Today I received an email from a client, Marie, whose job is being eliminated at a prestigious investment company. She wrote to say goodbye.
Because her email is an excellent example of how to say goodbye with class and to keep professional relationships strong, I asked her permission to share her email, with the names changed. She generously said yes. Here it is:
***********************
Lynn,
Just a quick email to let you know that tomorrow, July 10, will be my last day at XXX Company. I'm heading off to new adventures. I'm not even sure what they are yet, but trust me--they will be wonderful.
It has been a joy to have worked with you during my time here. You are such a warm and engaging individual, and I sincerely hope that we can stay in touch and find future opportunities to work together.
Going forward, Name One (nameone@XXX.com) and Name Two (nametwo@XXX.com) will be coordinating the logistics for Learning & Development courses. Feel free to contact them with any questions regarding offering business writing courses in the future. I will give them your contact information as well.
I wish you great success in your own adventures! Please let me know if I can ever be of service to you. See you on Facebook and/or LinkedIn.
All the best!
Marie
***********************
Marie kept the message positive even though she was leaving a job she loved. She took time to communicate with me, a vendor, and to make thoughtful remarks about me. She told me who my contacts at the company would now be, and she suggested we connect online.
I'd say it's a perfect message. What do you think?
For ideas on what to write as your out-of-office email when you are out permanently, read this post.
Lynn
Syntax Training
Looks great!
I would call the customer if I am leaving at crtical time during the project.
Thanks,
Posted by: Mohammed | July 10, 2009 at 12:45 AM
I'd be pretty happy if I got an email like this from a customer of ours!
Posted by: Desiree Kane | July 10, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Wow! There isn't a single inflammatory word in that email. That is truly something to learn from. Although it's kind of a downer to loose such a great writer...
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Corey Freeman | July 16, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Corey, thanks for commenting. I like your energy.
Posted by: Lynn | July 17, 2009 at 10:14 AM
A beautifully written letter - thank you for sharing it with us.
What I like the most about it is that it is so personalized - clearly not a blanket message sent to everyone on the sender's list.
Posted by: Judit | July 21, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Judit, I agree. The personalization is terrific.
Posted by: Lynn | July 21, 2009 at 04:44 PM