What has happened to email etiquette?

It seems as though people in general, have gotten “bolder” about what they put in email.  I personally think that some are hiding behind their computer screen and feel there are no repercussions when you don’ t have to face anyone to communicate.

And I think that’s a big mistake.

What you say in an email, is extension of you and your brand.  In today’s world of internet and social media, people will make a judgment about you and your company in a split second. But no one will listen to you if you have poor communication skills.

I have a quick example I’d like to share – one that may expose my personal misjudgment.  Nonetheless, it provides a teachable moment that anyone can benefit from.

In preparation to launch this website, I have done A LOT of research.  There are a ton of mom, work at home and review blogs.  I have been reaching out to various bloggers and asking them if they would like to do a guest post on my blog, or allow me to write an article for their blog with my website signature line, etc. All of this, of course, to help spread the word about my new blog and website.

For the most part, I have received very positive responses from almost everyone I contacted.  Even though some were not interested, they wished me well and left the door open when my blog was more established.  Perfectly understandable and I appreciated their feedback and professionalism.

However, (you knew this was coming right?), I received an email response from someone who was clearly offended and ticked off that I even approached them. This person proceeded to tell me, in an email, that what I was doing was tacky, and that no blogger with a big following would help me.  He/she  “explained” that since my website would be the only one to benefit from this type of “exchange” , that no blogger would do this just to help my website ranking when there’s nothing in it for them.

While I clearly upset this person, and felt compelled to send a note back to apologize, I didn’t.  Why not? Well, there’s a couple of reasons.

One, I learned a long time ago that you can get into an email war very easily and I don’t have the time or the energy for a war.

Second, I did some research and found that continuing a conversation with this person would not be in my best interest now or in the future.  You see, while initially I was not interested in my website ranking (that comes later), I verified that my website ranked higher than this person’s – and it hasn’t even officially launched yet!

I may be new to blogging, websites, social media and internet marketing, but I am not new to business, marketing, public relations or customer service.  I did my research before launching this blog and in some ways is a culmination of everything I have learned.  Only time will tell how successful I am.

I will never divulge this persons name, business, blog, website, etc., nor will I ever “work” with this person.  You see, without even meeting this person, I did not get a good vibe about their personality or professionalism.  If I personally don’t trust that person to work with them in the future, I wouldn’t pass along their information to you either.

So, my point is that when you send an email, take the time to think about what you are sending.  If you are upset, put in draft and come back to it a little later and reread it to make sure it’s professional while getting your point across.

And most importantly, never burn bridges.

What do you think?  Have you had a similar experience? How did you respond?