The vast majority of businesses now use email for business communications
, which of course highlights the importance of knowing proper email etiquette. It is astounding how many who practice proper etiquette when writing a "hard copy" business letter throw those rules away when composing an email. Let's not forget as online networkers offending someone or distracting them with poor online manners isn't going to further our cause.
Here are the basics.
Resist Immediately Filling in the Address. Do not fill in an address before finishing your email. Why? You may accidentally send it before completing or editing it which in business could spell disaster. I've personally done this and while not always causing embarrassment, there have been a couple of times when some damage was done. Always err on the side of caution by spell checking, editing and only then, completing the "To" part of the email.
Ask before getting "Attached" In the age of computer viruses you are better off letting the intended party know when possible that an attachment is on the way. I won't open an attachment from anyone I don't know and even then it still needs proper scanning. Spam and viruses are too prevalent to let your guard down online in this regard.
Grammar, Grammar, Grammar. The spell checker and Thesaurus are there for a reason use them. An email riddled with typos and bad grammar delivers a message but usually not the one intended. Reread important emails 2 or 3 times and also put them through the spell checker. If you are re using the same words too often look it up in the Thesaurus and use an alternate.
Be Professional. Professionalism hasn't gone out of style. Forget the emoticons and teenage abbreviations. Oh yes, those silly cutesy email names are not appropriate for business.
Get to the Point. You don't need to write "War and Peace" in your email. Be respectful of your reader's time by being concise and in context. Be mindful of your tone. You do not want to sound curt, demanding, or dismissive.