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One-Minute Communications Tips Archive
October 2008


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Goodwill, With No Strings Attached

A note of thanks, a compliment, a simple "Congratulations" — such social niceties help fortify many a business relationship. They do so precisely because they have no overt business purpose.

Inserting a sales message into a "goodwill" note is self-defeating. It reduces or even negates any warmth your friendly communication has generated.

Of course, business relationships vary. You may feel comfortable mixing commercial and personal content in the same message.

But a goodwill message has the most impact when it stands alone, and is specific and personal. Why not take a little extra time to send it in a separate email or letter?

Resist the urge to drop your business card into the envelope containing your greeting, or to write a sentence about a sales matter at the end of a "thank you" email. You're better off taking care of business in a separate communique.
 

© Arun Sinha, Access Communications. Access Communications is a marketing communications and technical writing firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. Sign up for Access Communications's One-Minute Communication Tip at http://www.AccessConsultingInc.com. Once a month, you'll receive an actionable idea or technique on an aspect of business communications, distilled into about 150 words.


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