Note: Obviously, that’s not the correct line from American Pie, I do not use profanity but you get the idea!
The reason for this post today (and post title) is a partial venting session and a partial teaching session.
When corresponding with ANYONE, whether it be on the phone, via e-mail, via text message, via instant messenger, via face to face; USE THEIR NAME!
Lately I’ve been corresponding with a company for work that needs to be done with Twenty70 Hosting and we’ve been corresponding for over a month now and I have yet to see them actually WRITE my name in an e-mail. I realize it is probably going through a ticketing system because the responses are ALWAYS generic, which is another thing I hate when communicating with clients/potential clients but that’s another post.
It peeves me greatly when the e-mail starts with:
Hi,
Below are the….
I mean, really? I have a name, use it. Try to be a little bit more personable and life-like, you know? Try to act like you WANT my continued business.
Now, I know (much to my dismay) that I have not yet perfected the art of communication. I have my Facepalms still but duuuddeee, is it soooo hard to address me by name?
For instance, sending an e-mail to a blogger, it’s frowned upon to start the e-mail with:
Dear Blogger,
Dear Technology Blogger,
Dear Mommy Blogger,
I would say that using the terms above is only good for when you’re speaking via a public ad or post and addressing your readers (who may be one of the above). But, if you are going to send them a PERSONAL e-mail then PERSONALIZE it. Unless, of course, you’re SPAM.
Just my two cents worth on that…
HAPPY FRIDAY!
xoxo,
Keleigh
Keleigh,
I agree with you 100%. But what makes me more mad is when companies mis-spell my name. I mean, my bloody name is right there in front of you. I sign every email with my name. My name is in my email address. My name is 2 lines above in the client center details. And they misspell it.
>_<