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Communicating by e-mail is no different from writing on your
company letterhead. A business communication is business, period. A
certain degree of formality is required. Just because e-mail tends to be
more immediate and personable, it doesn't need to get personal. (There
is a difference between personal and personable - check your
dictionary!)

Originating e-mail.
When originating e-mail, say where you obtained the e-mail address
of the person to whom you are writing. Or mention the web page
name or URL, if you e-mailed off a web page. Many business people
have more than one page on the internet and knowing from where or
why you are contacting them is helpful. It might even get you a more
meaningful reply.

In addition, always put something in the Subject box.

Messages that arrive with no indication of source and no Subject are
very likely to be treated as “junk mail.”

Do not send ‘attachments’ (files attached to an e-mail message) with
your e-mail unless and until your correspondent has indicated that
they will accept it. Ask first!

e-Mailheads and Signatures.

Create an e-mail letterhead for formal proposals, contracts, offers, and
the like. But, use it sparingly, and only when appropriate. Recipients
may balk at the wasted linage, unless there is a clear purpose. Keep it
short - 3 lines are enough.

Proper use would be whenever it is necessary to make it clear that the
message is from your company, rather than from yourself, such as an
offer to purchase.

Create a signature for consistency. Keep it short and concise. Include
your e-mail address in case the signature gets separated from the
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