What’s your first thought when you look at someone’s email address, and it’s either @gmail or @hotmail?
I get frustrated when I see coaches & consultants who are still using [email protected] as their email address (although still not as bad as crazyfairy1279@hotmail – yes I still see these), as it gives people the wrong impression of their work. Hotmail is synonymous with teens chatting on MSN in the 90’s, not the email provider of a successful business owner.
Here are 3 Reasons why your business should NOT be using a Hotmail or Gmail email address:
1. It can look unprofessional. Everyone knows that Hotmail and Gmail email addresses are free and using one as your main contact method can look cheap and give the impression to a prospect that you don’t have a “real” business. I know that sounds harsh, but keep in mind that your prospects don’t really care about how you feel. They just want someone to fix their problem and first impressions are everything when it comes to choosing the right person for the job.
2. You’re not serious about your business. If you send an email to a prospect from a Hotmail address, it can come across like your business is sub-standard and what you do is more like a hobby for you. Not only that, using Hotmail is advertising “Hotmail”, not your own business. Giving someone your email address is a clear invitation saying “hey check out my website while you’re at it!”
3. Fall Behind. There are some seriously powerful and simple cloud based software which every business owner should be using, such as ‘G Suite’ (formally Google Apps for Business). G Suite allows you to use your own custom email address from anywhere. If you’re not taking advantage of Googles suite of products, you’re missing out on being able to run your business from anywhere whilst looking professional at the same time.
Having your own business email address tells people three things:
1. I have a website: And you should check it out!
2. Certainty: The email has been sent by a representative of the business, not a Nigerian Prince (aka scammer).
3. Established: This business is professional and I feel safe knowing they’ll still be there tomorrow.
At then end of the day, people will judge you whether you like it or not. So best to start with the impression that you’re professional and can help your prospect solve their problem with ease.
What does your email say about you? Everything.
Related Tags: Attract Clients Online | How To Start a Coaching Business Online
