Autoresponders - What the messages REALLY say…..

Autoresponders - What the messages REALLY say…..

by Lori Ballen

So we’ve all gotten an email message in immediate response to an e-mail that we have sent out. They generally say something like this.

I have received your e-mail and your e-mail is very important to me. I am on vacation from 7-1-2012 to 7-8 2012. Although I will check my e-mail messages from time to time, I will respond to all upon my return. If you should require immediate assistance, please call our office manager at 555-555-5555. Thank You.

So Let me tell you what the consumer reads and actually interprets this to say.

I have received your message but have not actually read it. I’m off doing something much more fun than reading my email or working on your file. I’m going to take my computer with me, but it is not likely that I will check an e-mail let alone respond to one while I’m on vacation so don’t hold your breath. If whatever you think is so important that it can’t wait for my return, you are welcome to call someone in my office who will probably have no idea how to help you but at least it gives me an out. Thank You.

So what’s the answer then – if you are going away? My opinion is this – if you are really trying to go on vacation, leave it all behind. Schedule in enough advance time that you can have someone check your e-mails while you are gone. Contact your clients before you go and explain to them the time frame during your departure and make a warm hand off to someone that can assist them while you are away. Just don’t use the autoresponder. You may be sending a message different than what you would intend.

- Lori Ballen

Author, Trainer, Business Woman – Keeping it real In an effort to Open minds, Increase Production, Enhance Lives, and Inspire Souls