Making memorable starts to your emails

There are effective emails, and then there are ineffective emails. Effective emails use the formula B.L.U.F.—Bottom Line Up Front. This is not saying you should be unprofessional; it’s saying you should be professional by valuing the reader’s time. And you value their time by explaining the intention of the email. Remember that the goal is always to be effective in your communications.

Ineffective v. effective

Here are some scenarios with examples of ineffective and effective emails.

No. 1: When following up with someone on a previous email, your goal is to bring it back to the top of their inbox in a professional manner.

An ineffective approach would be: “Any updates on this?”

An example of an effective approach is: “I’m reaching out to bring this proposal back to the top of your inbox. Have you had a chance to review it?”

Why is this effective? The first sounds pushy, where the second sounds helpful.

No. 2: Sometimes, you need to get the attention of a person who is very busy.

An ineffective approach would be: “I just wanted to follow up.”

An example of an effective approach is: “Would next week be a better time to revisit this?”

Why is this effective? The reader gets a choice. They can answer “yes” or “no” or give a better date. People love options!