Business Etiquette for Online Introductions

“hey bro”

That was the subject line of a message in my email inbox last week from a Washington, DC-area media maker who wanted me to become a follower of his daily Twitter updates.

While I’m generally accepting of the informal nature that characterizes most online communication, this was one introduction that rubbed me the wrong way. As easy as a first email friend request through MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn or fill-in the-blank social network may be, isn’t some level of greeting etiquette still needed, particularly when done under in a potentially professional context?

Here are my three suggestions for crafting an effective -- and polite -- introductory message for someone you want to connect with online:

• Address the Recipient by Name: Most people love to see and hear their own name -- it’s only natural, right? -- so make sure to include it in your note. Bonus tip: Spell it right.


• Personalize the Message: Social networkers who value the quality of their contacts want to know why they should connect with you in the first place. Write a few sentences that explain who you are, where and how you found the person and why you’re interested in what they have to say.


• Provide a Clear Action Request:  What is it, exactly, that you want the recipient to do after reading your message? Add you as a friend? Join your online group? Add a link in the message that makes your request drop-dead easy to execute.

And if you need some more tips on good business etiquette, check out these Monster resources:

• Business Etiquette articles from Monster Career Advice
• "Office Netiquette: Instant Messaging"
• "Your Professional Image"
• From the Monster Blog: "Five Workplace Email Etiquette Commandments"

Related Blogs

• "The Etiquette of Professional Social Networking"
• "Answering Your Questions: Social-Networking Etiquette 101"

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