I just read an email exchange between a manager and a consultant who is hoping to work for the manager.
The manager’s name is Susan. The consultant addressed her as Sue.
Friendly failures like these get noticed much more than a tiny typo such as "you" for "your." Susan recognizes her own name–and the wrong name–in an instant. The same is true for my husband, Michael, who is often addressed as Mike. Michael is not a Mike.
Before clicking Send on an email, check to see how the individual signs his or her name. Remember: Just because your brother is Bob or Rob or Robby, doesn’t mean every Robert is the same.
Lynn (not Lynne)
Syntax Training