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About 90% of my daily communication is done by email. I text and answer the phone, but I generate leads, follow up on them, keep in touch, and confirm appointments by email. In fact, I tell people, whether they text me to meet or call to schedule something, "Email me." (As I'm writing this, I just scheduled lunch today with my mom...you guessed it...via email.)
As you can imagine, this has me sending and receiving many messages on any given day. I don't know a ton of tricks, shortcuts or gimmicks, but I have learned this:
You can stand out and get a response when you ask a question.
So, lately, I've started closing emails with
What else can I do for you?As opposed to
Let me know if you have any questions.The question lets the recipient know you're interested in having a conversation, and that you've done the work required to get that conversation started. You're listening. You want an answer.
The generic "Let me know..." puts the reader in a no-person's land. How should they let you know? What's a valid question? What if it's just a small thing? Are you the contact for a particular issue? What if they have an idea, but not a question?
Don't be lazy. Ask a question and you'll get an answer and the collaboration, partnership, or deal will go to the next level.
Other good questions:
These looks more interesting to use. I use 'Let me know...' so much that I annoy myself (it's in 80% of my e-mails).
Thanks for the great suggestion.
It is amazing what the power of suggestion can do. I will be sure to start using this.
I like your closing question--I use "let me know," but I've never been entirely happy with it because it's not actually inviting a response. (Of course, there are times when you don't want a response!) And your suggestions for questions are good, too. Some other options might be:
How else can we use this?
Should this be part of a bigger project/initiative?
I think this advice is great outside of emails as well. The best way to make new friends is to ask lots of questions. People like feeling as though they're interesting and it opens all kinds of doors for interaction.
Don’t judge based on popularity or blind reciprocity, instead make sure they “get it” and just as importantly, that their followers “get it”. More...
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