To ensure your email gets opened by someone who’s very busy and suffering from email overload, assume he or she has forgotten previous conversations with you. The humbledMBA blog offers this and other email etiquette tips to get your message read.
Photo by Ian Lamont
The article, by FlightCaster co-founder Jason Freedman, describes how VCs and entrepreneurs typically are inundated with emails, including pitches from startups. To get through to people who receive hundreds of emails a day, Freedman says you want to be conscious of their needs:
You need to assume several key realities about the target of your email. He has received 300 other emails that day. He has temporarily forgotten how you met. He has temporarily forgotten everything you’ve already talked about. He has 20 seconds to spend on your email before deciding to handle it later (which may mean never). He probably won’t click any links or open any attachments.
Email etiquette then dictates you should: Be as descriptive as possible in your subject line, remind him/her of any previous conversations, and make your requests very direct and explicit. Keep your email to 3-5 sentences if possible, Freedman advises. Busy VIP or not, the suggestions outline good etiquette for making your email more readable and actionable for anyone.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the importance of a killer subject line. Check out the full post for more tips and advice.
How to Email Busy People [humbledMBA]
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