Checklist for Writing Business Letters
Thinking of what I usually watch for in my business letters and looking at some other checklists given on the web, I've come up with my own checklist for writing business letters, or should I say a checklist for writing important business letters.
I need to say these are not the only things you need to watch for in your business letters.
There are the 'Four Cs' of business letters writing that I talk about in my five day e-course (if you subscribed to my newsletter you already got it or you're just getting it) that you should be aware immediately when writing business letters although I have nested few tips about them nicely in the PDF version of this checklist which you can download now for free. (Hint: look down...)
So besides looking that every business letter you send is complete, concise, clear and correct, these are some obvious things you should be checking for before sending another important business letter...
RECEIVER?
Have I addressed the letter properly?
Do I need to send copies to somebody else?
PURPOSE?
Have I stated the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph?
FACTS?
Have I stated all the correct facts & figures?
Double-check them all!
ASKING?
If I'm asking for something, am I being absolutely clear about it?
Am I asking it politely?
CALL-TO-ACTION?
If I'm expecting action from my correspondent(s),
have I included a clear call to action?
GRAMMAR & SPELLING
Double-check grammar & spelling!
Proof-read the letter out loud or let someone else read it for me!
Feel free to post a comment (look down) and I'd appreciate if you tell me if there are any other things you usually check for in your business letters or think that it should generally be a good idea to check for...
If you want me to send you a nicely designed one-page PDF version that I created for an easy reference, which you can also print out, please enter you details in the fields below (double-check ;) you entered your correct email address) so I could send it to you now:
That way I will also be able to send you updates on the development of this checklist and maybe some other free goodies and recommendations...
If you subscribed to my newsletter, you don't need to ask for the PDF version version of the cheklist here - you already know where you can get it (hint: Resources Vault - forgot the link? - email me!) and don't worry - you will receive updates on development as well!
Comments:
John on 08 November 2009 said:
Great Work!
I would include a time frame (date, general guideline - within the month, two weeks, etc) for any expected actions/responses/reactions.
This will give you a definitive date to take further action, write again, call, etc.
Leave it open ended and you could be waiting for months.
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