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Business Letter Writing Etiquette

Top 10 Differences Between Business Letter & Personal Letter

by emily on October 18, 2021

Business Letter & Personal Letter
Business Letter and Personal Letter

Written communications are very different from verbal ones. And when it comes to personal and professional writing both are completely different poles.  A proper business communication requires being set according to professional courtesy. There are certain predetermined organizational structures that need to be followed. Personal written communication on the other hand does not require following any set rules and can be written with a lesser formal approach.

Personal business letters are written to concern personnel regarding issues where information are exchanged with suppliers, customers, banks, insurance companies and external parties. Whereas in personal letter you exchange personal or family affairs with friends, teachers, students, lovers, family and relatives.

Differences between Business Letter and Personal Letter

Here are the top 10 difference seen between business letter & personal letter writing etiquette. Read along:

1. Personal business letters are formal written communication between colleagues with the same objective but work for different companies. It helps a great deal in maintaining professional relationships and developing contacts within your network. On the other hand a personal letter is a communication between friends on strictly non-official purposes.  In this case, handwritten personal letter is also legible.

2. The format of personal business letters is normally kept formal. They have single spacing, are left justified with no paragraph indentation. They strictly have to be typed. Personal letters on the other hand requires following no set format. It is up to the writer to decide on what and how he wants to write the letter.

3. The language is kept very formal in personal business letters. Salutations and closings are chosen very carefully to the most professional business sentiment. Colons are used more often (for example, RE:, DATE:). Personal letters requires no such formalities. Because of their informal tone, senders often ignore the basic punctuation and capitalization standards.

4. Personal business letter has a lot of business related issues and information to include. Whereas personal letters are restricted only to personal or family affairs.

5. Personal business letter are normally kept short and to the point. One does not go for useless exaggeration in such letters as none has the time to kill in leisure in the business world. Whereas in personal letters, length does not matter. All you need is to convey the right sentiment in the right way.

6. Personal business letter are categorized according to its purpose. However, personal letters do not fall into any set categories.

7. Salutations in personal business letters are kept formal. Examples may be Sir, Dear Sir, and Dear Mr. X etc. In case of personal letter salutations are not at all formal. You may use Dear Friends, My Dear X, Dear X etc.

8. In personal business letters, the language is kept quite easy and simple. Use of professional tone is highly advocated. Whereas on the other hand, the language used in personal letter is poetic, emotional and caring.

9. Whenever any personal business letter is exchanged between organizations, a copy of it is preserves for future reference. In case of personal letter, stocking of the sent letter is not necessary.

10. Personal business letters uses a direct and persuasive method where as personal letters are only direct.

Conclusion

Business personal letters are kept different from personal letters because both are completely different entities. Business letters are written for a purpose and is expected a quick response and is all about meeting deadlines. Personal letters have no such issues linked to it.

Top Sample Letters Terms:

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8 Most Useful Etiquette in Business Writing Letter

by emily on August 14, 2021

Etiquette Business Letters Writing etiquette rules
Etiquette Business Letter Writing

Etiquettes in the business world are quite different from normal lifestyle. Your presentation matters a lot as it directly indicates your strength in business. Your first impression is hence very crucial.  In the same way, writing in business also depicts a lot about your personality. However, in writing, since it is impossible to express your tone, let the reader know your intentions by focusing on clarity and professionalism.

Here are 8 basic etiquette you need to consider in business writing letters to make your personality look professional.

  1. Never use slangs while writing to business associates. They are highly informal and unprofessional. Jargons too should be avoided. Using it might result in misunderstandings. They offend readers and hence might not be a very good idea.
  2. Make the written text conversational. You do not have to be overly formal. It is okay to be liberal and sound as though you are talking to a friend or colleague.
  3. Understand cultural differences and respect sentiments. Consider the differences in attitudes and beliefs of the person you are writing to. Understand their expectations and the level of formality you may approach to without offending the reader.
  4. Respect the receiver’s tactics of doing business and reflect it in your writing. It shows proper writing etiquette.
  5. Try to organize your thoughts by keeping business sentiments in mind. Your sentences should be able to get hold your readers’ attention.
  6. Highlight important information and re-edit it again and again till you are satisfied. Proofread and try to avoid archaic expressions and common grammar, punctuation and usage errors as much as possible.
  7. Tally your writing style in accordance to the present business environment. No one has the time to go through unnecessary words, phrases and repetition.
  8. Use a very simple language and avoid using of heavy and confusing phrases. Also masked and passive verbs should be out of question.

