Are Colleagues, Customers and Friends Not Replying to Your e-Mail?

I have noticed recently that many people I normally get a prompt email reply from are NOT returning my emails. This is a feeling I have had for some time, and my usual measures to get a reply are only working 50% of the time.

Typically, if it is someone I am working on a project with, or a good customer, and I don't get a reply within a couple of days, I resend my email. Often, I'll add at the top, "Did you see this?" I find that there is usually a very quick reply.... they just had missed seeing my email.

Sometimes I see an incoming email and plan to respond but I don't. I'm waiting for some piece of information or don't have enough time for a reply. Occasionally, those emails don't get answered. I understand I'm guilty on this, and to alleviate, I attempt to review the incoming emails and send them to their appropriate folders once I've reviewed - and attempt to make sure I did reply.

How is this affecting you in your world of e-mail communication? Do you always "tag-team" an important e-mail with a phone call? What other ideas do you have? Remember, I'm talking about people who DO KNOW YOU, and typically LIKE you. We haven't even talked about those who have not developed a trusting relationship with you.

Please email me your ideas, and I'll share them with the readership. I'm looking for a "top ten" list of ideas.