It's a common form of business communication.

It's a common form of business communication.

Yet we weren't taught how to write outreach emails at school.

So we get emails with long, unstructured prose. Content that combines chit-chat with management speak.

For me, brief, straightforward, emails are best.

Why?

Because executives in corporate organisations are crazy busy.

Use this checklist before pressing send.

Is there:
-- An attention-grabbing subject line?
-- Something of interest to them, not me?
-- A compelling reason to do something?
-- A crystal clear request and call to action?
-- Any unedited chit ­chat or waffle?
-- A structured and logical flow?

Is it:
-- Less than 120 words?
-- Client-oriented or self-oriented?
-- Useful?

And
-- Did I use my manners?
-- What value has been given?
-- Why am I not making a quick call instead?

Try using the checklist. Not just for outreach emails. For all your emails.

Notice the response you get.