Keep these proper etiquette in mind to help avoid awkward situations or misunderstandings. Above all learn to respect the sentiments of your business associates. If you can play the card right, you don’t have to worry about the rest.

Other Related Letter Etiquette Format

Differences Between Business Letter & Personal Letter
Thank You Letter Writing Etiquette
Thank You Note Etiquette
Appropriate Business Letter Writing Etiquette
Graduation Congratulations Letter Etiquette
Introduction to Letter Writing Etiquette
Etiquette for Writing Business Letters
Government Official Letter Writing Tips
Letter Writing Etiquette to Catholic Priest
Formal Letter Writing Etiquette
Farewell Letter to Colleagues
Retirement Congratulations Letter Writing
Business Letter Closing
Business Letters with Right Etiquette
Etiquette for Professional Business Letter Writing

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Most Appropriate Business Letter Writing Etiquette

by emily on July 28, 2021

Appropriate Business Letters Writing Etiquette, Rules
Business Letters Writing Etiquette

Business letters are important. They convey business communication where the tone is normally kept formal. As a business professional you require a very good understanding of the kind of relationship you hold with your colleagues, clients, vendors or suppliers. However, with the influx of the new media where email and instant messaging are on hot platter, executives in many organizations still prefer to good the old style with business letters.

The Right Business Writing Perspective

Whenever you consider writing a business letter, make sure to keep the goals, situations, expectations and objective of the reader in mind. This is important because different letters are linked to different emotions and even the level of intimacy is different from one another. Organize your thoughts and include their expectations and try to get the most out of the communication so that you may use it to your advantage. No matter what the message it contains, try to make it as positive as possible. Avoid negatives such as not, refuse, unfortunately and failure as much as you can. The letter should carry information in a positive perspective.

Basic Business Letter Writing Etiquette and Rules

Here are a few of the basic business letter writing etiquette you should follow to get your deals done in the most professional manner.

1. What happens in business letter is information and ideas are shared, offers are made and accepted, new people are introduced, apologizes are made and recommendations are served. They normally rotate between company owners, executives, consumers, job seekers, employees and community members.

2. Business letters normally come under three formats: block, modified block and semi-block. Block letters are left justified and single-spaced; modified-block letter’s sender’s and recipient’s addresses are left-justified, single-spaced and the date center aligned; semi-blocks are indented, not left justified.

3. Almost every business letter starts with the date on top followed by both the sender and recipient’s mailing addresses. With the introductory salutation greet the recipient and carry on with the body where the main purpose of the letter is explained on a positive note. These letters normally end with ‘Thanks’ or ‘Sincerely’ with your name and job profile beneath it.

4. Explain the purpose of your letter in the opening letter itself. Avoid jargon or highly technical language. Make it precise and to the point. Do not beat round the bush. The objective should be to make even the secretary or assistant understand the significance of the letter without technical grounds.

5. The first paragraph should be detail specific. Your recipient must be able to fully understand the reason behind the letter received. Write it in a highly professional tone and focus more on the positives. For example, focus more on what the company can do rather than what it can’t.

6. Close your letter by asking the recipient to take action. Ask them to get in touch. Provide them with your contact address or number in which you will be available. If you have shared your email, proofread it, in case you have made in mistake. Addresses are case sensitive.

7. Business letters are normally written to potential employers, clients or business associates. It should hence be understandable, clear and to the point. Check for grammar mistakes and typographical errors. Spell the recipient’s name correctly and double-check his/her mailing address. And most importantly, proof read, before sending it out.

Other Related Letter Etiquette Format

Differences Between Business Letter & Personal Letter
Recommendation Request Letter Etiquette
Etiquette to the Art of Apology Letter Writing
Thank You Note Etiquette
Graduation Congratulations Letter Etiquette
Introduction to Letter Writing Etiquette
Etiquette for Writing Business Letters
Government Official Letter Writing Tips
Letter Writing Etiquette to Catholic Priest
Formal Letter Writing Etiquette
Farewell Letter to Colleagues
Retirement Congratulations Letter Writing
Business Letter Closing

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