We understand that being able to write in a clear and professional style is important to your business. That is why we have developed the Business Writing Institute and the Effective Business Writing workshop. This practice-driven business writing workshop will significantly improve your ability to write in English, so that your readers will receive a clear, concise, effective message. Most professionals spend at least 15-20% of their time writing for business; emails, memos, business letters, reports and other business correspondence. Our customized approach guarantees an improvement in business communication skills that will increase your productivity, success and job satisfaction.
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Benefits of business writing training workshops:
- learn how to write a business letter
- discover the skills of writing a business letter
- learn to create clear business correspondence
- understand the difference of writing for business
- improve overall business communication
Business Writing Training: The First Law of Business Writing Workshops - Get the Name Right
The first law of letters is: get the name right.
If you've ever received a letter that begins, "Dear Householder" you'll know what I mean. You immediately decide this letter or ad or whatever it is, is garbage. Maybe your neighbors read garbage, but you don't--and into the trash it goes. I don't know why they don't just print out those things and toss them directly into the recycle bin instead of asking you to do it.
In writing business letters, pleasing the reader is the essence of service; getting the reader's name and title correct are key. The fact is that everyone takes their own name seriously. Nobody likes it to be mangled or mis-spelled. Equally abhorrent is an incorrect gender title.
In a competitive business environment, your personal attention to detail and to establishing rapport with your reader may make the difference between a delete or a must-read. It's the difference between a letter that hits the trash basket or one that's a hit with your readers.
So here are 5 rules to help you get it right.
- Avoid generic openings; they indicate your lack of interest and professionalism.
- Use a gender-free salutation when you are uncertain of the reader's sex.
- Make certain you have the correct spelling; get it from the files or phone book if necessary.
- Use the reader's name within the body of the letter to add a personal touch--but only once.
- Use the "You Point of View." Avoid starting your letter with an "I" statement.
Never write, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom it May Concern." Both are clear signals that you are not paying attention to your reader. A well targeted letter or e-mail feels to readers like it is specifically intended for them, not like you are fishing for someone--anyone--to bite. What's more, if you can't be bothered with me, I certainly won't be bothered with you.
Get the name right and get your letters read. It's the first law of letters.
Source: Fern Lebo link
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