I have a confession. Yes, I secretly judge people and companies based on their email address. It's true. Granted, I judge personal emails differently than business email - but I still judge.
I won't go into all the thoughts that run through my mind when I see someone with an email address ending in @aol.com. However, I must chime in on business emails.
It's simple, if you have a business you have to have a website. If you have a website you have to have a domain. Purchasing this domain entitles you to an email address of the same name. Use it. If you have not set this up you aren't in business yet. Be patient.
On average I have seen contacts from 5-10 staffing agencies every week for the last several years. This has led to an extensive list of healthcare staffing agencies I've worked with. Of all of these contacts I still see at least 2-3 agencies per month with an email such as 'istaffnursesallday@aol.com' or simply, 'sally@comcast.net'. (These are fictional examples)
Whenever I see an email address like this I automatically think - how can I take you seriously if you don't realize you need a website with a domain and a proper email before you start making business contacts? What else are you overlooking? Further, how is it I can seriously help represent you as a business partner?
The worst is when these same companies actually send information requests. I personally won't send any business information electronically unless it's to a corporate email address. How am I to trust that you're not a competitor? You may not be but your email certainly isn't helping me to know that.
The summary - as a business owner, one of the first things you should do is register a domain and get your email account set up. You can even do this before you have your actual website built. There's no reason to wait.
Please, use a corporate email address. It's the least you can do.
why work with them? Get a website, Get email done right, 2010 make sure all your T's are crossed and dot the i! brad@tghealthcare.com / tghealthcare.com nursejobs911.com tghospitals.com
Posted by: Brad Garrett | Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 08:57
I think it comes down to a very simple question of, how can I take you seriously, if you're not willing to take your business communication seriously?
Posted by: Jake | Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 09:03
Brad & Jake - I agree with both of you.
Posted by: Jason Lander | Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 09:20
I do wonder sometimes about what makes the people in business retract from using a business email.
Nice post, how often do we all do what Jason does (judging? HUH!!)
Posted by: Ajay Jetti | Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 17:46
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume they just don't think it matters. But it does.
Posted by: Jason Lander | Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 19:16