ness letter of intent represents a memo which includes the particulars about a commercial enterprise arrangement between two entities which affects the channelling of commodities or services.

A business letter of intent can be used in a number of situations including a commitment to purchase something, usually a business. It is also referred to as s Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

IN THE EARLY STAGES THERE’S VARIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU.

It is extremely important that you choose the most suitable style so your document presents as professional as possible.

You can select from varying styles including Block Style, Modified Block Style, Semiblock Style. You can have a look at these varying options and select the one that you consider is most suitable.

WHILE DRAFTING A BUSINESS LETTER OF INTENT, THERE’S A NUMBER OF ISSUES YOU NEED TO CONSIDER -

1/ – It’s best mentioned that it is a non-binding document. The letter only needs to include the discussion points whilst exposing as little as possible about the actual issue.

The other party or parties may become impatient & seek legal advice if you don’t stick to the rules.

2/ – It should be clearly written in a neat & tidy fashion. The intentions of all concerned needs to be recorded in the document. Before commencing to write you’re best to make yourself familiar with the various styles of business letters.

3/ – After all the entities involved in the deal sign the memorandum of understanding, a joint press release should be issued. It sends a very positive message to the stockholders of the businesses involved.

4/ – A time line is an important ingredient in the agreement for finalization purposes. This is a significant point. Once you sign the document and issue a press release, all will be watching you.

For the sake of efficieny, it’s to everyone’s advantage that the agreement is completed as soon as practible.

5/ – A confidentiality accord is something which is an inherent component of any business contract. By signing a confidentiality accord, all those included agree that the details hashed out will remain confidential.

These are but a few of the possible issues that you need to keep in mind when drafting up a business letter of intent. And, although it can be an expensive exercise, you really should consult your lawyer before you commence.

The money that you save in the event of a problem, may far outweigh the cost of legal advice.

Selecting the most suitable business letter format for the particular issue that you’re addressing is the most important step

if you need to create a successful business letter that’s going to have some impact. A select few have that special talent that’s required for writing & struggle with a business letter format, those that do have it are very fortunate indeed.

The rest of us just have to plod along struggling with word.

Business writing is far less complex than writing sales letters for example where a certain type of talent is required. Although these writing styles do not come naturally for many, you can most definitely learn them both.

By adhering to a set formula for all business communication you will quickly learn how to create a masterpiece.

The Three Basic Styles Are: – The block format – The modified block format – The indented or semi-block format

The Block Format Style.

For many, the block format is the most professional looking style and it’s also easy to work with use and it looks more professional than the others. This style has everything justifies to the left. If you’re able to choose the style of a business letter format, I suggest this one is the best all round.

The Modified Block Style.

If you’re in the situation where you’re typing letters for others, some may want you to use this style. Primarily it’s the same as block format style, however the return address, date and the closing text commence in the middle of the page.

The Semi-Block Style.

Many of us prefer the use of use indents, this style may be due to the importance placed on using them when being taught about writing paragraphs. Before the world was blessed with word processing programs, this old format was the standard.

It’s much the same as modified block style, ie the return address, the date and closing commence in the middle of the page, only but every paragraph is indented. This style is now very much outdated if you want my opinion and, it looks quite amateurish.

Remember, if you do have a dinosaur for a manager, keep it under your hat.

My Personal Advice… Refer to the KISS method… Keep It Simple Stupid. If I had it all my way, the block style is by far THE best business letter format around.

There will be far less mistakes made, it’s a more efficient style to use and all pieces of communication that leave the office will certainly look the part.

If you do not have the authority to select a letter format style then you’ll simply have to go with the flow and bite your tongue.

Deal?

Just do as instructed & try and keep all of the business correspondence from your office looking neat & professional at all times.

When you do finally decide which business letter format is going to be the acceptable standard, save a template on your desktop. This way, you won’t have to revisit it each time someone wants a business letter typed.

The issue of writing professional letters with literally evaporate!