How to Do A Good Business Letter?

Question

I am required to do a business letter for my boss's insurance firm. I have very little experience in writing (I'm only 19, so no college degree-yet). I feel lucky to even have been offered this job because of my lack of experience in this field. Even though I'm not all that "qualified", I still believe I can do a good business letter....I just need some good advice, lol. What are the basic fundamentals you need for writing a business letter? We're sending this letter out to all major business in our area to convince them that our practice is is the cream of the crop (in so many words). However, being new to the job I don't have that much knowledge about the business and naturally I am afraid, lol. I just need some direction.....please someone with a degree in journalism respond-lol.

Answer 1

Google business letter templates. You can learn a lot by seeing what others have written.

here is one to get you started:
http://www.libraryonline.com/letter_templates.html

Answer 2

You don't need a degree in journalism to write a good business letter, all you have to do is have a way with words.

Most people don't have time to sit down and read a bunch of hyperbole of this and that, what they want to know is three things:

Who you are
What you want
What you want them to do for you.

These types of letters should not be more than one page long.

Who you are is ABC company.
What you want is to tell this potential client about your superior services.

What you want them to do is hire you.

In your case, you're wanting to alert people to your comany's services. Start out by studying your company's sales brochures, literature they've alread got in print concerning its services, and even having a good read of your company's website, provided it has one.

As you're studying this material -- which shouldn't take too long -- find the things about your company's services that really appeal to you. Are they faster than all the rest? Less expensive (NEVER CHEAPER)? Do they have an impressive list of satisfied customers?

When you sit down to write your first draft, institute the top three things in short paragraphs, telling them all the things that you yourself would want to know. As you get started, your words should flow easier now that you've done some homework, and after you've read it a few times, see where you can make it more concise. Don't be too pushy and don't promise things you can't deliver.