There are plenty of people on the net, sending E-mail, however many miss the power of how to really use it as a prospecting tool for new business. By incorporating a few “automated” steps to E-mail messaging, you can expand beyond a message to create a unique presence, build and identify your brand, and leverage the power of existing and prospective business relationships.
With a little information conveniently tucked in to your signature, you can encourage the recipients of your email to advance the relationship to another level, just by offering a couple of choices with a personal “close”.
You can always spot a newcomer when you get an e-mail that doesn’t indicate a name or contact information at the end of their message, especially those that have an email “user” name that does not clearly identify the sender. Your email address should tell people who you are or what business you are in for full branding effect.
Every time you respond to a message, you are in fact, publishing! Take advantage of the opportunity by showcasing yourself. Be sure to include:
- Your full name,
- Designations, if appropriate
- Company name and phone number with AREA code
- Tag line or slogan
- Your web address using the http://www included in your web address
- Your email address typed with a hyperlink using the words “mailto” then the colon sign, followed by your email address without spaces.
This information should be displayed at the end of each and every one of your messages, and performs several services for you:
· Creates a more professional conclusion to your messages
· Assists the receiver in knowing more about you and how to reach you other than digitally
· It “finishes” the message and makes it simple for the recipient to simply “click” on your email hyperlink to automatically set up a new email template ready for your message,
The “automated signature” function available in your E-mail manager offers this built in billboard and allows you to set up this personalized information to avoid the repetition of typing your name and information for every message.
In the digital world, anything that needs to be done more than once should be automated, and your email manager has a feature that allows you to create a sign off signature body of information that automatically loads every time you want to send an email. Programs like “Outlook®” and “Outlook Express®” are two software programs that make automating your signature easy and simple.
Keep in mind that as more people use address books and contact managers to reference your information, having a permanent E-mail address with an easy to brand email address is the safest way to start creating a consistent, worldwide digital presence.
So, the next time you sign off, you can just “click”, and know that you are clicking off in high style and exhibiting top professionalism!
