6 ways to avoid email disasters

Here are some basic tips that can save you from being the (unflattering) talk of the Internet.

1. “Reply All” pitfalls. Yes, we’ve all done it and have had it done to us. Take an extra 10 seconds before you hit “send,” and make sure it’s going to the intended parties. I once had a prospective client hit “reply all” to an email I sent him outlining my proposal when he intended to respond only to his partner. He said that he wanted to see my upcoming presentation so he could use my ideas himself. Instead of making him aware of the error, I simply canceled the new business presentation.

2. Auto-fill pitfall. Outlook is notorious for auto-filling in the wrong names. Double-check that you are sending to the right person.

3. No poison pen. For whatever reason, nuance is often lost in emails. Something you think is funny can be interpreted as offensive. Unless you are corresponding with someone you can trust, keep emails to the point and devoid of emotion.