Electronic Communications

A word about electronic communication: In many instances it is requested, preferable or simply easier to communicate with a donor electronically.  The objective of electronic communication, however, should be speed in delivery NOT brevity in message.  Unfortunately, because we have become so habituated to quick e-mails to friends and colleagues, that brevity and shorthand often get translated to electronic communications to donors.  Resist that habit!  As in paper communications, electronic communications should be warm, informative, professional and engaging.  Before you hit the “send” button, make sure you have met those four criteria.  If you find that you are “wired” to write in an informal and truncated  manner whenever you are facing an e-mail screen, then write the note or letter in Word (or whatever word processor you use), then copy and paste it to your e-mail.