Fahlen Brown reports:
"A proposal is a written statement intended to sway an audience toward a certain goal. For example, the purpose of a museum project proposal would be giving the audience reasons in favor of a specific museum project. There are certain guidelines to writing a proposal that make the most effective impact. It is essential to think about your audience and the message you want them to receive from your proposal. You must also use words that are easily comprehended...By following these guidelines and knowing the necessary steps, you can write a proposal that is accepted by its intended audience. Write a cover letter for your proposal. It should provide a brief explanation of the project that your proposal will cover. A museum project proposal would briefly outline the main reasons the project is needed. Start with the introduction. Describe your qualifications for writing the proposal, along with the reasons you are credible to write it. Give your audience a reason to listen to you...Write the need statement. Highlight the reasons why your proposal should be accepted. Ask yourself why it should be. Answer that question for your audience...Write the objective outcome. This specific piece of information tells the audience the intended outcome of what will take place if the proposal is accepted. Research your topic so that the statistics you present in your proposal are specific and accurate...Write the methods needed to reach the goals of your proposal. This section describes the steps that will lead to your objective outcome. Tie the methods section in with your needs statement to make it most effective...Write the evaluation section. The evaluation summarizes the effects of the objectives and methods listed in your proposal...Write the budget section. Outline the specific costs that will be necessary after the proposal is accepted. Explain why your proposal is worth the cost. Write a conclusion. Summarize the need for the project proposal to be accepted and the benefits that come with the acceptance of it. Allow the finished proposal to sit for at least a day before you proofread it. Edit it to ensure that it is free of errors and concise. Check the general appearance of your proposal to make sure it is attractive to the eye." Bill Brown reports:
"Whether you are writing or answering a performance evaluation, remember that the goal is to make the process of working and getting the job done better. Everyone should be working together to achieve goals, so you are all on the same team. A performance evaluation creates a space for an open discussion of what you are working toward, and how best to get there. Clear and positive-toned feedback will give you the best chance of making that happen. An employee response can be an important part of a 360-degree feedback process...Review first the goals set for the employee at the last evaluation. If there are none, they should be set during this evaluation. The employee should be clear on what has been expected. Consider how well the employee has achieved these expectations. Fill in the performance evaluation per instructions (often, they are numerical) and write comments where possible. This is where you can provide important examples and substance to your conclusion. Share your evaluation with the employee in a private meeting. Create a good dialogue by framing your comments civilly and with an eye to achieving team goals, rather than just criticism. Make sure the employee understands your rationale, and give an opportunity for feedback. Create goals and agree on them with the employee for next year. Usually, an employee will need to sign the form, although a signature does not mean full agreement. Sometimes, an employee will be given an opportunity to file a written response with the evaluation...Consider the feedback you have received not just from your point of view but from the point of view of your supervisor. Think about your work in relation to goals that you and your supervisor have set. If you are largely in agreement with your performance evaluation, you may not need to write a response. Write your answer in relation to goals and comments. If your supervisor does not feel you have achieved certain goals and you feel there are extenuating circumstances...this is the place to voice that. Be clear and avoid being contentious. Turn in your answer and review it with your supervisor if you feel it will improve teamwork. If there were disagreements regarding your goals and focus during this round, ensure there is clarity for the coming year." Audra Bianca reports:
"Writing a standard operating procedure with a good title and purpose challenges you to reflect on the needs of your audience. Managers and employees will refer to your procedure to understand how a particular type of work should be done. If you aren't specific throughout your document, your audience will not get your intended meaning...Write the title as a how-to statement that tells exactly what the reader will be able to do after following the procedure...Make your how-to statement an action statement. Use strong verbs that show or tell rather than using a form of the verb 'to be.'...Use specific nouns and only adjectives that are necessary to enhance your meaning...Create a purpose statement that gives a strong explanation of why the procedure is important to different members of your target audience. If you are writing a standard operating procedure for your small business, link the purpose to your business model, business values, strategic goals or other specific guidelines...Use the wording of the purpose statement to expand on the title. A standard operating procedure is intended to describe repetitive or routine procedures in your small business. This helps the readers and your staff trainers to know whether the document is something an employee needs to learn...Include only relevant information in your purpose statement. For example, 'This procedure gives detailed instructions on how to attach a payroll spreadsheet report to an email in the Microsoft Outlook 2007 email program.' By specifying that the instructions are for Microsoft Outlook 2007, the reader knows what software the procedures apply to. The person can quickly determine whether the procedure is appropriate or if another operating procedure must be found...Ask knowledgeable co-workers to read over the procedure and recommend ways that you can improve the title and purpose." Ruth Mayhew reports:
