GUIDELINES
- Keep your language simple while giving professional advice. Don't use the professional jargon because your reader may not know it. Sometimes, people don't like your professional opinion even if your intentions are good. Be careful and make sure that your proposal is professionally valid. You should add others' opinions to substantiate your suggestion and protect yourself. Send one copy to the reader, another to a trusted third party and keep one for yourself.
- Explain the reason for writing this letter.
- Offer your opinion.
- Present evidence, reasons, examples, and anything to substantiate your advice.
- Add a disclaimer.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
You asked my opinion about taking a business partner. My personal experience has been a good one although it does take some work and care to make a partnership work.
With your firm I have always found Clive to be a conscientious and a hard worker and so I don't think you would have too many issues in giving him a full partnership. You will though need to make explicit reference to the terms of the partnership, and this should be discussed with Clive. Going forward you will also have to include him in all decisions, even if they are relatively minor ones. Otherwise, you will undermine his role, and the partnership may fail.
Take care and give decisions a lot of thought, this will ensure you will have a successful partnership with Clive.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter to give advice about choosing a business partner.
Further things to consider when writing advice letters to colleagues
Advice Letters
Advice letters are letters meant to give recommendations or guidance concerning prudent future action. Typically, these letters are written by a person who is regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative. Advice letters can be from a company to clients, managers to subordinates, or employee to employee. People write advice letters to help others make informed decisions and avoid bad actions. Some of the situations where you may want to offer advice through a letter include giving guidance on how to choose a career, advising clients on the best products, or advising a friend on how to deal with an issue. You may also send a letter to a subordinate to advice about certain behavior at work, etc.
When writing advice letters, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First things first, state the reason for this letter and maintain a formal and truthful tone. Communicate the advice being asked of you clearly and precisely, making sure that there is nothing that the reader can hold against you. State why you think it is important that the reader follows your suggestion. Where necessary, quote references you have consulted. Before closing the letter, you can ask for a reply.
Letters to Colleagues
Letters to colleagues are, simply, letters written to coworkers. These letters are written in a business or professional setting for different purposes. Maybe you want to thank a coworker for doing you a favor - write a thank-you letter. You want to congratulate him/her for a promotion - write a congratulation letter. Perhaps you want to apologize for doing something wrong - write an apology letter, or may be you have found a new job, and it's time to say goodbye - write a farewell letter. Although some colleagues may find writing letters a tedious process, it is a great way to maintain a strong working relationship.
Most letters to colleagues are informal. You really don't need to use all that formal jargon to people you know pretty well ? do you? Begin your letter with a warm and friendly salutation and the proper name of the recipient. Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Be specific and know exactly what you are talking about. Use clear language which the recipient can easily understand. Maintain a friendly and pleasant tone. Close the letter positively and with a note of anticipation that the recipient will take the necessary action.
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