Etiquette Archives

Business Proposal Sub-Heading Ideas and Structure

So you have a business idea, great! Now you simply have to actualize it, starting with a business plan. A business plan helps you get funding for your business idea, but your proposal needs a solid structure. Business plan outline The key to a good… continue reading

Is To Whom It May Concern Still OK To Use?

There was a time when the most common way to address any business correspondence was the salutation To Whom It May Concern. It was the pre-internet era, and information on specific employees at the company was not readily available. Yet, time marches on, and things… continue reading

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Is It Masters Degree or Master’s Degree?

Updated June 29, 2021 – Being a bachelor is not a requirement to receive a bachelor’s degree, but one does need to show mastery in order to obtain a master’s degree. In any case, you should be able to correctly spell the degree you have; spelling… continue reading

Looking Forward To vs. I Look Forward To

You’ve probably written or read multiple emails today… or within the last hour… or five minutes. Email and business go hand in hand. And we tend to fall back on one common phrase to wrap up every business letter or email we send. Interestingly, tweaking… continue reading

The Best Fonts for Business Writing (and Ones to Avoid)

Updated 14 September, 2022 Walking into DSW for the first time searching for a new pair of shoes can be overwhelming—so many options and styles to choose from! The same can happen to a writer as you start scrolling through that long list of font… continue reading

Contractions in Business Writing: Yes or No?

Contractions in business writing… to use or not to use… that is the question. The art of business writing challenges you to strike that perfect balance between sounding friendly and approachable while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Contractions can be a useful tool to help… continue reading

The Importance of Planning a Business Document

Writing is the fun part. Editing is the hard part. Know what the first part is? Planning! What you do before you write is just as important as what you write. Planning a business document and using an outline are valuable tools you should reach… continue reading

How to Write a Professional Out of Office Message

Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Latest Grisham novel to read on the beach? Check. Created and activated the perfect professional out of office autoresponder email message? Umm… If you think you can just throw something together on your phone while boarding the plane, think again.… continue reading

Abstract vs. Concrete Language: Which Is Better and Why?

When you hear the term “abstract,” what comes to mind? A painting by Jackson Pollock? And if you hear the word “concrete,” what’s the first thing you think of? A foundation? Or a sidewalk? Your brain pulled these answers quickly. Why? Because you are most… continue reading

Tips for Writing Gender-Neutral Emails

Gender-neutral language writing strategies are becoming increasingly popular. The goal is to write or speak using non-discriminatory language and to avoid gender-biased expressions or stereotypes. This will enable you to more easily connect with your audience and allow everyone to feel appreciated. So then, here… continue reading