TEAMFLY Team-Fly ® HAPTER 14 C Postcard Correspondence 239 Postcards are cost-effective correspondence tools that carry a lot of power. With the threat of mail-related terrorism, people are apprehensive about opening mail. Postcards can send a message, share information or promote an event easily, and yet avoid creating anxiety about a threat for the recipient. This chapter has sample postcards you might choose to compose. The types of postcards included are: • Seasonal Promotion • Acknowledging a Customer for a Special Occasion • Invitation • Reminder At the side of the page, you will find a brief explanation of each part of the postcard. The first example identifies each section of the message. Subsequent messages identify only changes to the basic format. 14 240 Step-by-Step Guide Postcards are used as quick, informal forms of communication. They grab the recipient’s attention, are easy to read and act on, and generally are more cost-effective than a formal letter with envelope. The ideal postcard is visually appealing, with a direct, concise message. Step 1: Plan the main purpose of your correspondence. Keep it brief and to the point. Step 2: Use catchy phrasing or specialized text to draw and keep the reader’s attention. Write with clarity and creativity. Step 3: Remember that a postcard can be viewed by anyone at any time. It is inappropriate to use this medium of communication to announce or share sensitive or confidential information. Note: At the end of this chapter is a checklist to use when you write a postcard. Business Letters for Busy People 14 14 Seasonal Promotion This postcard is used by a business to inform customers of a special promotion. 241 Postcard Correspondence Capture the Spirit of Christmas! Join us Saturday, December 2, for an afternoon of warmth and glad tidings as we welcome artist Gloria Patrick! Gloria will be showcasing the latest addition to her sculpture series. “Angels Bending Near the Earth” is a breathtaking piece! Be sure to see it and visit with the artist about her work! December 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 The Marketplace 1445 Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 42535 Announcement of Event Confirmation of Date, Time and Place Business Location Information Acknowledging a Customer for a Special Occasion This postcard acknowledges a customer’s birthday with a special discount. 14 Business Letters for Busy People It’s Your Birthday! Let us help you celebrate! Present this card and we will give you 15% off your purchase as our special gift to you! (Sale merchandise not included.) Valid for 60 days. Happy Birthday! from Gracie’s Gifts and Collectibles 2891 Clairmont • Jacksonville, Florida 35695 (904) 555-6301 Occasion Special Offer Business Logo 242 14 Invitation This business is using a postcard to invite customers to an open house. Postcard Correspondence You’re Invited! The Toulles House is having an Open House. Please join us for caroling, cocoa and cookies on Sunday, November 30, anytime between 2:00 and 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Toulles House 1601 Lexington Drive Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts 21807 508.555.0202 Invitation Event Information 243 244 Reminder A postcard can be a very effective way of providing a quick, informal reminder. Business Letters for Busy People 14 Just a Reminder! Your special order is ready for pickup! Please call to make an appointment. Harvey’s Books and Papers 10 Lindlewood Lane • Campaign, Washington 98940 509.555.0088 Reminder Information Request 14 Checklist • Did you make your message brief and to the point? • Did you use format and text that will catch the recipient’s attention? • Did you write with clarity and creativity? • Did you check the content of your message for sensitivity, confidentiality and privacy issues? • Did you include the background information, event description, location and contact information so the recipient understands the purpose of your message? 245 Postcard Correspondence PPENDIX A 247 Each example lists the following information in the format shown: Addressee Form of Address Salutation The eight broad categories of address are: • Professional Ranks and Titles • Federal, State and Local Government Officials • Military Ranks • Military Abbreviations • Diplomats • British Nobility • Clerical and Religious Orders • College and University Officials . Place Business Location Information Acknowledging a Customer for a Special Occasion This postcard acknowledges a customer’s birthday with a special discount. 14 Business Letters for Busy People It’s. Information 243 244 Reminder A postcard can be a very effective way of providing a quick, informal reminder. Business Letters for Busy People 14 Just a Reminder! Your special order is ready for. or confidential information. Note: At the end of this chapter is a checklist to use when you write a postcard. Business Letters for Busy People 14 14 Seasonal Promotion This postcard is used by a business