Here is a tip that I have found saves time, promotes clarity and is guaranteed to increase your response many fold.  It has to do with composing email.

In the past I have tended to put multiple requests and/or concepts in a single email. Over time, through testing and actual results I have found it much more effective to put one request and/or idea into a single email.

The reason being is that we are so busy multi-tasking and in the rush of daily activities that it is difficult to focus on more than one thought at a time.

For example:

“Jim, just wanted to ask if you might be able to send me the color samples we discussed last week. Also, could you forward me the article you mentioned in Newsweek via fax. We should meet up for lunch next time I’m in town – let me know a good time for you in July.”

See how many requests and multiple thoughts I have included?

It would be better to focus your communications on 1 thought at a time, like:

“Jim, Could you please send the color samples we discussed last week? Please confirm that you have sent them.”

See the difference?

I am not sure why I am so cognizant of this but I appreciate the short, thoughtful and concise emails I receive.

It makes me that much more likely I will reply because I am focused on doing only 1 thing.

So think about this idea of laser focusing your emails. Better to compose individual emails than put it all in one.

I think you’ll find it makes a big difference.