Brouillard, Brainerd or just bad manners?

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January 27 - stockdown I've received some pretty amazing, unsolicited e-mails over the years. But, two recent ones were exceptional in their sloppiness.

The first came from the editor of a leading industry trade publication, inviting me to submit ideas for a new daily news feed. That was cool, but the editor ended the note by adding, 'And, Steve, please pass along this note to other executives at Brouillard Communications." Ouch. I left Brouillard in August of 1995. Could it be time to update your database, Mr. Editor?

The second came from a job seeker who had seen our recent posting for new hires and exclaimed, 'I cannot tell you how excited I'd be if I got the junior account executive position at Brainerd Communications!' Ouch. Brainerd Communications? Is the job seeker related to the industry trade editor?

Needless to say, neither the Brouillard nor Brainerd notes lived to see another day.

We're all in a rush, but sloppy e-mails are an embarrassment for all concerned. In the case of the trade editor, there's no real damage done since his publication will do just fine without our commentary. But, the job seeker cost herself an interview. And, in this horrific economy, that's inexcusable.

So, the next time you're about to send an e-mail to more than one organization, do everyone a favor: update your database and be sure your note is going to the intended recipient. The job offer you save may be your own.

3 thoughts on “Brouillard, Brainerd or just bad manners?”

  1. Thanks Art. We’ve all made e-mails mistakes. I’ve made some beauts in my time as well. Don’t know that I’ve ever sent a ‘Coke’ e-mail to ‘Pepsi,’ but I’m sure it’s somewhere in my future.

  2. Welp, at least we are talking about the job seekers pitch. That’s a consolation prize [sic] for ya.
    (This guest comment is brought to you by Lunch Boy.)

  3. There have been times in the past, Steve, when I’ve inadvertently done what your erstwhile job seeker did–only to realize it after the fact. Slunk away into a corner to suck my thumb and cry–and never expected to hear back from those folks I mis-named (and never did). A hard lesson to learn. Let’s hope Mr. Junior Account Exec learns it sooner rather than later.