Free Stuff and more for Real Estate and Sales people

Ken Deshaies ken@snowhome.com from Dillon, Colorado has great information for all of us I call "Real email etiquette". Especially for those that aren't aware and a reminder for those of us that are. Here is Ken's fabulous information:

Every day, I receive email messages from people who simply sign their first name, and some don't even do that. Many of these people are professionals who are soliciting my business and/or my referrals. I suggest that a vital first step to getting me to respond would be to include a complete email signature. It should go on every email you send out. You can actually create several in your email program, so you can vary the message depending on your audience. Here are some guidelines, along with the logic, gleaned from reading hundreds of messages posted on Realtor forums over the past year or two.

* First, it's a small way to tout your credentials. You should include them all. People don't see this as blowing your own horn as much as simply part of your signature. It just helps set you apart. I find people ask me what they mean. THEN I have an opportunity to blow my horn.

* If I decide to write you instead, I should have a way to do it without having to call or email you first. Actually, if I'm local, it would be nice to have a street address (but not necessary).

* The toll free number should be the first one you list, because it lets people know you aren't stingy - you'll happily pay the toll. And you want to make it as easy as possible for people to contact you.

* You must include "mailto:" at the beginning of your email address if you want to make that clickable (and why wouldn't you?). Anyone can simply click on that, and it will open a new email message to send to YOU.

* Use initial caps in your email and web addresses. Why? Even thought the internet doesn't care, it makes your name more easily remembered than a runtogetherjumbleofwords.

* In order for you to make your website clickable, you need to put the http:// in front of the www. Once you create your signature, it gets added automatically in most email programs, or you can generally add it with one click, so it really doesn't make any difference how long it is. I've seen people add their logos, slogans and areas of specialty, among other things. See my signature below for a demonstration of all these items. Finally, you can do almost anything with an email signature. Some of mine are several page form letters that I can use as automatic responses to certain inquiries, such as my program for co-authoring my book. Once you get the hang of using this feature, you'll find lots of uses. Have a great new millennium!

Just one thing I'd like to add to this and that is when answering an email ALWAYS include at least part of what the original email contained - remind people (like me with the lousy memory) of what they originally wrote to you.

Click here to go back to the top of this page

Click here to go back to the menu