How to Email Like a Boss: Communicating Authority

Ever wish you could tame those unruly email threads and communicate like a true boss? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’re diving into the art of “Email Like a Boss” – a refreshing approach that won’t strip away your authenticity.

No jargon, no complicated strategies – just practical tips and tricks to help you reclaim your inbox and make your emails stand out for all the right reasons.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone trying to stay organized, we’ve got you covered!

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From creating a professional email address to nailing that perfect subject line to crafting concise yet impactful messages, we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts, helping you connect with others in a way that’s both human and effective.

Let’s revolutionize your email game together!

Creating a Professional Email Address

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to email like a boss, let’s talk a few pointers about the face of your virtual version – the professional email address. This is the first thing a recipient sees and thus forms the first impression of you.

Your professional email address should be the digital equivalent of wearing a well-tailored suit to a business meeting. A “nice catch” email address goes a long way in setting the tone when talking business, especially with potential employers or clients.

So, ditch that email address you created back in middle school. It’s time to upgrade to a more professional email account that represents your name and the subject area of your work. Consider creating a separate email account for business purposes if you haven’t done so already.

Elevating Your Email Game: The Art of Writing

Writing professional* emails like a boss isn’t the same as writing a casual message to a friend. Unlike chatting on social media platforms, the email game requires a different set of rules. The way you write emails should reflect your professional persona, and your choice of words can make a huge difference.

To write like a boss, you need to remember a few pointers:

  • Use active voice: The active voice makes your message direct and clear. This reduces the possibility of misunderstanding and ensures everyone is on the same page.
  • Avoid lengthy email and long messages: Most people do not enjoy reading long messages. Make sure you provide all the important details, but also strive to get to the point quickly.
  • Be aware of your language: Your language shows your professionalism. Make sure to avoid jargon, slang, and grammar mistakes that might put off the reader.

Understanding the Power of the Subject Line

The subject line of your email is like a headline for a news article. It has to be engaging enough to grab the reader’s attention, yet accurate enough to reflect the content of your message.

When crafting your subject line, consider what would make you open an email. A good subject line is concise, direct, and gives a snapshot of what the email is about. Use specific keywords that your specific audience might be interested in.

For instance, if you have a deadline tomorrow, writing email with a subject line like “Urgent: Project XYZ – Feedback Required by Tomorrow” will definitely grab the recipient’s attention.

Remember, you want your recipient to open your email, not overlook it or, even worse, send it to the spam folder.

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Professional Email Format

Professional emails have a certain structure to follow.

  • Start with a formal salutation. Use the recipient’s name if you know it.
  • Briefly introduce yourself and your organization (if necessary).
  • State the purpose of your email.
  • Provide any necessary details.
  • End with a professional closing and your name.

While this might seem like a lot to handle, with a little practice, writing professional emails will become second nature.

Fine-Tuning Your Email Content

The core of emailing like a boss is the content of your message. After setting the stage with a professional email address and a catchy subject line, the body of your email should carry forward that momentum.

An important point to remember when you write emails is to stick to the point. Rambling long paragraphs may end up confusing the recipient and diluting the crux of your message. Instead, break your content into bullet points or shorter paragraphs. This not only makes the email easier to read but also highlights all the important details effectively.

When you’re talking business in an email, clarity is king. Be concise and focus on communicating clear expectations. If there are multiple points, break them down. And, avoid the mistake of burying the lead – your most important details should be at the top, not hidden away.

Striking the Right Tone in Professional Emails

Your tone in an email sets the mood for the entire conversation. It’s the virtual version of your facial expressions in a person-to-person room meeting.

Use language that helps replace facial expressions and emotional cues in your writing. But be careful not to overdo it. Too many exclamation marks and points can come across as unprofessional or even aggressive. On the flip side, a complete lack of them may make your email sound robotic and dispassionate. Balance is key!

Avoid sounding overly apologetic. Frequent apologizing might come off as lacking confidence and can undercut the points you’re trying to make. Instead, focus on conveying your message with assertiveness and professionalism.

