If you are just starting out as an Internet entrepreneur then you have a lot to learn about doing business online. One such thing you need to concentrate on is your e-mailing habits. E-mail is your way of communicating with people and potential customers, so developing good e-mail habits early on is very important.
Habit #1 Respond Quickly
Always respond as quickly as possible to an e-mail. Dont respond so quickly that you do not answer the questions or write properly, but respond as fast as you possibly can. One to two days maximum.
Habit #2 Grammar and Spelling
As a beginning Internet entrepreneur you cannot risk losing customers because you cant write properly or spell. Fortunately, spellchecker and grammar check will help you with this. Be sure to use it with every e-mail.
Habit #3 Appropriate Subject and Format
Make sure the subject heading is filled in and gives the reader some clue as to the content of the e-mail. Then, make sure the format of the e-mail is similar to that of a real business letter. Lastly, dont forget to keep it short and sweet. When you write a long drawn out e-mail you will lose peoples attention.
Habit #4 Address Recipient
Always address the recipient of the e-mail. You dont have to start out with Dear Recipient, but their name should definitely be addressed. This gives a more professional look to your e-mail, which is just what you are trying to accomplish as a new Internet entrepreneur.
Habit #5 Provide Contact Information
Always provide your contact information in your e-mail following your signature. This way individuals will be able to visit your website, call you, fax or e-mail you without having to ask you for this information or do any extra research. Make it easy.
Habit #6 Cases
Dont use all upper case or all lower case. Type correctly, just like you would write. You would never send a business letter in all caps or all lowercase, so dont send e-mails this way either. Some people will interpret this as either screaming or whispering, respectively, and some might think it is just unprofessional. Avoid this and type correctly.
Habit #7 Previous Messages
When you respond to someone and are answering their questions be sure to include the previous e-mail so they may see exactly what you are replying to. Frequently, people send e-mails and when you reply without the previous e-mail attached they have no idea what you are responding to. The best thing is to copy parts of the previous e-mail and paste it in your e-mail with your response. Or be very specific when answering questions, such as restating them, for the convenience of your reader. If not, you will waste your time and theirs and not be perceived as a professional.
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There are more than 100 million e-mail users in the United States. Imagine how many of them might need YOUR services or products. Dozens Hundreds Thousands Millions (Go ahead... dream big!)
I encourage you to try reaching some of that audience with targeted e-mail marketing. If youve never tried this marketing method, it might sound a little scary. But in reality, its quick, efficient, and best of all, FREE! To begin a simple e-mail marketing campaign, ask yourself:
What products or services do I have to offer What are my areas of expertise
What target group of people might buy them
Who is in my current database
How can I increase the size of my database and include those in my target audience
As you brainstorm how you could increase the size of your database, dont forget to include your friends, family, past work associates, hair dresser, current business partners (accountant, banker, attorney, printer, etc.) and anyone who has expressed an interest in your business. Also include members of any professional associations you belong to, plus local community leaders. Send it to everyone and anyone who might someday need - or know someone else who needs - your services. Include your current clients and prospects.
Your e-mail content might be as simple as a short note telling potential buyers about what you offer. Or, even better, offer a special deal. To establish yourself as an expert in your field, consider writing a short article or tips about your area of expertise. The message doesnt have to be long - just make sure its factual, well-written, and to the point.
As you begin to feel more comfortable with e-mail marketing, consider making it a regular part of your business. Research has shown that it takes the average consumer at least 5-7 points of contact before they make a purchase. Sending e-mails on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis will establish you as an expert and keep you in the forefront of your target markets mind.
You could offer a free e-zine (short for electronic magazine) full of great tips. It doesnt have to be formatted in HTML (which include colors and pictures such as in this e-zine) - simple text e-zines are just fine, too. (More on that subject in a future issue!) Think about all the places you could advertise your free e-zine: on your web site, on all your written communications, at your seminars and expos, in your e-mail signature and voice mail messages. (To avoid irritating those who would rather not receive your e-mails, never sign people up for a subscription without their permission and be sure to include an easy way for them to opt out of your e-mail campaigns.)
Give it a try! Sending an e-mail with the intent to increase your business is a great move. E-mail marketing is easy, fast, and inexpensive. It attracts new customers and builds buyer loyalty. And best of all, by 2005, e-mail marketing will be a $7 billion (yes, billion!) per year business. Wouldnt you like a little piece of that pie
2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.
Sara Pedersen, author of the FREE e-zine The Marketing Fairys Guide to Simple Self Promotion, is a professional organizer and marketing specialist. She helps small business owners make their marketing dreams come true. Sign up today at to receive your FREE monthly subscription.