There are what seems like a million missals out there in Internet land about how to writer better emails. However, no one has a “mind of Kindra” except me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences with email that I’d like to share. I know that sounds conceited, but …
… my point is that each person is an individual, and you should pay attention to your own experiences and your own personality to help determine how you write your next email.
If I were to write your emails for you as a ghostwriter, it would be important for me to know your relationship with the recipient of the email, for example. If I wrote it as if I were myself, I might get you in hot water.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you are in trouble at work because you took a computer home for the weekend without getting permission. Aside from the fact that I’d never do that (I’m a goody two-shoes :p ), my response to my boss might be something like this: “I’m such a loser for thinking I could do this. Please accept my apologies…at least until next time the computer is unguarded. Just kidding!”
YOUR boss, however, might not be someone you can joke around with like that. In fact, you inform me, your job is hanging in the balance because you’ve created some other problems around the office, and this could possibly be the last straw before you are fired. This is very critical information that makes it necessary to write a different kind of kick-ass email.
Here’s what I’d write for you as your ghostwriter — or you might write this yourself: “Sam, I know I’ve made a few questionable decisions lately, and taking the computer home without permission is one of them. Please accept my apologies! I have a tendency to act without thinking, and I am committed to working on that. I really value my work here, and I’d like to talk with you more about what I need to do to become a better member of the team. Do you have time for lunch today?”
This is just a small example of the way writing in an email can make or break you. Sometimes a kick-ass email is accomplished with eloquent writing, sometimes with clear formatting, sometimes with an impactful approach.
It’s not hard to write your own kick-ass emails. Just use this rule of thumb: Think before you type!
