Email is now one of the most important methods of business communication. In fact, according to some of the latest figures, as much as 90 per cent of business communication now happens by email, as the average professional receives close to 150 messages and spends approximately 2.5 hours on email each and every day.
As a result, it’s not hard to see that knowing the right email etiquette is important. That’s why the right college helps prepare students for this important workplace reality—and why an AOLC business education includes email etiquette training.
What are some of the things that students learn during their training? Read on to find out!
1. Business College Teaches Students How to Keep Emails Brief and To-The-Point
With the average professional receiving so many emails per day, one of the most helpful etiquette tips students learn at business college it to keep their emails short and to-the-point. Instead of working your way to what you would like to ask, start with the most important information first. That way, readers in a rush can quickly get the information they need.
Seasoned business professionals also make sure to write a detailed subject line for their email. If you’re emailing a co-worker about changing the time of a meeting, it’s helpful to make sure your subject line is specific. For example, “About Tuesday Meeting Time” is a much clearer subject than “Hi”. This makes it easier for the recipient to find your email as they sort through their inbox. Additionally, if the recipient needs to search for your message at a much later date, it’ll be easier to pick out from the rest.
2. Business Management Training Students Learn to Avoid Typing with Caps Lock On
To many professionals with business management training, a message written entirely in caps lock sounds like the online equivalent of shouting. For example, the same message can sound very different depending on whether it is written in all capitals or not:
“I NEED YOU TO CHECK THE ACCOUNTS TODAY. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS IMMEDIATELY.”
“I need you to check the accounts today. Please take care of this immediately.”
In the first one, the tone of the message comes across as alarming and angry. In the second, however, the request sounds firm and urgent, but also polite and respectful. That’s why students quickly learn to break the habit of using all caps during their business communication courses.
3. Business College Grads Keep Generational Preferences in Mind When Using an Ellipsis
When it comes to the ellipsis, different generations tend to interpret its meaning differently. To many professionals, adding “…” at the end of a sentence helps to soften the tone of their email and sound like they’re trailing off rather than simply outright asking for something.
To a baby boomer, for example, the message “Did you get the email I sent you… I need a reply by the end of the day…” might sound like a polite reminder.
However, many younger employees might read that message as passive aggressive. That’s because younger generations, like Millennials and members of Generation Z often use “…” in their messages when they want to convey annoyance or anger. As a result, these younger workers could feel hurt by a message intended to be kind.
What other email etiquette tips will you learn while you complete your business management diploma?
Start your training to find out!