Writing Tip: Use a forecasting subject line
Productivity Tip
When you want your emails to get things done, begin with a forecasting subject line. This simple step will turn your readers from passive to active. It often determines whether your email gets read or not.
Forecast the Bottom Line of Your Email in the Subject Line
Forecasting subject lines tell the reader what you're going to tell them. In other words, they forecast the business application of your email - they tell readers how your email affects them. Effective subject lines offer more than a general topic description. Assume for a moment that you work in human resources. Which of the following is more likely to pique your interest, a topic subject line or a forecasting subject line?
- "Benefits Plan" [General topic description]
- "Recommendation for Enhancing Our Benefits Plan" [Specific forecast of the bottom line]
The Power of Forecasting Subject Lines
People are naturally curious. Consider the previous example. By disclosing the business application of the email, readers will wonder, "What is the recommendation? How could the benefit plan be enhanced?" These questions grab the reader's attention and turn them passive to active.
Examples of Forecasting Subject Lines
Use the following subject line openers to enhance reader interest:
- Review of...
- Request for...
- Proper Handling of...
- Recommended Use of...
- Instructions for...
- Comments about...
To further increase productivity, follow these four guidelines for writing forecasting subject lines:
- Should repeat key words from paragraph 1
- Should be written last - after a rough draft is completed
- Should not be a sentence or a question
- Strive for no more than 50 characters
A Small Step that Offers Big Results
Forecasting subject lines are a simple yet powerful tool for Writing to Get Things Done. By stating the business application of your message in the subject line, you will entice your readers to learn more and take action. Consistently follow this simple tip and watch your productivity grow.
Writing Tip Use a forecasting subject line - To learn more about this author, visit Stan Berry's Website.
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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