Get your email message read

Even after all these years of email, it seems like people assume others are just waiting at their computer with bated breath for their message. Surprise, they’re not. I get at least 150 messages a day. Others get hundreds. If you want your message noticed and read, be clear in the subject. Let the recipient know what it’s about and why they should care. Sometimes, I use the subject as the entire message. The sales mantra of WIIFM applies…what’s in it for me. Answer that question and your messages will get read. Just be sure and deliver on that promise.

On a related note, if you’re changing a topic in an email thread, start a new thread with a clear subject. It will make it much easier for everyone to find that information again.