To help you remember the ideas outlined, Iíll use the acronym EMAIL. Read on.

E = EXHIBIT professionalism in your email message. Make sure you use a salutation. Examples include: ìDear Joeî, ìHello, Melindaî, ìGreetings Henryî. Just as you would never answer your telephone without saying ìhelloî, you should never just begin your email with just text. This is rude. Stick to a professional approach. I promise, it only takes you two seconds to type this.

M = MAKE the subject matter compelling to read. Remember, all of us are bombarded with email messages. You want to share with your customer why you are contacting them. For example, if you are emailing a lead, use the referral name IN the subject section of the mail. If you are sending an agreement, tell the customer that. Be careful not to make too much of a claim in your subject box. We are all too inundated with SPAM to pay attention to those.

A = ASK for action from your customer to get a response.  Examples include: ìWhen can we set up a phone call this week?î or ìWhat is the best time to reach you tomorrow?î or ìLetís meet for coffee. Does Tuesday or Wednesday sound better with your schedule?î

I = INCLUDE benefit statements when you are bringing in features about your company and products. For example, if you make a comment such as: ìWeíve been supplying our customers with outstanding service for 17 years.î The customer may think,  ìso what?î Tell your customers the benefit of helping your customers for 17 years. You might say: ìWeíve been around for 17 years with the best prices, and that means you will benefit by our long time experience, saving you money in the long run.î

L =  LEAVE the email with a professional signature line. If you just sign it ìRalphî, the recipient may not remember your last name, company, etc. Make it easy for the customer to remember you with your last name, company, and phone number. You may even want a link to your websiteómaking it convenient for the customer to learn more about your company. Your customers are busy. Donít make them work too hard by having to analyze the return email address, subtle codes, and more.

Try these email ideas today, and watch your customer interactions grow through. Then, email us about your successes. We want to hear from you.

(c) Renee Walkup, SalesPEAK, 678 587-9911 www.salespeak.com