The other day I got an email from someone I know through networking. She'd forwarded something that included a story about cancer, and helping, and apparently donations.

Bad move. 

Just say no to forwarding email.  Seriously, stop.  Don't do it. Move the mouse away from the send button right now.

Because you're making yourself look bad.

It reminds me of an old Russian proverb, "make yourself feel at home, but don't forget you are a guest."  It implies boundaries that should not be crossed and always applies to business relationships.  Some of those emails you feel you must share because they are important, or funny, or cute, can erode your professional credibility.  They can be annoying, offensive, and show aspects of your personality that don't belong in a professional setting.  It also means you're likely to drive me to distraction.

Personally, I loathe forwarded email; it's spam.  I don't want to see heartfelt pleas for money (so many are scams), I choose my own charities, thank you.  My sense of humor is not going to be simpatico with yours.  And cute makes me sick most times.  That's not even getting into the faith-themed emails. 

When I get these emails from you, it tells me you can't maintain good boundaries. It suggests you can't be trusted to maintain a professional demeanor, that you get caught up in the emotional, religious, or inane.  If we've never had a non-professional relationship, then don't send me personal spam. You have no business being overly personal with business contacts.  Sure, there are exceptions, but those take a great deal of time, and it's a process that can't be rushed. 


So stop forwarding it.