5 Ways to Build Stronger Professional Relationships Through Email
Let’s face it: Email makes the working world go round. Did you know that 74% of business communication happens via email??? I repeat this statistic often because it’s not a stat to ignore. And yet… Most of us are sending boring and ineffective emails that feel more like a transaction than a relationship.
If you are opening your emails with “Hope this finds you well,”
Or if you are dropping a vague “Let me know!” at the end,
You’re missing a HUGE opportunity to build strong business relationships via email (and ensure all your emails are receiving a response).
Let me be clear: If you want to build better professional relationships, it’s time to be more intentional with your email communication.
Because copying and pasting a ChatGPT draft without personalization or purpose? That’s not strategic. It’s lazy.
Here are 5 ways to level up your email game and actually build trust, credibility, and connection through your inbox:
1. Take the Opening Line Seriously
The first line of your email sets the tone for your entire relationship.
Don’t waste it on autopilot pleasantries. Instead:
Reference something from your last conversation.
Acknowledge the timing (“Any fun summer vacation plans?”).
Or simply thank them for their time before making your ask.
This shows the person on the other end that they’re not just a faceless robot behind a computer screen and they are someone who you respect and remember.
2. Get to the Point
Clarity = respect.
Don’t bury your ask in five paragraphs of backstory. Use the second sentence of your email to clearly state why you're reaching out.
Try saying along the lines of:
"The goal of this email is to [insert goal here]."
It’s confident. It’s respectful of their time. And it makes it 10x more likely they’ll respond quickly.
3. Include a Clear Call to Action
Here’s a tough truth: If your email ends with “Let me know”...
You’re basically saying “You figure out what I want.”
Instead, end with a clear action step:
“Can you confirm by Friday?”
“Are you available next week for a quick call?”
“No action needed on your end!”
Your email should always answer this question: What do you want them to do next?
4. End with Genuine Appreciation
This is a subtle change in your email communication that will go a long way. Not many people are taking the extra 5 seconds to end their emails with something other than the standard "thanks".
Stand out by being a little more thoughtful:
“I really appreciate your support on this.”
“Thanks again for prioritizing this — I know your plate is full.”
“Grateful for your time and help.”
Appreciation is one of the simplest ways to build rapport and goodwill over email. Use it.
5. Proofread Your Email Before You Hit Send
This wasn’t always on my list of email must-haves but now that we are all working at such quick speeds…it is now.
We’re all moving too fast (because time is money, right?) And in that rush, it’s easy to miss:
Misspelled names
Long-winded paragraphs
Emails that don’t actually ask for anything
Here's a pro tip - if you aren't willing to re-read your own email because it will take too long, chances are the person you are emailing won’t read it either because it's too long. Re-read it to make sure you are spelling their name write and it's a short email communicating clear action needed
Always give your email one last read. Make sure it’s clear, respectful, and reflects the relationship you want to build.
I’ll leave you with this - Email isn’t just a tool for task management it’s literally one of the most powerful ways to build and strengthen professional relationships.
Be intentional. Be clear. Be human.
Because the professionals who know how to communicate well? They’re the ones who get the follow-up. The earned trust. The next opportunity.
And if you want to get better at this, I’ve got tools to help.
👉 Download my free [Email Tip Kit] to write emails that get read (and answered).
👉 Or check out [Email Tip Academy] for a deeper dive into intentional communication.
