Please, Oh Please, Read (and respond to) My Email

With millions of emails going back and forth all day long, how do you communicate effectively with colleagues and clients when you aren't face to face? Also, how can you get them to respond when they themselves are inundated with messages?

Here's a list of things to try:

• Don't write the entire message in one long string, with no punctuation.
  
  
• Start your message with a personal greeting and/or acknowledgement. At least, "Hi, John." If it's somebody you haven't communicated with in a while, take a minute to be even more personal. "Hope you're doing well. Had a chance to play any golf lately with this weather?"
  
  
• Next, give some context to what you need. "I know this has been a crazy day for you but I need to get that report on the monthly budget by the end of the day."
  
  
• Help the reader to get the gist right away. If you need a response to more than one matter, say so up front. Then bullet each item, so it's easier for the recipient to quickly understand everything you need.
  
  
• And most important, be appreciative. "Thanks so much for your quick attention to this - it is really appreciated."
  
  
• When you're reading your emails: Make sure to read the entire message before you respond. Please! The important part may be at the very end.

And, of course, no matter how stressed, you are, keep the message tone polite. You know, it's that whole sweeter honey and bees thing.