Seven Great Ways To Start A Letter

We have had enough entertainment for a while, so here is a technique to help you write better letters, memos or emails. The ideas work whether you use them for business or pleasure.

Seven Great Ways To Start A Letter

Have you ever tried to write a motivating letter and sat there, staring at the blinking cursor, wondering how to get started?

You're not the only one. Getting off on the right foot, with energy and enthusiasm, is always a challenge for novice writers.

Professional copywriters, on the other hand, know that there are countless ways to start a letter. Here are just seven proven techniques that show you how easy it really is.

Let's pretend that you have to write a letter to network security managers offering them a free brochure.

1. Method: Tell them they're special

Example: As a network security professional, you bear a unique responsibility.

2. Method: Tell a story

Example: When Susan Smith walked into her office and looked at the ashen face of her assistant, she instantly knew that someone had taken her network down.

3. Method: Tell them they're facing a difficult challenge

Example: As the person responsible for network security, I know you face some extremely difficult challenges.

4. Method: Shock them with frightening news

Example: Last month over ten Fortune 500 companies suffered intense, repeated denial of service attacks.

5. Method: Soothe them with good news

Example: If you've been worried about hackers cracking your system, and inflicting devastating damage, I've got some good news for you.

6. Method: Make your offer immediately

Example: I'm writing to offer you a free report from Levison Security Services titled "Seven Ways To Improve Network Security Now."

7. Method: Explain that you can help them

Example: As the person responsible for network security, you have some mighty tough problems. I can help you solve them.

and a bonus one...

8. Method: Ask a question

Example: Is a hacker at work, right at this moment, trying to bring down your network?

adapted from THE LEVISON LETTER - visit Ivan's site... he is one of the best copywriters in the world!

The real message here is this... if Method 1 doesn't work, try Method 2, and keep trying until you get one that works.

It's a long the lines of why you and I take rotten photographs, and the professional photographer takes FANTASTIC photos. What's the difference??

You and I take just 1 snap and hope for the best... the professional takes 10, 20 or 30 shots and PICKS THE BEST!