One of my friends told me when they write email to clients, Always put “brother” or “Sister” before the name of the client ...

But I don't think clients will like it, actually I feel not very good...

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:You are right in your thinking .
that term is what /how the Nigerians send many of there scam emails , so most people that use E- Trade wouls delete it thinking its from a Nigerian scamer,

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:

In some religions people call each other "brother" and "sister", but only after identifying each other as members of the same religion. That's the only case I can imagine where it would be appropriate to use these words/titles.

Replying to [opalcutter]:Really?

Replying to [adimec]:Exactly , I think Christian always call each other "brother &sister", maybe muslim also call each other "brother"& "sister", but Chinese people call brother & sister maybe feel near & good, or need more care from that person, maybe it's oriental mentality...
I think sometimes should consider if client like or not...

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:

Hi Shelley,

You just taught me a little lesson. I didn't know that in your culture it sometimes makes people feel comfortable or appreciated when you call them brother or sister. So I guess the bottom line is, use your best criteria.

Replying to [adimec]:YES!

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]: I would not like to be called "brother" by a business partner. we are business people, not members of the same family. people have very intense (good or bad)relations and feelings to their brothers/sisters, those emotions have nothing to do with business life.

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:one:when we are talking about business,i think it is no need to call sister or brother. two:when we are eating or drinking,we are just like friends,it is good for calling the clients sister or brother.do you think so?

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:

opalcutter's right. I wouldn't use it especially among strangers. I used to get these kind of junk emails with too frequent "brother" salutations from Nigerian scammers.

It also doesn't sound professional in business circle. It sounds weird and pretentious. Even my real brother and sister don't send me email calling me "brother".. because that goes without saying, it's something that resides inside us emotionally.

I'd rather people just say "Hi!" or "Hello" (if they wish to be informal) as that's still acceptable, at least to me.

Replying to [heshelleyatgmaildotcom]:

I think it's not a proper doing, anyway if it is in China and you are very familar with your client then maybe it is OK.


Hyk