Get Your Business Noticed: The Canadian Company Capabilities Database
September 23, 2008 by Rita Marshall
You can gain access to hundreds of domestic and international business opportunities by registering your business in the Canadian Company Capabilities database.
The CCC, a database maintained by Industry Canada, is browsed by half a million domestic and international companies a month. Your business can connect with buyers, distributors, suppliers or partners. Opportunities may come from the public or private sector.
It’s an easy way to promote your business to both the public and private sector, as well as a global audience. Also, the price is right – free! To register, visit:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ccc-rec.nsf/en/00008e.html
5 Easy Steps: How to Write an Effective Email
September 6, 2008 by Rita Marshall
They cause frustration, waste your time and require countless follow-up emails. There’s not much you can do about receiving vague and confusing emails, but you can make sure you don’t send any yourself. Here are five easy steps to writing an effective email.
1. Figure Out What You Want
Before you even begin, take a moment to decide exactly what you want your reader to know and to do. If you can’t pinpoint a specific desired result, don’t bother typing until you can.
2. Use Your Subject Line
This means no blank space, “Hey” or “Hi!”. Your reader is being deluged with emails – your subject line is your best chance to grab his or her attention.
Guide your readers by including “FYI” if the email doesn’t require a response, or “URGENT” if you need a response right away.
If your entire message fits into the subject line, include [EOM] at the end to indicate “End Of Message”.
3. Place Your Important Information Up Front
Beyond the subject line, make sure any crucial information appears in the first few sentences of your message. A three-paragraph “explanation” leaves your reader bored and confused. Any background information can be included after the gist of the message has been clearly explained. If you include extra information, however, be sure to conclude by repeating what you want your reader to do.
4. Organize Your Requests
If you have several issues to discuss, either separate them into different emails or create a numbered list – this makes it easier for your reader to respond to each request.
5. Use Lots of White Space
Even with a fancy LCD monitor, your reader can only squint at the computer screen for so long. Make it easier on your reader’s eyes by limiting paragraphs to a maximum of two sentences. Place a line break between each paragraph.
As always, be sure to check your spelling and grammar before hitting send!