Two Emails that Did Great Things for Businesses

I saw this blog post, written by author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss, and had to share. This is a great example of how humor, ingenuity and a whole lot of sarcasm can catapult your business. His post reminded me of a blog post I wrote not too long ago regarding a successful email I developed on behalf of a client. The email filled up a 90 seat workshop in 90 seconds – no joke.

The funniest email I ever read came from a physician about five years ago. I was working at a large health system, and the corporate culture was stoic – as you might hope for if you were a patient. Emails were regulated, for necessary privacy and technical reasons, by multiple departments. Rarely did I ever open anything that included anything other than necessary information sent in buttoned-up corporate speak. So, I nearly fell out of my chair when I received this snarky three sentence out of office reply message:
“Been working too much, and had to get the hell out of dodge. I’ll be back next week. Vaya con dillos.”

It was so unexpected that I laughed out loud and sent it to two co-workers. Who were both equally surprised. Furthermore, I read it nearly five years ago and I still remember it. I can’t even remember half the emails I opened yesterday!

Not all emails will become viral sensations, but here’s some tips on how to make your company’s emails just a wee bit more memorable:

-When appropriate, be funny, sarcastic, unexpected, etc. This is how you get remembered.

-Be authentic - I once sent a request through a company’s online help form. After filling in all the blanks outlining my question, I got an email back that said – “Hey, thanks for your note. We’ll get back to you in 24 hours. Please remember, we handle the nicest requests first.” -Loved the gentle reminder that there are actually humans on the receiving end of the email.

-Know your audience and write like they talk.

-If you are uncertain if your email will generate the intended response - test it.

-Keep your focus and remember your intended response? Want to make people smile, get them to sign up for a workshop – don’t wander off the trail.

-Keep it simple. Personally, my favorite email of all time is only three sentences long. Maybe some day it will only be two.

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About Jamie Brown

Jamie Brown began her career pecking on typewriters in small television markets before landing a job at KTVT in Fort Worth and later WFAA in Dallas. She transitioned into public relations and spent five years at one of the largest hospitals in North Texas. She now uses her expertise to help companies get the word out through media relations, internal and external communications - such as brochures, web content, etc. Visit her website at www.jbrownpr.com for more information.