Email is a key tool that allows business professionals to communicate very quickly in writing in great detail. It has replaced traditional phone calls and long-winded memos. Emails have also greatly reduced the need for group meetings just to share information. Emails also serve as written proof or validation of past requests, instructions and discussions. Practically no business today operates without email.
However, like any tool — when not used properly — email can be detrimental. Even old emails and ones that are thought to have been deleted can still be resurrected from computer memory and used in legal proceedings. Email mistakes can (and have) cost companies both business and money. That is why it is imperative that business emails be thoughtfully composed and vetted before sent. While that may seem obvious, companies continue to deal with email blunders by staff at every level. Given the increased demand for privacy and security of information in many industries and the major financial consequences that can be on the line when emails go awry – think of the embarrassing emails that surfaced when Sony Pictures’ computers were hacked — email best practices are vital for every organization’s survival and success. Here are eleven of the most common blunders and how best to avoid them. Continue reading