The absolute best way that I know of to write just about anything quickly and effectively is to use what I call a “real-life template”. In fact, I rarely write anything without using some sort of real-life template.
In case you aren’t sure what I mean here; a real-life template is an actual sample of the particular document that you need to write. For example, if I need to write a “business introduction letter” I dig out an actual business introduction letter that I have written previously for another situation. If I don’t have such a letter in my files I try to find a sample online of an actual introduction letter that has been written by another professional.
Believe me; working with a real-life template is far better than starting with a blank page or screen, or trying to work with one of those generic fill-in-the-blank jobs. Here’s how you typically work with a real-life template…
When you need letter writing help online or offline do you know where to find info and samples that will help you compose the specific type of letter that you need to write?
One would think so. However, if you spend some time searching online or browsing around your local bookstore you may be surprised to find out how much confusion there is among many “so-called experts” as to exactly what types of letters there are and then how to write them.
To remedy this, I have added more than a dozen pages to my Writing Help Central Website that provide: specific definitions for the most frequently written letters, how-to info for composing them, and links to some real-life sample letters.
Here’s the link to the “letter writing definitions” info page:
http://writinghelp-central.com/letter-writing-definitions.html
In my opinion one of the most unprofessional things that one can do is to send a poorly formatted letter. Doing such a thing is an instant credibility destroyer. Even if your letter is perfectly worded and devoid of grammatical and spelling errors; sending it out in a sloppy unprofessional format will always reflect badly on the sender.
That being said; are you aware that there is NO single international standard for formatting the three main groups of letters used in day-to-day life: business letters, business memos, and personal letters?
A good sales letter can be the most productive employee that you will ever have. Once developed, a successful sales letter can bring you sales and leads, over and over again, even when the office is closed and all of your employees are home sleeping.
And sales letters never call in sick or go on vacation leave!
Sales letters can be developed for every kind of business, ranging from restaurants and retail operations, to professionals such as accountants, lawyers, and dentists. Basically, anyone who wants to increase their business volume should be using sales letters.
Based on the actions of the more than 40,000 visitors to my Writing Help Central website every week, it seems that many people are unsure about which format to use when writing their letters.
There is considerable confusion as to whether they should be formatting their letter as a business letter or a personal letter. In fact, as I have pointed out in previous articles on this blog, many folks are confused as to exactly what a “business letter” is, and what differentiates it from a “personal letter”.
This is an important thing to know, since there are different formats/layouts for business and personal letters. Depending on the situation, a letter can be printed on either personal or business stationery. Following are some guidelines that I suggest you follow when deciding whether to use business format (stationery) or personal format (stationery)…
Following last month’s post on Resume Writing Tips, I thought I would continue on that theme with an article about “cover letters”. However, just before I get into my article on the 9 Cover Letter Tips, there is something that I need to clear up.
Frequently there is confusion about the exact meaning of the term “cover letter”. That’s because when most people use that term, they don’t realize that there are TWO main types of cover letters. There are “document transmittal cover letters”, and there are “resume cover letters”.
Some people have even gone so far as to name ALL letters “cover letters”. That’s plain wrong of course, but there are some actual books/ebooks that have been published referring to cover letters as if ALL types of letters are cover letters. Go figure? So, to find out the real scoop on cover letters, keep reading…
As I’ve mentioned before; because my two “writing help” Web sites receive well over two million visitors per year looking for information to help them with their writing, I get a pretty accurate idea of exactly what people are looking for on the subject of letter writing. In fact, it turns out that a significant number of people arrive at my site using the search phrase “business letter”.
Now, at first glance the term “business letter” seems to makes sense, right? But, just wait a minute here, let’s think about this a little! What “exactly” do people mean by “business letter”? Keep reading and I’ll tell you…
With over 2 million unique visitors each year to my WritingHelp-Central Web site, I have the perfect opportunity to observe what online writing-help searchers are REALLY looking for.
As it turns out, over 50 % of all people visiting my site are looking for some type of “letter writing” help. For a look at the Top 10 Letters viewed by visitors to my site, plus links to samples of each one, read on…
In the past week, two people have asked me to help them draft complaint letters, one to an airline, the other to an investment advisor. In fact, I am often asked to assist people with writing their complaint letters.
Personally, I enjoy writing complaint letters because, if one is done properly, nine times out of ten it will receive a favorable response. So there is usually a reward involved. You might not always get everything you’re looking for, but it’s rare that a well-crafted complaint letter won’t get you some serious action.
Click on the “read more” link and you’ll find a revised and updated version of an article I wrote a couple of years ago that will tell you exactly how to approach and write a complaint letter:
As I pointed out in my April 5/05 posting on this Blog, letters of recommendation in their various forms are among the most difficult letters to write. That’s because, by their very nature, these types of testimonial letters almost always have important implications affecting the life and/or future of the person about whom the letter is being written.
The approach, tone, and wording used in these letters is usually a major factor in whether the person about which the letter is being written will be accepted (or NOT) for such things as: employment applications, job promotions, college and university program admission, memberships in clubs and associations, qualification for awards and scholarships, financial assistance programs, entrance into special programs, community service appointments, housing/accommodation, government appointments, etc.
Since I wrote my first book on this subject, I’ve been watching the whole subject carefully and have conducted additional research, leading me to conclude that there is widespread confusion out there as to the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference, and their various derivatives. In summary, many people (and companies, and institutions) often don’t know which type of letter is which, and how to write a proper and appropriate letter.
So, in an effort to clear up this common misunderstanding once and for all, I have created a NEW Web site that focuses exclusively on information and resources directly related to the writing of the two main categories of testimonial letters: Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Reference…
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