Tailoring Your Email to the Recipient

When sending emails, remember: one size doesn’t fit all. Tailoring your message to the recipient shows respect for their time and effort.

For instance, if your recipient prefers short and concise messages, don’t send them a lengthy email. If they are detail-oriented, make sure you provide all the important details.

Researching your recipient beforehand and understanding their preferences can take your email game up a few notches.

Managing the Timing and Frequency of Your Emails

The timing of when you send emails also plays a vital role in professional communication. It’s best practice to respect the recipient’s working hours and send emails during that time.

Remember, just because you can send an email at any time doesn’t mean you should. Avoid sending emails at odd hours unless it’s a matter of urgency. Also, be aware of different time zones if your recipient is in another part of the world.

Remember, becoming an email boss doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice and continuous learning. Try out these strategies and start acting like the boss in the email game.

Mastering the Follow-Up

A common mistake most people make when sending emails is neglecting the follow-up. Remember, a conversation is a two-way street. An initial email, that does not garner a response within an expected response time might require a gentle follow-up.

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It’s all about striking a balance, though. You don’t want to be the person who spams the recipient of angry email’s inbox. A good rule of thumb is to wait for a reasonable amount of time, perhaps a week, before following up on your initial email.

In your follow-up email, reiterate the point of your original message, remind the recipient of the pending action, and express your readiness to provide additional information if needed.

Assertiveness in Emails

An assertive tone in a business email is often crucial to get your point across effectively. However, it’s easy to step over the line and come across as aggressive, especially when you’re writing an angry email.

When writing emails with an assertive tone, your aim should be to clearly communicate your needs or requirements without belittling the recipient. Use clear and strong words, but stay polite. Also, avoid using the passive voice as it often weakens the message you’re trying to convey.

While assertiveness is good, remember the golden rule of professionalism: respect the recipient. Being assertive doesn’t mean being insensitive to the recipient’s feelings or feedback.

Polishing Your Emails with Proper Grammar

Grammar mistakes are the landmines of professional emails. They can destroy your credibility faster than you can say “Oops!” Double-check your email for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors before hitting the send button. Tools like Grammarly can help you in this regard.

Remember, you’re writing emails, not text messages. So, refrain from using internet slang, abbreviations, or emoticons. These are big no-gos in the world of professional communication.

The Power of Inspiration

A bit of inspiration can add a spark to your emails. Including relevant inspirational quotes can often connect with the recipient on a human level, showing them that there’s a person behind the screen who understands and values the interaction.

However, it makes sense to use this sparingly and only where it makes sense. Remember, your primary goal is to communicate professionally and effectively, not to be the recipient’s motivational coach.

Emailing like a boss is not a one-time activity. It’s a continuous process that evolves with every email you send. Keep honing your skills, stay receptive to feedback, and strive to improve with each email.

Personalizing Your Professional Email Account

Let’s talk about the finer details in your professional email account that can often be overlooked. These elements may seem small, but when you’re trying to email like a boss, every detail counts.

Your profile picture, for instance, contributes significantly to the first impression a recipient has of you. If your email client supports it, make sure to use a clear and professional profile picture. This helps to humanize your email and can build trust with the recipient.

Making a Good First Impression

The first thing a recipient sees when they open your email isn’t actually your message – it’s your subject line. So, make it count. A good subject line is brief, relevant, and compelling. It should make the recipient want to open your email and read on.

Avoid vague or generic subject lines that don’t provide any insight into the content of your email. The subject line should accurately represent the subject area of your email and set clear expectations for the recipient.

Also, consider adding a sense of urgency to your subject line, like “Deadline tomorrow”, when it’s applicable. This could encourage a quicker your response time.

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Handling Attachments Like a Pro

Attachments are often a necessary part of professional email communication. However, they can also lead to a frustrating experience for the recipient if not handled correctly.

Always mention the attachments in your email to make sure the recipient knows they’re there. Additionally, make sure the files are not too large, and that they’re in a format that’s widely accessible.

If you’re sending multiple documents, consider using a cloud-based service like Google Drive or Dropbox and providing the link in your email. This can help avoid clogging the recipient’s inbox.

