Use email wisely: If you make the effort to meet and talk to people it gets noticed and, usually, you get your message across much better. Email is a limited communication tool and if your message is not very well written, it’s easy for your recipients to misunderstand what you’re trying to say. Be precise: Large circulation lists generate lots more work for you, as more people respond. Limit the number of people, tell them precisely what you want from them individually, and why, and the quality of responses will improve. Be careful with what you send: The papers and magazines are chock full of email errors. Don’t be rude, angry, frustrated, sexy or try to be too funny. People misinterpret everything nowadays and if you really want to avoid being the butt of the next newspaper article, keep your emails positive, friendly and focused. Don’t get emotional: Email is all about personality. People who like to get to the point quickly want punchy emails, but those who like to have all the facts want more explanation. Tailor your emails to the recipient’s characteristics and when you read incoming mails, try to interpret the style of the sender. Stay in control: Email addiction is a real risk to us all. Try to schedule email review sessions, twice or three times a day and do your other work in between. Don’t hang around waiting for the ping or the envelope to appear; that means addiction and your efficiency and job satisfaction will be going ‘out the window’.