No matter where you are in life or what kind of business you have, everyone uses and sends letters as a means of communication. It can be in an email message, a text message or sent through the standard postal service, but regardless of the method chosen, the letter is always a form of communication that never goes out of style.
Beyond being a dynamic method of communication, a letter has the power to touch a reader’s heart or leave it cold. In fact, a well-written letter can open doors, invite new business, or communicate a sincere apology. Conversely, a poorly written letter can leave you out before the reader gets to the second sentence.
Whether you’re preparing a cover letter about your business, a cover letter as a companion piece to a resume, a sales letter selling your services, a reference letter for a colleague, a fundraising letter for your important charity, a letter of complaint when you are unhappy, or a letter of appreciation that gives someone the praise they deserve, the letter is one of the most important pieces of communication you will ever write. Regardless of the topic, a letter gives you the opportunity to be heard.
So what is it about a good card that can make such a difference? Simply put, when your letter is written effectively, meaning it’s built on a polished and honed message, it has the best chance of making an impact. For example, one of my clients recently got promoted and asked me to help with a thank you letter to the potential employer. Everyone knows how important it is to send a thank you letter after an interview, but presenting it correctly can mean getting the job or getting shot down. In this case my client got the promotion! Another example of good letter writing occurred when one of my clients was having trouble with a government agency. Catching the eye of an official in a government office can be quite daunting, however, after helping him with a great letter, he received a reply and an invitation to a meeting.
If you have something important to say, going the extra mile can make all the difference. One of the most important tips for writing a good letter is to try to write it in a conversational style. It is not enough to write the letter and check for spelling errors. It’s important to read the letter out loud, to yourself and even someone else, just to make sure you’re getting your message across effectively. Even a formal letter should sound like you are speaking directly to the person. In other words, you have to listen to the card, see the card, and review the card in different scenarios. It’s amazing how different the lyrics will sound when you read them aloud or to yourself. It is also a good idea to write the letter and then sleep until the next day.
As a professional writer, I have helped thousands of clients create exceptional letters, but I never send the finished product until I am satisfied that the letter sounds perfect to my ears. Trust me when I tell you that if you take the time to perfect your letter, chances are you’ll reap the rewards. And if you’re unsure of your writing skills or too close to the topic, you can always select a writer who likes to write letters.