Consider Your Audience and Their Needs

Every email you send should be written with a specific audience in mind. Tailoring your message to meet the recipient’s needs and preferences can go a long way in fostering effective communication.

Using specific keywords that resonate with your audience can enhance the relevance and appeal of your email. For example, if you’re writing to potential employers, words like “results-driven”, “proven track record”, or “highly motivated” might catch their attention.

Remember, when it comes to emailing like a boss, the devil is in the details. The little things can make a big difference. So, pay attention to them and see how your email game improves.

Mailarrow can help you and clients take care of these details with ease. Our cold email outreach software is designed to help you manage your professional email communication effectively. Sign up for Mailarrow and start sending emails like a boss today!

Perfecting the Art of Email Etiquette

In the world of professional email communication, etiquette is king. Understanding and practicing good email etiquette can take your business email game up a few notches. It can distinguish you as a seasoned pro who knows how to handle business.

Responding to emails within a reasonable time frame shows respect for the sender’s time and establishes you as a reliable professional. A late reply, unless justified, can create a negative impression.

Also, remember to stay within working hours when sending emails, especially to clients in different time zones. Nobody appreciates being disturbed outside their working hours, not even your boss.

Use Language That Speaks Volumes

Your language shows your level of professionalism and the seriousness with which you are talking business. Avoid using a casual tone or language that’s more suited for a chat room. Unlike chatting, professional emails require a formal tone and language.

Keep your language clear and concise. Get to your point quickly and avoid fluff. Your recipient should be on the same page with you right from the first sentence of your email.

Optimize for Reading

It’s important to keep in mind that nobody likes reading long messages or lengthy emails. Break up your text into smaller paragraphs and use bullet points to make your email easier to digest.

Long paragraphs can be overwhelming and might lead to the recipient missing out on all the important details. Aim for paragraphs of no more than three to four sentences.

Always Double Check

Once your email is written, make sure you double check everything. The recipient, the subject line, the message, the attachments – everything should be double-checked before hitting that send button.

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Proofread your email for any typos, missing words or punctuation errors. Grammar and spelling mistakes can make your email seem less professional and might even change the meaning of your message.

To conclude, emailing like a boss is a skill that can be acquired with consistent effort and attention to detail. It involves much more than just putting words together; it’s about clear communication, effective follow-up, and maintaining a professional image.

If you’re ready to revolutionize the way you handle your professional email communication, Mailarrow is here to help. Our cold email outreach software simplifies the process of crafting and sending emails, ensuring every email you send hits the mark. Sign up for Mailarrow today and start taking control of your email game. Email like a boss – because you are one.

FAQs

How do you write an email like a boss?

Writing an email like a boss involves a thoughtful approach, where you prioritize clear and concise communication. Start with a professional email address, make use of an active voice, and craft subject lines that are engaging and relevant. Avoid lengthy emails and use bullet points for clarity. Additionally, mind your language and tone, as they play a significant role in how your message is received. Finally, always proofread your emails before sending them.

How do you email like a professional?

Emailing like a professional requires adherence to specific guidelines. Ensure that your email address represents you professionally. Keep your language and tone formal, and avoid frequent apologizing or using too many exclamation points. Make sure to be concise and straight to the point, and avoid long paragraphs that can make reading your email a task. Lastly, double-check all the details, including the recipient’s address, subject line, and attachments, before you send emails and hitting the send button.

How do you sound assertive in an email?

To sound assertive in an email, use the active voice instead of the passive voice. Be clear and direct in your communication, and don’t shy away from stating your needs or requirements. However, ensure your tone is still respectful and professional. Instead of using words that indicate doubt or uncertainty, be confident in your statements. Lastly, avoid overusing the exclamation mark or points as they can make your email sound less assertive and more emotional.

Serge Shlykov is the founder of Mailarrow. Rotterdam Business School graduate and a long-time software engineer he has been running his own agency and SaaS business before realizing how many people are struggling with cold email outreach. This made him create Mailarrow, the cold email outreach software that helps you build great relationships at scale. Find him on Twitter and LinkedIn