How to Write Clear, Concise Professional Emails

Yesterday I had a front-row seat and gained valuable insights during a discussion with a CEO about the daily barrage of sales emails he faces Here’s what he shared about what grabs his attention—and some tips to help you stand out 🔹 Immediate value is key The first few lines must deliver something valuable. He said "If someone sent me that email, I’d be like F*** off and [dismiss it]. There's no value created in that email. Make sure your opening offers a clear benefit or useful resource 🔹 Impactful subject lines Your subject line is your foot in the door. He mentioned the need for change if there's no initial response: "If they didn't respond to the first email, then you try a different header." Make it count by being specific, intriguing, and relevant to their interests 🔹 Brevity wins: Keep your email concise. As he noted, "First sentence, you've got like 2 seconds." Busy professionals appreciate brevity. Make your point clearly and quickly Now here are some actionable tips based on these insights Value prop front and center Start your email with a clear value prop Example: "Thought you might be interested in these industry benchmarks we just released—already helping companies like yours increase efficiency." Test your subject lines Don’t be afraid to A/B test different subject lines to see what resonates best with your audience. Sometimes a small tweak can make a big difference Personalize thoughtfully Use the information you have about their business challenges to tailor your message. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just sending a blanket email Let’s make their experience with our emails as positive and relevant as possible Do you have any email strategies that have worked well for you lately?

I was a Chief Customer Officer by 29 (and a millionaire by 30) I joined Buddy Media at 26 as a project manager In 3 years, I ran a 100-person team In 4 years, we sold the company for $745M I became a millionaire in the process The # 1 factor in my success? Clear communication! (yes, it’s that simple) I get 20-50 terrible emails a day. - They ramble. - They bury the lead. - They’re unclear on the ask. - They use jargon to look smart. - They want me to do all the work. And they wonder why their career is stuck.  (spoiler: you’re a bad communicator) (and it’s hurting your career) Here’s how to fix it. 👇 And write perfect emails to your boss. 1. Main Point First   → Open with your key message or ask.   Bad: Rambling intro   Good: “Sales are up 15%. I need approval to expand ads.”     2. Context Second   → Give brief, relevant data after your point.  *Bad: Long backstory   Good: “North up 20%, South down 10%.”     3. Be Specific   → Propose a solution and make a clear ask.   Bad: “What do you think?”   Good: “Can we launch the campaign tomorrow?”     4. Use Bullets   → Break complex info into bullets.   Bad: Dense paragraph   Good: 3-line bullet list showing key trends     5. Anticipate Questions   → Answer what your manager will likely ask.   Bad: Let me know if you have questions   Good: “Attached is the South region breakdown.”     6. Respect Their Time   → Keep it tight. Don’t default to a meeting.   Bad: Long-winded, multiple long paragraphs   Good: “Summary below. Happy to meet if needed.”     It seems so simple. And the good news? It IS simple. Yet, most employees pull up a blank email and start spewing. Then wonder why they're stuck. Don’t be one of them. Tighten up your communication. And watch your career take off! 🚀 P.S. How many bad emails do you get per day?

How the military writes emails: I served in the Navy. And I learned a few tactics that changed how I approach email at work. The secret? Let's call it military precision. In the military, precision isn't just about the drill. It's about how folks communicate: Everything from mission briefings to day-to-day emails. Here's the breakdown: - BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front ↳ Always start with your main point. - Start emails with action-oriented subject lines ↳ e.g., "INFO: Q4 Sales Report" or "REVIEW: Client Proposal Due 12/15" - Use Active voice and BE direct ↳ "The team completed the project" is leagues better than "The project was completed by the team" - Follow the 1 idea per paragraph rule ↳ (It really forces you to be clear and concise) - Use bullet points where possible ↳ The bullet points aren't just a layout choice. They force you to be concise. Here's the result: Faster responses. Quicker decision-making. Clearer communication. This approach wasn't just about being formal. It's about getting things done. Whether it's a military mission or a corporate task... Clear and decisive communication wins the day, every time. Try it and see what difference it makes. What’s your take on effective email communication? Any protocols that give consistent results? ♻ Repost to help folks in your network email with military precision. ➕ Follow Kabir Sehgal for daily tips on growth, productivity, & building your portfolio career.