blue artichoke: To a more predictable future!

I'm about a month deep into my new job, and learning more every day. One new responsibility this week has been corresponding with students via email. It isn't difficult, though achieving the correct friendly-professional tone is something I'm still figuring out. I'm always stumped when it comes to the closing salutation. My go-to is "Thanks," but that isn't necessarily appropriate when replying to someone's question. Cheers seems too British, regards is too pompous, sincerely has too many letters, yours is too endearing and love is entirely inappropriate. I've used take care a few times, but it seems a bit paternal, like I'm asking them to be careful.

I googled "closing salutations" and have narrowed it down to two: To a more predictable future! or Make today a masterpiece!. On second thought, those might be too optimistic. Also suggested, and rejected, were To your continued success!, which presumes past success, and Have a productive day!, which is too pushy and capitalistic. I'm all for capitalism, but if I were to go along those lines, I'd prefer to sign off with Efficiency.

So, I turn to you, dear reader, to offer suggestions for how I should close emails. The goal is friendly, professional and generic enough to be appropriate in most emails. How do you sign off on your emails?

Bring it,
Blue Artichoke

Comments

I received this suggestion: With all best wishes, I remain Your sister in Christ,
Blue Artichoke

Posted by: Blue Artichoke | May 4, 2008 01:22 PM

I usually use the trusty "-" People can interpret that however they want. Recently, however, I have found occasion to use "go forth and conquer", which I rather like. I agree that "cheers" is WAY too British and so identifies any non-British user a total poseur. But I see people using it more and more often, and find it greatly distressing.

Posted by: red meat | May 5, 2008 10:45 AM

There's always "In Accordance with the Prophecy..."

Actually, I have seen a few that weren't terrible. One former boss put "Expect Success" and "Expect the Best," though I much prefer to simply say, "All the best." It's simple and works in most circumstances. It sounds professional when you need it to, it sounds friendly and sincere in something a little less formal, and even when you're passing on bad news, you can still sign off with it, wishing the reader a better day. It's all-purpose and can be read so many different ways, and so, so, so generic.

I'm a fan.

All the best,

Red Momo

PS: See?

;-)

Posted by: Red Momo | May 5, 2008 12:03 PM