Would You Pay Someone to Write Those Icky E-mails?

A few times in the last year, I’ve had friends and family members approach me with conflicts they’re facing at work.  Specifically, they’ve received e-mail messages of the hostile, threatening, rude, or passive- variety, and they’ve wanted my advice on how to respond.  Most of the time, my loved ones want to stand up for themselves without making the situation worse in the process.

People come to me because I’ve spent the better part of the last five years learning how to deal with sticky workplace issues, and because I tend to express my feelings well in writing.  I’ve found that after I’ve listened to someone vent about her latest work snafu, I can take all the information in and in a half hour write out an empathetic but assertive response for my loved one that will neutralize the toxic person in her life.  One of my best friends told me last week that it would have taken her half a day to draft an e-mail response to her employee that would “show him I understand where he is coming from, but also make it clear that I’m the boss and protect me in case he complains to someone senior.”  It needed to be done, but she didn’t have the time or the emotional energy to figure out the most succinct and effective way to communicate her message. 

This is by no means an advertisement of my services, especially because I don’t even have services right now.  But since I really trust my readers’ opinions, I’m wondering if you guys think there’s a business idea in this.  Would you pay someone a nominal fee to help you write these kinds of e-mails?  Do you think there are ethical or legal implications, and would it be worth partnering, for example, with an HR consultant?

Comments

[Pia Hill]

Hello,

I think I would definitely pay for the service. When I get these emails, I literally do spend half the day with the compose window open trying to find the right words. I realize that it isn't the most productive task but it has to be just right, just direct enough, and just succinct enough.

[SBoone]

As a labor market analyst/job counselor w/+30yrs exp, I suggest that the approach here is from the email manager perspective--a small but valuable component of organizational development.

There is definitely need for word management skills. Though there is software for the hard organization of mail--intrinsicly valuable, spirit and intent of the written word can be strategic. There are multiple circumstances where the well focused memo can save time, money and reputation--moving the person and the company forward.

The key here is efficiency. The skills needed are unique and approaching artistry, thus quite valuable. As an Org Dev consultant, strategic word choice is a likely training focus. Then, an ebook of style samples might be supplemented w/personal availability. Hv u looked at Robin Ryan's business model?

[Joe Lavelle]

Hi Alexandra
I believe that although the "icky e-mail" service might be valuable to more people than are willing to admit, I think the concept is too narrow and would require too much branding and marketing to make it profitable. Partnering with an HR consultant would only make it less profitable.

However, if you were to provide 5-6 services with the same impact as the "icky e-mail", then your marketing dollars could go farther.

Two other examples of services that you could provide and market:
1) Graduate Plan - 1-2 hour interview and then a documented plan for recent graduate to help them secure their first job and then be successful in that job
2) Damage Control coaching - 1-2 hour interview then recommendations and pros/cons of various approaches.

All 3 of these would just be "nose-cone" services as they are transactional (one time events) and if you are going to pursue the coaching business, I propose that you will want to create services that have more longevity with your clients. So a "Graduate Plan" would turn into monthly coaching sessions for their first year on the job (and beyond).

Good luck! And as always Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail!

[Alexandra Levit]

@Joe: These are terrific ideas, thank you so much! It's always an open question how far I want to delve into the personal coaching space, but I agree that all of these services could potentially be a part of one larger offering.

@SBoone: Artistry, wow. But you know, you're right. I just never thought about it that way before. I will check out Robin's model, thanks for the suggestion.

@Pia: Thanks for the feedback!