Do you handle your life like your e-mail?

Here’s an intriguing article from Merlin Mann at 43 Folders on how your e-mail style reflects your personality. Merlin isn’t exactly behind this premise. In fact, the personal productivity blogger makes this observation to underscore his point:

“Some of the most articulate people I know sound like complete imbeciles in email. I’ve also known garden-variety dullards who, given adequate time and spell check functionality, can come off like Thomas Mann. And, frankly, some of the busiest and most seemingly productive people I know actually ignore all electronic communication until someone calls them on the phone. Does it track? Meh. Not in my experience.”

How does this relate to our business? I’d take it as a strong suggestion not to get too down on prospects or clients who, from time to time, may be a little unresponsive to e-mail. Your electronic missives just might not rank as highly on their radar as you’d like.

The secret, of course, is to form strong personal relationships with people if you want to see your e-mail response rate increase among colleagues, clients and key partners. That means taking the time out to call and personally visit (when logistically possible, of course).

Good stuff from the productivity folks at 43 Folders.

Technorati Tags: Personal Productivity, E-mail, Merlin Mann, 43 Folders, Organization