I can’t believe how often I see people using a free email address for their business on-line. Imagine if you would, going to buy a new car, maybe a Jaguar. You meet with the owner of the dealership, and on his business card is “expensive_cars@yahoo.com”. What is your perception?
When people get “my_biz@gmail.com”, or any other similar type account, it will tend to lessen the perceived value of your business. While it may not be a deal breaker, it cannot help you sell yourself, your product, or your business.
Since people cannot see you face to face, you want to put forth a professional image when on-line. Professional emails, are just one way of doing that.
So now that facebook is handing out free email addresses, feel free to use it for your personal account. Just don’t use it for business.
Here’s a hint: Email addresses are cheap (free with many hosting accounts), and you should have one for you, and each of your employees. If you don’t get that for free, contact me. My hosting comes with free email accounts.
About Walter Wimberly