getting people to take action

This is probably the toughest nut of all, since getting to people to do their actions can be hard enough in any event. All the preceding rules of good email need to be followed, and the required action must be absolutely clear, explaining what is needed and most importantly why it is needed. You might need the information, but is there any benefit to you reader from sending it to you?

Here are the three rules of asking for action;

  •  Don’t ask people to do things you can manage without, or you’ll soon be seen as someone who can be ignored.
  • Send the request to just one person. If you ask two people for information, both of them can happily assume the other will do it
  • Rule 3 is the most important one of all; if you do need action from someone, its most unlikely that email alone will be sufficient. Phone them, or go to talk to them.