Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Writing A Good Business Memorandum

Business memos communicate short, important messages.


A business memorandum (memo) may be written for any number of reasons: to document a change, price or meeting for a file, to communicate important information to a client or colleague, or to make an announcement to a group of individuals. Regardless of its intent, a good business memorandum should be clear and concise, and should include all relevant information. Memos are usually brief and are less formal than contracts or letters.


Instructions


1. Type "Memorandum" at the top of the page. Alternatively, you may use the abbreviation, "Memo."


2. Create a header. The traditional header includes four titled fields: "To:," "From:," "Date:" and "RE:" (which stands for "regarding").


3. Fill in the header fields. If you are writing the memo only to document an event for the record, write "file" in the "to" field. Include both names and titles in the "to" and "from" fields. In the "RE" field, write a brief phrase that identifies the subject of your memo. For example, a memo announcing a new product launch may be identified as "RE: New product launch."


4. Write the body of your memorandum. State the reason for your memo. Include all relevant dates, client names, project numbers, etc. If you are documenting a change to a project or a budget, include the name of the person who authorized it. State whether additional action, such as a reply, is needed.


5. Initial the document. Traditionally, memos are initialed rather than signed. Write your initials next to your name in the header.