business etiquette tip: A slippery slope of casual email correspondence leaves communication less formal and consequently less professional. An outward-facing touch point, email leaves an impression with your customer/vendor.

Is yours a brand asset or hinderance? Mistakes include: leaving subject line empty, incomplete footer, emoticons, unwarranted urgent flag, and long threads. While email tone may be difficult to read, using succinct words and thoughtful interaction will deliver message effectively. Risking an email landing in the wrong hands? Minimize risk of a tarnished professional image by keeping emails polished.