Business E-Etiquette: How to Use Electronic Communication to Turn Prospects Into Clients.(Brief Article)

In today's ever-increasing virtual business world, more and more prospects are making the initial contact with you by e-mail communication. While this may be a big time-saver when it comes to returning phone calls and sending information packets, it does pose some challenges for turning those prospects into paying clients. The secret is knowing how to use every e-mail correspondence effectively to convert prospects into your best customers and referral sources.

The reasons why many prospects favor e-mail correspondence these days are plentiful. First, they don't have to talk to a live person on the initial query. This makes them more relaxed and eager to find out information about you and your company. Also, they can request the information they need any time of day, not just during your business hours. This is especially appealing to those prospects in different time zones and countries. Finally, when prospects receive your reply via e-mail, they get the instant attention they desire without the interruptions that come with phone calls.

Unfortunately, despite all these advantages to the prospects, you as the business professional need some special skills to effectively work with this kind of communication. The good news is that with proper e-etiquette, you can easily turn e-mail correspondences into one of your most profitable client sources.

The Rules of E-Etiquette

The most recent findings show that the average businessperson sends and receives about ninety e-mail messages per day. While these e-business correspondences are done at an incredible pace, you need to remember that the same rules of traditional correspondence etiquette apply. Your prospects choose to use e-mail because they are busy people who do not wish to have intrusions, who may not have time for idle chitchat, but who still need to know about your products and/or services. In order to turn these prospects into clients, follow these guidelines for effective e-mail communication.

Reply to your prospects as soon as possible.

The very nature of e-mail is instant communication. Your prospects want to know what you can offer them right now. While you may not be able to respond to their inquiries the moment you receive them, you do need to respond in a timely manner. The same day is best--but definitely within 24 hours. When your prospects see that you are able to respond quickly with the information they need, it plants the seed for future speedy service and makes them more apt to do business with you.