Is your out-of-office killing sales?
What is the etiquette of the out-of-office auto response?
Are they even needed in a connected 24/7 world where unless we’re hiking the Inca Trail, we salespeople will still find a way to take care of an urgent message and an important client?
Yes.
Yes, because expectations of immediate response are so out of proportion, for most businesses, an out-of-office helps set new, more realistic expectations.
So if the goal is to educate and help the recipient, look at the harm this out-of-office can do:
Greetings,
Please note that I will be on PTO today August 18th. During this time I will have NO access to VOICE MAIL and LIMITED access to EMAIL. I will return your messages when I return.
Reading that, do you feel just a bit pissed off?
Though caps and colors (on a limited basis) can be appealing to readers, highlighted negative words (n red!) only highlights the negative.
And where is the help?
When can I expect to receive a response?
Using “Greetings” as an opener?
Really? Who says that?
“Please note?”
Are you giving me a directive, like “Posted.”
But the buzz-kill of all is this: “will have ….LIMITED access to EMAIL”.
Ah, so you have access.
You’re just choosing to not respond to my email because my business isn’t a priority for you.
Show care and pay attention to the details so your out-of-office educates rather than insults.
BONUS:
Every out-of-office should include:
•the date the reader can expect a response
•an alternative contact if there is one
•an on-brand caring message
Every communication creates an impression.
What message does your out-of-office send?
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