Tips for Sending Co-Workers E-mails

— -- Do NOT send out your solicitation by e-mail. It puts people on the spot and makes them less likely to give. Consider posting your request on a company bulletin board.

If you decide to ignore Tip No. 1, at least do NOT send out your solicitation to subordinates. This could be construed as coercion. It's better to send it out just to people in your immediate area or team.

And do NOT send out reminder e-mails for any donation. Chances are your colleagues got it the first time and they are not responding for a reason.

DO remember that all office e-mail belongs to your employer (even that quick message to your mom). If they're not pleased with what you're sending there could be repercussions.

DO remember that e-mail can be forwarded. So that nasty exit e-mail you wrote to a few friends slamming your old boss could wind up on the Internet faster than you can hit delete.

DO remember that your company has a right to monitor your e-mail.

DO remember that when writing an exit e-mail, less is more. This is not the time to dust off your essay writing skills from Literature 101. Keep it short. Keep it sweet. Keep it simple.

CONSIDER running your exit e-mail by Human Resources before you send it.

You do NOT need to send your exit e-mail to the entire Global Directory -- just your immediate unit.

CONSIDER sending out two versions of an exit e-mail -- a more personal one for colleagues who know you well and one designed for networking potential.

sources: Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, Emily Post Institute