Mastering the Art of Signing-off an E-mail

It is my strongest suspicion that there is no better indicator of one's level of coolness than how they choose to sign off on their e-mails. Much like it's 2nd cousin—the introductory handshake—the e-mail sign-off should display a casual strength in word choice as well as be uniquely memorable to each person. Deliver anything short of this, and you are most likely to be mentally written off and filed under "people I wish not to work with unless absolutely necessary." Let's avoid that.

Two simple ways to make your sign-off be spot-on:

1) SAY GOODBYE TO NORMALCY.

The first step to finding a proper + strong sign-off is to rid yourself of the norm. No more "Sincerely." No more "Best." None of that colorless, freshman-year nonsense. If you're reading this and simultaneously needing to respond to an e-mail that is solely awaiting a sign-off, use "Cheers," courtesy of the Brits. I like to imagine anyone that uses Cheers as someone that is lifting a glass of alcohol in my favor as they click the send button. It doesn't matter if the body of the e-mail involves me getting electronically served divorce papers. I see the sign-off and can only think, "My ex's lawyer is a rad dude."

2) YOU DO YOU.

In developing your own signature sign-off, recall lines from your favorite movies or television shows. "How do you like them apples," or "ET Phone Home." Song lyrics will also provide creative ammunition. "Stayin' Alive," or maybe "Don't Stop Believin'." There are awesome combinations of words all around us. Open your ears, retain them, and then let them rip. Bonus points when contextually appropriate to your e-mail's body text or particularly relevant to the receiver.

Look—having a solid sign-off is hella important. It's the last thing one will read before they hit your actual name and/or signature for the first time and begin to wonder who you are. Give them a reason to think there's at least a chance that you are awesome.