advice

Maybe you are in an exotic, tropical paradise. Perhaps you are taking in outstanding museums or historical sites. Or maybe you are at a professional workshop or performing your civic duties. Whatever it is, you are not in your office. But does that mean you can't do a little marketing to folks while you're away? By no means!

Your out-of-office e-mail message can be a potent tool for marketing communication. Next time you'll be out of the office for a while, use these helpful tips and leave an out-of-office e-mail that will make a lasting impression.

Tip 1: Don't Forget the Little Things
Your out-of-office e-mail message should always include the length of time you will be out of the office and a way to reach you (or an associate) in case a client needs immediate assistance. If you will be checking your voice mail or e-mail while you are away, say so in your message.

A good way to make sure you don't leave out any vital information is to type up your away message and keep it on file. Then you should only have to change a few details the next time you have to be out of the office for an extended period.

Tip 2: Spice up the Essentials
Here is where you really turn your out-of-office e-mail message into a marketing tool. If you are attending or leading a professional workshop or training session, tell about it in your message to show you are committed to continued development in your field.

If your vacation destination or activities are among the more unusual, mention what you will be doing. Remember, though, to use appropriate discretion in all cases. You do not want to release sensitive corporate information or share anything too personal.

Tip 3: Alert Folks In Advance
Sometimes it is an emergency and you may only have a brief period to type up your out-of-office e-mail (see the part about keeping the text on file in Tip 1 again). However, if you know you'll be out of the office for an extended period, let your clients know well before the actual date comes. It lets them know you care, and helps them prepare for the time you'll be away. Don't let your out-of-office e-mail message be the first time they learn you are gone if you can help it.

Marketing yourself and your business/non-profit should never stop. By following these tips, you will give yourself the chance to further build your relationships with clients, vendors etc. even when you are not in your office. It is also a small part of giving great service to keep your clients returning to you again and again.

(The e-sources article above was created, in part, from information from an article by Karen Gedney entitled "Your Vacation Message: Make It Work for You" on ClickZ.com.)