Email may be the most important communication tool ever invented. Not only can it provide instant communication and response, it allows you to keep a record on both ends.

You can use email to transmit video and audio files, word documents, and simple greetings. It’s an all purpose communications tool with its own unique rules of etiquette and language. And it’s free.

When used with a professional email program such as Outlook or Eudora Pro, email can take your business to a level of efficiency you never dreamed possible. With mail merge programs, you can use email to contact your prospects quickly and deliver information to many with one or two clicks of your mouse.

If you aren’t used to using email, you will quickly become accustomed, if not addicted like many others are. Have you ever known anyone to start using email and give it up? I didn’t think so. But, I’ll bet you know plenty of people who have converted much of their communications from telephones, fax machines and pagers to email.

The beauty of email is that it is immediate, but not time-sensitive. When you need to make contact with a client, and it’s late, you can email them instead of interrupting their dinner or bed time. Email is a great way to send feedback to another agent or a relocation counselor.

Terri Murphy, GRI, CRS and LTG, is an active broker and trainer who teaches that communication is the foundation of any good service relationship. She suggests that email can be used a multitude of ways. Here are just a few:

• Notify buyers of new listings
• Send reports and updates
• Send online newsletters
• Respond even when you’re not available with an autoresponder
• Send links to listings and virtual tours
• Use electronic greeting cards for all occasions

As with any utility, you must learn how to use it professionally. There are many places to learn about email etiquette including the wonderful series by Ducky Sherwood featured on Realty Times. Start with these few suggestions for business: