How to address business email.

[papverpoppies]

Can I please ask how do you all address an email that is going out to someone you have never met (ie a business email).

Do you treat it the same as a letter - or not?

Dear, who ever, seems too formal, Hi too casual - how do you get round it?

Are there any hard fast rules?

Poppy

 

[Coppock]

hi, is it for a sales pitch or networking?
it will depend on you, your business, the person and the subject,

Jen

 

[papverpoppies]

Business meeting.

Thanks

Poppy

 

[Coppock]

to arrange one? have you spoken or met the person? do you have a name to arrange the meeting with?

Jen

 

[papverpoppies]

Hi

Spoken once over the telephone to arrange a meeting - I have both his names. He is a business advisor.

At the moment he is on holiday, but some of the things he said I needed to complete before we meet, have had to be rescheduled (out of my control) but he needs to be kept in the loop, and I need to know if he wants to put the date of our meeting back - because of this, or not).

It is his office that has advised me to send the email with a copy to them also.

He gets back from his hols the day before he is due to visit me (hence the need for the info)!

Thanks

Poppy

 

[Coppock]

I guess it would come down to what you're comfortable with,

I normally send casual emails, but i'm a casual person and very relaxed, I wouldn't expect a "formal" reply from other people.

I normally write as I'd speak -

"Hi Phil, further to our conversation earlier I've forwarded the details below"

That sort of thing, that tends to be how other business associates email me as well, but its whatever you're comfortable with. As long as you try to use correct spellings and punctuation then you will be fine!

I hope this helps
Jen

 

[papverpoppies]

Thanks for that!

I like the casual approach also, as you say, spelling etc is more important.

Poppy

 

[Coppock]

no problem, good luck!

Jen

 

[XanderMarketing]

For me it's 'Hi'. Also people don't really use 'Dear' in emails, that's more for letters and spam filters do pick up on that word.

 

[Coppock]

For me it's 'Hi'. Also people don't really use 'Dear' in emails, that's more for letters and spam filters do pick up on that word.

I always hate the word Dear,
even in formal letters...

It reminds me of that blackadder episode with "Darling";
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C5zb195n84

Its just such a weak, affectionate word to use as an introduction...

sorry - its been a long day!

Jen