9. Measure twice, cut once
It’s a classic piece of carpenter’s wisdom that easily translates into the world of client correspondence: think twice, press the “send” button once. In the heat of the moment, it’s all too easy to react emotionally to communications that seem unjust, irrational or just plain stupid. Unfortunately, the very instantaneity of email can facilitate an impulsiveness that writing a letter, stuffing an envelope and finding a stamp once kept in check. Resist temptation: the more intense your feelings, the more you need a cooling-off period. Go for a walk, get a cup of coffee, goof around on Facebook. Then cast a cold eye on the correspondence and respond in your best interests – that is, rationally.