Friday, May 29, 2015

Quick Tip - Email Format Appeal-ability

According to a survey by Harris Interactive, the magic number of emails that can be successfully handled by an employee is 50 a day. Many of us get more than that, and those we are attempting to reach may get more than that as well. If you want them read with action, or at least a response, please consider the following:

Greet the person receiving the email with his/er name, minimally.
Connect with the person by briefly relating to something going on with that person
Bullet your request or inquiry (number the items if there is a priority)
Set the time/date expectations clearly
Close with your name and contact information

A sample is:
Hi Jim!

Hope your Memorial weekend was great!

Since the XYZ meeting is next Tuesday, please provide:
-The projected costs
-The date options for starting the project
-Those you want included in the meeting

If I have those by close of business Thursday, we will both be set for Tuesday. Thank you.

Best,
Debbie
813.494.4438

These quick steps will keep your emails to the point, friendly, professional, and worthwhile for the reader!

Friday, May 15, 2015

Relationship-Building "Do's"

"We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics." 
~ Joyce Meyer
American author and speaker.
(b. 1943)
    
There seems to be a lot of "Don't" lists for so many thing on social media, and this is not one of them!

Relationships, not technology, make things happen. Technology is wonderful, and assists us in accomplishing things, and yet, regardless of systems and gadgets, people get things done.

Here are seven "do's" for relationship-building. Whether romantic couples, or business colleagues/partners, these are ways to maintain, enhance, and even grow what you have already nurtured.

1) Respect roles without getting so caught up in them that you only know what you do/bring
2) Keep conflicts private
3) Be happy for one another's success (and even brag about it for him/her)
4) Respect differences as strengths without attempting to change the other person
5) Address specific behaviors rather than the person in general
6) Do things for each other without being asked
7) Show appreciation for what the person does (even if that is what is expected in that "role")

These seven things, done sincerely, are all ways to be a contributing partner in any relationship!