How informal is too informal?

When writing business emails, people often fall into the “informal trap”.

Here’s an example:

Hi John,

How r things? Just wondering when we can expect that quote from you..I thought we’d have it by now?

Anyway, be in touch and have a gr8 weekend!

Sasha

Here’s how I would put it (but there are many acceptable versions):

Dear John,

I hope this finds you well. Further to our conversation last week, I’d like to know when we’ll have that quote from you – we were hoping to have it by week’s end.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Kind Regards,

Sasha

Whilst business correspondence these days is not as formal as it once was, it’s still really important to keep professionalism in mind. Exclamation marks are a definite no-no, as are text-speak and slang. Keep your opening greeting and sign-off polished, too – even if you are friendly offline with your correspondent.

You never know who will end up reading your email, so put professionalism first – always!