How Much Attention Do You Think We Have?

It's about headlines.
Seth Godin's post today about headlines catapulted me from my den of complacency and apathy (check out the date of my last blog post) back into the sphere of inspired blogger. That's what happens when you read something that resonates. In fact, I've said something similar before about how subject lines of your email should be like headlines...or else.

Or else: No one will read them anymore.

Our attention is stretched.
Our energy tapped. Send me an email with no subject line? Well, I delete most of them, sight unseen. Reply to an old email from me, keep the same subject line but start a new topic within the email body? Gone! Keep it vague and simple? Like "Project Update." Bottom of the priority list.

It's a headline world, like it or not.
If you want to get responses to your email and, let's face it, there are a few of us who still do, then you'll need to take the time to make it worthy of attention. Pique my curiosity. Make it impossible for me not to open it. Grab me by the throat and promise to let go only upon opening.

Here are some subject lines that, if found in my inbox today, would prompt an immediate open:

1. URGENT: Blago mentioned your name today
2. Action Required:  In 2 days the failure of this project will be your fault
3. You're the only one not attending. Why?
4. She said she knew you
5. 7 reasons why you're the only one that can help

Get the idea? Here are some hints: urgency, relevance, timeliness, accountability. Bring these elements into your headline/subject line and find yourself cutting through the noise, getting responses and fast!

Bring the bourbon, not the egg nog.

Lastly, my complete podcast interview is now available at Jim Canterucci's podcast website. Tell your friends to listen to it then tell you if it's worth listening to. Check out the other interviews he has published as well. Some really great thought leaders like Chris Brogan, Scott Ginsberg, and Jeffery Gitomer are just a few.

 

Comments

[Chris Brogan...]

Further more, it's a snack world. Your post is the PERFECT length for me to read. BURY me in text and I'm dead. You did every great trick to make me want to read it. Perfect stuff.

Thanks for a good read, Chris.

[Chris]

Accountability is a huge one. And I think that spurs people to action very quickly. People take great pains not to look bad or at fault. I think this is a good tactic in some instances to get a response.

[Janet]

Yes, Chris, it IS a headline world... The word we most crave hearing is a simple "Yes." I start my subject lines with "Yes, Chris" (or recipient's name).

Check out my posting on the Language of Remarkable Service.

Janet
www.remarkableservice.blogspot.com