9 bad email faux pas everyone should stop by Amy George on Dec 29, 2017, 9:48 AM Advertisement
 - Bad email habits can undermine your professionalism and hold you back in your career.
- As you enter 2018, avoid the 9 biggest email faux-pas people make.
- Instead of using dull subject lines, use ones that inspire action.
- Don't take forever to get to your point — make sure your ask is clear and brief.
- Reconsider the email closing that you use. "Best" isn't always best.
Lately, I've been super aware of my email habits and intent on correcting the bad ones.
I attribute this renewed email awareness to three things: the end-of-year flurry of work that results in an overflowing in box, my recent work with a business coach (more on this to come in future columns) and the daily litany of women speaking out about sexual harassment at work. Why that last one? Some email bad habits seem to be committed more by women, causing us to undermine ourselves, and we need to look out for ourselves in every way personally and professionally. I've compiled a list of email transgressions that I tend to make and see others commit. Here are the biggies — the nine email bad habits you need to stop right now. Don't let them hold you back in 2018. SEE ALSO: 6 American work habits other countries avoid at all costs 1. Using dull, non-actionable subject lines  No more "Checking in," says Melissa DeLay, founder of TruPerception, which handles reputation management for CEOs and business leaders. "Instead, use subject lines that inspire action, such as `Quick question,' 'Here's the solution' and 'Who do you know?' Always keep your focus on your need. This may improve your chance of getting the response you want."
2. Apologizing and mitigating This is what I was talking about with women and email, and I'm not the only one. Kryss Shane, a licensed social worker, writer and public speaker, urges women to quit with the "I was wondering if..." or "I just think that..." or "I hope it's ok to say this, but..." "Women are already dealing with sexism in the workplace," she said. "Don't make it tougher on yourself by making yourself sound meek." There's also my favorite: "just checking in." I've just checked in when people are past due on something they owe to me, including payment for services rendered. No more. And no more softening email asks with an exclamation mark. If you made a mistake or goofed in any way, apologize. Otherwise, just stop.
3. Not getting to the point  This gets back to focusing on what you need. "People spend too much time 'building up' for emails with bigger asks," says Jessica Kay, who writes a blog called "Cubicle Chic." Ask what you want or need to know to start and then get to your reasons and background — briefly.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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