E-mail: Use a "Signature" to add vital contact information to all outgoing email.
A signature consists of a few lines of text, which are added to the end of each
outgoing message.

You can use different signatures, for various purposes, when sending messages.
In some cases, as when entering messages in newsgroups, this is VERY
important, as we'll explain later.

Here is an example of a signature used for sending a reply to a customer, or someone requesting information:

-----------------------
Rocket Scientist For Hire - We Can Send You To The Moon,
Plan the Exact Trajectory, Read the Stars, Tell You Your
Astrological Future, Well...You Get the Picture!
-----------------------
Marvin Galaxy, Rocket Scientist
To The Moon, Inc.
123 Milky Way Drive
Hollywood, CA 12345
-----------------------
Toll-free: 800.123.4567
Voice: 234.567.1234
Fax: 234.567.1235
Web: http://www.tothemooninc.com
Contact Email: mailto:mgalaxy@tothemooninc.com
Sales Email: mailto:sales@tothemooninc.com
Support Email: mailto:support@tothemooninc.com

Although this is an extreme example, the idea is to include enough information in your signature, that the recipient will be able to EASILY contact you by a variety of methods.

This is also a great way to keep everyone updated on changes, such as whenever you move, or change a phone number or address, since it is doubtful that your email address would also change at the same time.

You should send an email to all of your business contacts, telling them... "We have moved! Please update your records to include the new address and telephone numbers listed below." (And then be sure to use the NEW signature to effect the change.) Also, be sure to update your own information in all of your signatures, as well!

A lengthy signature when posting a message in an Internet message group, known as a "newsgroup" is a definite "no no". It is sometimes considered "spamming" and could result in your being "flamed" which is a LARGE number on reply emails, sent to your "inbox".

You could even be banned from posting to the newsgroup, or lose your Internet dialup account, although this is somewhat rare as more sophisticated methods are being used to filter unwanted messages.

A typical and generally acceptable signature for a newsgroup might look like:

--------
Marvin Galaxy, Rocket Scientist
http://www.tothemooninc.com

Signatures serve as your return address, and more. They are there when they are needed, and can definitely increase the effectiveness of your business. Use them wisely!

Ralph Moore is the editor of the FREE Eagle Flyer Newsletter, which offers "How To Technology and Tips That Can Multiply Your Business Online". To subscribe to the Eagle Flyer and receive a FREE report, visit: Eagle Flyer