
Then what happens? I give them
my "best guess" and never hear from them again!
Oh sure, I write several e-mail follow-ups, but it usually
makes little difference.
I realize that sometimes it's difficult
to say "No." Basically, none of us wants to hurt
another person's feelings. But if you're on the receiving
end -- as we all have been -- isn't it better to know what's
happening then to be left hanging? Wouldn't you rather have
a person say "Thank you for your time and efforts, but
we've selected someone else"? Then you can move on.
Certainly this principle goes
far beyond e-mail courtesy. In any part of business ... or
life, for that matter ... open communication is so important.
There are those that believe "knowledge
is power." But the true power is when you share
your knowledge. Business associates, whether peers or subordinates,
will think far more of you if you help them perform their
jobs or run their business better by giving them the facts
they need.
Nan Yielding has nearly 10 years experience as an online business owner. She is the owner of Writing-Etc.com and offers internet marketing services and assistance to help website owners attract more customers and increase sales.
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