When writing professional letters, choosing the right complimentary closing phrase is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Everyone knows that making a good first impression is important, but some fail to invest much thought making sure that the final impression made in a business letter is memorable. Any letter that stands out in the final phrases is likely to be remembered. and that cannot be a bad thing.

Time Tested and Boring...

Many writers of business letters go into auto-pilot when they finish their business letters. Without giving it a thought, closes like "Yours truly" or "Sincerely yours" are automatically used. While being perfectly good closing phrases, they will never stand out from other business correspondence. For letters that are relatively unimportant, this may not matter. However, a more boring closing phrase would be hard to find.

Display Creative Thinking...

As an alternative to traditional closures to end business correspondence, an opportunity exists to make a unique final impression in the closing phrase. For example, if a letter proposing new services to a new client is being sent, the following closure might be considered: "Thanking you in advance for considering my proposal, I remain", followed by your signature. Or, "With great appreciation for your time and professional respect", followed by your signature.

The closing message shouldn't be "cheesy", but personalizing the closure will set you apart from the average business letter. The last complete thought of the letter should be a final appeal for positive results for whatever has been the reason for the letter. The business world has changed much faster than textbooks that deal with current professional writing standards.

Have No Fear, Be Enthusiastic...

Enough cannot be said for being fearless when communicating with others. Enthusiasm is contagious, and can be communicated with letters that set a tone of fearless enthusiasm. Most recipients of professional letters react favorably to creative efforts combined with honest enthusiasm within letters that they must read. Any relief from boredom is welcomed, and may make the letter memorable.

Summary...

If the closing phrase of a professional business letter is unique, it will likely make an impression. Providing that forethought is given to the actual impression being delivered, it is worth the effort to individualize every important letter written. It never hurts to stand out from the crowd in a competitive business environment. When the final impression made by your letter is unique, your letter will be remembered which is the point of having written it in the first place.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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