We can use email not only to relay information quickly but also to establish and cement relationships with clients. Below are three ways to use email as a way to help make your client feel valued and understood:
Consider the client’s preferences. Does the client like to communicate electronically, or do they prefer a more personal approach, such as a phone call? If you don’t know, ask.
Think about the nature of the message. Is the message straightforward, e.g. “The meeting has been changed from 9 to 10 AM”. or is it layered: “What do you think about the proposal to tear down the community center and build a stadium”? A complex message is open to misinterpretation; in addition, the response can be time-consuming to write. A phone call or meeting can save both of you time and frustration.
Give the client a preview. The subject line should offer the client a clue as to the email content. For example, instead of “Our Meeting” try “Summary of Our Trade Show Meeting”.
With a little thought, we can leverage email to communicate while stoking a client’s feeling that they are important to us.
