#3 Email
Having an email address is compulsory if you want to earn the big bucks.
In the same manner that your name and phone number is part of your brand, the same holds true for the email address used for client contact.
You email should be name relevant, don't choose and unrelated email address. Say for example you work name is Mary rather choose
[email protected] than
[email protected]. Once you have decided on an email address that matches your work name, NEVER change it.
Your business depends on the most part or should on returning clients if you change your contact details your clients will not be able to reach you and you will loose money because of this fact.
Use an online mail account the one I recommend is gmail, gmail has a massive mail box and some of the best spam and anti-virus software in the world. They have an almost endless budget and spend a fortune in maintaining one of the the most secure networks in the world. If its good enough for google its good enough for you.
gmail has the added advantage of being quite easily viewable on most modern mobile phones so if you don't have a computer you will still be able to communicate with your clients.
Emailing Protocol with your clients.
You have to respond to every single email sent to you, no matter how dull or offensive personally. You should maintain a moderate friendly tone throughout your communications.
There will be times when clients will try to initiate email sex with you or push your boundaries. Be polite and firm and always stand your ground and make it clear what you do and don't find acceptable.
Before sending your reply email always do a spell check to ensure everything is spelt correctly. I cant spell to save my life either so make this a habit.
For requests of pictures of your face when you don't show your face in adverts politely refuse. There is no point that you don't show you face on your advert and then send pictures of your face to total strangers, irrespective of promises of the images not being sent on to any further parties. These promises are rarely if ever kept. There are 7 underground mailing lists that sprouted from the ESA forum, so believe me pictures are being circulated like there is no tomorrow.
I have left the most important for last, NEVER initiate email contact with clients under any circumstances and especially not with requests for loans and personal assistance. Only reply to email sent from clients and do so during office hours only.
Regards
ESA SUPPORT