Dear Ms Another...

Oh what a hall of new business email shame has appeared through the hallowed walls of the Woodreed server this week. It never ceases to amaze me how useless companies are with customer service and new business approaches. When first impressions in new business count so much and in an economic climate that dictates that we all have to try that little bit harder, how can it be that we get not one, but three shockers this week?

Is it honestly that hard to make sure when approaching a new prospect the email address matches the name of the person you are addressing the email to? Or just taking a moment to check that, when sending an email to the MD of the company you are pitching your new business lead generation services to, (oh the irony) you get the name of her company right (that’ll be the one in the email address on the screen in front of you, pal) or at the very least make sure you’ve put the name of a real life person after ‘Dear’.

Attention to detail people.

Here they are for your delectation…

Dear Ms Another - 


I hope you won't mind this brief message, as I realize that you are busy and believe that an email would be preferable to a call. 


(Insert name of shamed recruitment consultant here), would like to introduce an outstanding candidate, who is immediately available for Temp or Perm work. 

________________________________________________________________________

Sent to my in inbox, (For the record I’m Charlotte and no one in the office received a call plus I haven’t been receiving the magazine)


Hi Chris,


I tried calling you earlier in the day but was advised might be best to send you and e-mail instead.


I just wanted to inform you that your FREE trial magazine subscription is due to end on 31st May 2012. I hope you have enjoyed your subscription so far and are looking to continue it for another year.


________________________________________________________________________

Or perhaps my favourite

Hi Jo,
I thought I’d drop you a quick email as I now have clearance to offer companies like WCCT a rock solid guarantee on their lead generation activity. If we don’t get you sales leads you don’t pay us a penny.

And Jo’s response which is a classic in my opinion:


Oh good – do please go ahead and offer to WCCT.  I always find personalised new business approaches work best…