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4. Where on
web?
If you have a website address, make sure to include it. While it’s nice to list it cleanly as www.mycompanyname.com, not all web browsers will be able to click on that link and be directed to your website. To mitigate that problem, try listing your company as http://www.mycompanyname.com.
5. Just fax, ma’am.
Include your fax number. Sometimes computer technology can fail us and we need another way of communicating. If you don’t have a fax number, you can get an internet-based fax through www.callwave.com, www.efax.com, or www.faxaway.com. Windows XP actually includes a fax in its operating system.
6. Call me any time.
Make sure that you include all telephone numbers at which you can be contacted. Write them out completely as they should be dialed. You might include your office, home, cellular and pager numbers. I like to see numbers separated by periods rather than dashes as it looks more professional, but use whatever style you find pleasing.
7. Tag, you’re it!
You can include a tagline to help people remember who you are. In fact, you might already be using one as part of your company name. For example, you might be a professional IT services company and your tagline might be…We get IT done. Place your tagline after your company name if that is how you represent yourself to business community. Make sure it is used consistently – presented in same way on your company letter head and business card.
8. Color me memorable.
There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to color selection. First, don’t use email stationary or colored backgrounds, either with or without designs. They are difficult for anyone to read and even more difficult if they contain watermarks (background designs). It is best to use black or dark blue text on a white background. It’s easy to read and doesn’t strain eyes. If you want to add other colors, be careful. They can make your email signature look unprofessional. If you want to emphasize something, you can use italics or underlines or another color of your choosing. Use non-traditional colors sparingly.
9. Fonts for all occasions.
Use a type font that is easy to read, like Arial, Times Roman, or Verdana. Avoid wild looking fonts, like scripts or others that look like handwriting. These fancy fonts don’t go over well with readers. Avoid comic sans font which appears immature or childish. Readers will ignore what isn’t attractive or what they can’t read with ease. Make sure you don’t set yourself up to be ignored because you want to appear unique by using fonts that make you fumble. Also, make sure font is large enough to read. Use size 10 or better. Anything smaller can strain eyes.
10. The special of day is…
Your email signature is a great way to showcase something special that is going on in your business. Add a line at bottom where you can highlight a special event like an upcoming lecture, seminar or workshop. Include name of a new book, e-book, or e-course that you’ve published. Make a reference to a free report or article that you’re offering. Make sure you provide a link which can take reader directly to product or service. For free products, simply embed a link to an auto responder so that information will automatically be forwarded to them when requested.
Copyright 2004 by Tara Kachaturoff.
Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff is an executive coach, trainer, consultant and professional speaker with over 15 years of corporate experience. She coaches executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs on leadership, business and lifestyle issues and has been featured in radio, print, and television. She is the owner of CoachPoint™, www.virtualleverage.com,and www.relationshipplanning.com.
