1. Start with a salutation and use the person's name.
2. Keep it short and consise. People don't absorb long email messages very well.
3. Deal with only one topic per email.
4. Take the time to write a descriptive subject line. It makes email easier to use for the recipient.
5. Keep it friendly and polite. Write in full sentences and properly capitalize to ensure you sound professional. Use courtesy words such as please and thank you.
6. Deal with conflict in person when possible, or at least on the phone.
7. If you must address a conflict via email, then use the 'caring sandwich' technique (something positive/the negative thing/something positive). Reread your email over before hitting send. Remove harshness. (Are you angry? Reread it tomorrow.)
8. End with a warm closing and personalize your sign-off.
Some words of caution:
* Short phrases and one word answers seem rude; whether or not that was the intent.
* People save and forward email so remember what you write IS NOT private.
* Do not send an email in anger.
* Do not fire or break up with someone by email.
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