You never get a second chance to make a first impression – Anonymous
Sometimes I feel embarrassed for business owners, who print business cards and submit proposals with email addresses @yahoo.com, @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, and in some cases some very obscure domains. Whilst these may be popular and fantastic email services, using them as your corporate email address either in print or in practice can potentially ruin business opportunities with prospects. Individuals and businesses at large have a habit of “sizing up” would-be vendors and service providers, and you never know the metrics with which your business is going to weighed. I have personally witnessed occasions where businesses did not make the selection phase for a bid because their email addresses “suggested” they were unserious. While many may argue that this is an unfair measurement metric, the hard truth is, this is the reality. Your consumers and prospects want some form of reassurance that your business is reputable enough. Business reputation endorsements from prospects are not automatically conferred, they must be earned. Prospects want to feel safe and secure while doing business with you. Chances are you have a fantastic personality and an excellent business, but in your absence, prospects are going to decide on your reputation and move on.
A custom made email address looks like this: editor@ebusinessjournals.com. You will quickly agree that this email address looks a lot more compelling and reassuring. Even in your absence, prospects will readily associate your business with more seriousness, more credibility and consistency. In addition, it simply just sounds and appears nice. Over time, a custom made email address will help prospects and existing customers subconsciously remember you and your business, and strongly aid your brand reinforcement campaigns.
Now, does a custom made email address guarantee huge sales volumes? Well, not exactly. However, you can be rest assured that a business email address such as ebusinessjournals@yahoo.com will not be as productive and impactful before your prospects.
Every business should aspire towards owning a reputable email address. Although they are not free, the cost however is nothing in comparison with the losses your business has or will potentially incur.
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About Collins Olua
Collins is an Information Technology/eBusiness Consultant who sees technology as an indispensable tool for the success of any system. His innovative solutions are targeted at helping individuals, teams and businesses maximise their use of technology while increasing personal and corporate productivity.
Word! Most people dont take time to consider stuff like e-mail addys not just for business owners individual users as well. It goes to show that one must take into consideration everything in business.
Thanks Caroline,
You're so correct. If individuals can consider using custom made email addresses, I see no reason for businesses not to take it more seriously.
Very very true!
Yes Dolapo, you can say that again.
Very interesting read I must say. Incidentally, my father-in-law and I spoke about this same issue barely two weeks ago.
We spoke aboutthe unseriousness attached to businesses with public email service providers by potential clients.
Personally I think a business with such an address is not well-rooted or even in other cases the business might just be an avenue to carry out its clandestine and fraudulent activities. That way, it doesn't cost them much to disappear AFTER achieving whatever it is they set out to achieve.
A proper email address such us dami@adegbite.net will automatically win the hearts of potential clients because they can see a great measure of credibility and assurance
Businesses with email addresses such as rim@yahoo.com usually have a short life span.
Hi Dammy, thank you so much for your comment. I truly appreciate your view and am impressed with your very unique insights.
Am glad you and your father-in-law are exceptional men in this understanding.
Cheers my man.
what you highlighted is very true but most business owners in this part of the world never gave it a second and deep thought when it comes to their business email addresses.
Thanks for opening our eyes to this subject .
Thanks Moses.
Quite a number of business owners did not realise this on time, however so, it's not too late for them to make the necessary switch. Fortunately, the services are now much more available and affordable. In addition, internet awareness and penetration in Nigeria has increased tremendously: we have much more users today and several organisations use it today as a key business driving tool. We are gradually getting to that point where non-compliant businesses will be perceived to be phony or weak.
wel wel well… i agree with you. its like having your dads name / family name behind ur name….unless you are ashamed to use it :)…
Hilarious yet still very accurate. Lol
Correct observation. Some business owners, despite having a corporate email address, still publish a free domain email such as yahoo on business cards et al as alternative emails. I think this is still wrong business practice
Thank you sir.
I always saw things in this light you just shined but never took it very serious. My head Pastor said the same things to me 3 months ago. I understand now that my Master wants to open my eyes b4 I start my various business organizations. Thank a lot Collins. Love you and stay blesssed.
You're most welcome sir.
Cheers.