Before You Pack the Sunblock, Pack a Better OOO Reply

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Before You Pack the Sunblock, Pack a Better OOO Reply

by Desiree Grace

A Distributor Channel Marketing Moment
By Desiree Grace

Ready for some R&R? Rushing out the door to leave work behind? Don’t forget the sunblock, the spare charger, and an extra credit card. And please, before you set that “Gone Fishing” vibe, take five minutes to craft a professional, friendly, and useful out-of-office message.

Out of office? Who cares? Your customers and colleagues, that’s who. The tone of your greeting matters. Include an emergency contact who has agreed in advance to be your backup, and provide a way to reach you in a true emergency. Your auto-response while on vacation tells people a lot about you. Forgetting to create one also says a lot, and none of it good.

A couple of real-world examples:

  1. “Out of the office until August 31.”
  2. “Hi! I’m out of the office on holiday, returning August 31. While I may not be checking emails, your message is important to me. Bill can help you if you cannot wait until my return. His email is bill@helpfulcolleague.com. If it’s truly urgent and Bill cannot help, please text me at 123-456-7890. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Thanks, and enjoy your August!”

Which of the two sounds like someone you want to work with? The second example provides useful information, sets clear boundaries, and still comes across as caring and professional.

It may seem like a small detail, but details matter. Take the time to craft a friendly, useful, professional out-of-office message. And for those of you who remember the ’90s and Baz Luhrmann’s Sunscreen song, yes, always wear sunblock. Even if you don’t remember the song, wear sunblock and stay hydrated.

Watch the video here.



About the Author

Desiree Grace is a seasoned sales and marketing leader who believes small details create lasting impressions. With years of experience building customer relationships, she champions clear, professional, and personable communication in every interaction. Desiree shares practical tips that help professionals elevate their brand, whether they’re in the boardroom or on the beach. When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying sunshine, travel, and maybe humming a 90s tune about sunscreen.



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