Julie in CA Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I have a business issue that I've been corresponding with our city manager about. I've been addressing him as "Mr. So&So" but I noticed that in his last email he signed off with a shortened version of his first name. Does that mean that I should be using his first name now? :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I'd think it means you can use his first name now. You can still choose to use last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 When corresponding with someone acting in their professional capacity I always opt for the more formal address unless specifically advised otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 i tend to call people what they call themselves when speaking/writing etc with me. its called "mirroring". so in a business capacity, the first exchange is formal, and then if i wish i switch to my first name, and then see what they do. so as you've been going back and forth, i would switch to the less formal. esp. because i think i remember you live in a town, rather than large city, and often in towns the world revovles on relationships.... i would take it as a good sign. fwiw, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I've often wondered that too. People seem much more casual in emails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 He is the (political) superior. Feel free follow his lead. If you prefer to use his last name instead, that is absolutely fine too. He's just opened the door to the more informal mode of address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted May 1, 2013 Author Share Posted May 1, 2013 Whew! So I did the right thing. :thumbup1: He is trying to make my problems go away in terms of making a city-owned building work for my possible new business. Very, very nice man, and I'd like to address him respectfully, but also in a way that acknowledges how friendly he's been towards me. Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Yes, this happens to me pretty much every day. Someone contacts my company, leaving full name. I reply by email or letter, using their formal title and surname, and signing off with my full name (without title). Almost always, the person comes back calling me by my first name and signing with their first name. At which point I also use their first name. It seems to be the normal rhythm. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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