Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1102144
not choose to include your office address, depending on your specific work situation. Less is more in an email signature. We recommend against putting a Facebook page, LinkedIn, or any other social media links in there. But, for others, we know that may be your calling card. To each their own. (It's better to ditch the inspirational quote. A quote from Rumi is oddly out of place at the bottom of an email with suggestions for a heating pad.) Once you've got a great email signature figured out, customize the email signature on your smartphone to be identical. When your email signature is the same from all devices you use, clients will never feel like they got an email response on the fly or as an afterthought. Now that you've got the structure cleared up, let's talk about content. MAKE SURE THE SUBJECT REPRESENTS THE TOPIC OF THE EMAIL This helps when you need to search for an email later. Also, many people use their email inbox as a to-do list. Using a relevant subject will make your email more likely to be found, read, and handled. INCLUDE A GREETING AND A CLOSING Confession: we break this rule often in more casual emails, or when there's a lot of back-and-forth and a long email chain. But we're sticklers about it for at least the first email in any particular To recap: I'm attaching a copy of my license and proof of insurance. I'll be bringing all the supplies and equipment needed to provide massage from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the conference center. Please confirm that you have been able to secure a 12' × 12' or larger space for me to provide massage and are supplying water and snacks for the team of three therapists throughout the day. A little clarity goes a long way and makes you look super professional (and prepared). DON'T HESITATE TO SHUT DOWN AN EMAIL CONVERSATION IF IT'S GETTING CONFUSING OR EMOTIONAL Email is great, but it's not always the best method for communication. If you're having a difficult interaction and you're angry or confused, stop. Maybe the situation could be better handled with a phone call. All you have to say is … May we set a time for a quick talk on the phone to resolve this? I'm available tomorrow between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Do either of those windows work for you? … or you could try … I would really like to give this situation the attention it deserves. May I call you this evening or tomorrow? Is there a time that's best for you? Tone and intent can be easily misinterpreted in email; a phone call can quickly de-escalate a difficult situation. Email is a great tool, and just a bit of effort can help you use it more effectively in your business and have a positive effect on your reputation as a solid business owner. Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds can be found at www.massagebusinessblueprint. com, a member-based community designed to help you attract more clients, make more money, and improve your quality of life. When your email signature is the same from all devices you use, clients will never feel like they got an email response on the f ly or as an afterthought. situation. If "Dear Jane" seems too formal, go with "Hi Jane" or even just "Jane." You've got several options for a closing too. When it's appropriate, use "Thanks." There's also "Have a good day," "Sincerely," and "Looking forward to hearing from you." But make sure it's genuine and appropriate for the topic and tone of the email. USE FULL WORDS, SENTENCES, AND PROPER GRAMMAR An email to clients, colleagues, and/ or referral partners is not a text. It is a professional communication. Treat it as such. Enough said. BE ORGANIZED If there's lots of information or multiple topics in an email, use bullet points or even numbered lists to stay organized. Yes, you'll probably feel a little neurotic the first few times you do this, but you'll find it's a great tool for communicating efficiently, and people will appreciate your organizational skills and clarity. BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT FROM THE EMAIL If you're just sharing information, you may not need a response. If you need a reply or action, be sure to ask for one at the end of the email, especially if it is a long email. Think through what you want and be sure you've given all the necessary information for the person to respond or take the action you need. Don't be afraid to end with a summarization and a list. Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 23