"Also called a letter of inquiry, an unsolicited cover letter with attached resume may prove effective in your job search because the majority of jobs are never advertised in newspapers nor on Internet job boards or professional networking and social media [websites]. The more unsolicited cover letters and resumes you send, the better your chances are for possibly landing your ideal job that you would have never known existed...Explain the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. Tell the reader why you're writing and include a brief statement about your skills, background and interest in the company. Because this is an unsolicited cover letter, you needn't reference where you saw a job advertisement. However, it's wise to include a sentence or two about why you chose to write to that particular company...Write a second paragraph that provides more details about your credentials and skills, but doesn't pigeonhole you into a certain field, position or rank. Give the reader an opportunity to judge where your qualifications best fit. Use one to two sentences to highlight your professional expertise, giving a broad picture of your capabilities...Construct your third paragraph as a synopsis of your achievements. Stick to accomplishments above and beyond your typical job duties. For instance, if your missile testing unit had 100 percent pass rate with zero failures post-release, state that in your third paragraph. Toot your horn in the third paragraph as you close the sale on your work skills and convince the reader that you're suitable for a job that's not even posted. End your third paragraph with a sentence restating your reason for writing...Close your letter with your contact information. If you're available at any time for an interview or if you're traveling to the city where the company is located, indicate that in your final paragraph. If you have the contact information for the person to whom you're writing, note your plans to call soon...You will [achieve] better results if you address your letter to the person who has the authority to hire you. If you don't know the name and title of that person, call the HR department and explain the information you are seeking...If you don't know the name and title of the person to whom you want to address your letter, call the HR department and ask, 'Hello, my name is John Smith. I'm very interested in working for ABC Company and would like to send a personal letter to your hiring manager in the business unit that produces missiles. Would you please give the name and title of the person responsible for hiring staff in that department?' Don't be reluctant to call HR for that information; some job seekers lose out just because they fear HR won't release information. If you can't obtain the full name and title, search for names of employees with the business unit in which you're interested. Find out the format for the company's email addresses by looking at the investor relations page for publicly traded companies. This is the page most likely to have a company email address because publicly traded companies must make their information available. Generally, if you find the email address format for one employee, you can figure out the format for your addressee." Paul Merchant reports:
"A forensic audit is an examination of an organization's or individual's economic activities, resulting in a report designed especially for use in a court of law. Forensic audits are often associated with investigations into alleged fraudulent activity. Forensic audits are used whenever attorneys and law enforcement agencies are seeking reliable evidence from the data of a party's fraudulent financial status or activities. Forensic audits are performed by a special class of financial experts know[n] as forensic accountants. Describe the purpose of the forensic audit plan. An example of objectives would be identifying the type of fraud that occurred, the period in which it happened and the tactics used to conceal it. Describe the scope of the forensic audit plan in relation to the activity in question. Take advantage of the fact that forensic auditing does not limit accessibility to books of accounts of a company or its branches. Outline a brief overview of the system used by the organization or persons to be audited. Draw out a table detailing the name, code, operational status and any previous modifications made on the system. Make reference to this overview as the point of reference for the remainder of the document. List the references that you used to prepare the forensic audit plan. Examples of references include previously developed documents relating to the case in question. Also list and elaborate the meanings of the acronyms and abbreviations you used in the plan document. List the organizational contacts that may be needed by users of the document for informational and troubleshooting purposes. Provide details on the type of contact, contact name, department, telephone number and e-mail address. Include a list of organizations that require coordination during the case in question and the specific significance of each organization. Include a schedule for the coordination activities...Consider adopting the best ways to gather evidence...Prepare the forensic audit plan with an independent and objective mind because any subjective considerations may tamper with objective execution of the audit process." Mike Keenan reports:
"As a general rule, you should avoid taking a hardship withdrawal from your 401(k) plan because of the income taxes and additional penalties. Not only that, but you [also] can't contribute to the 401(k) plan for at least six months after the distribution. Still, sometimes you can't avoid it. Even though hardship distributions are allowed by the IRS, they are not mandatory, so your 401(k) plan might not be as generous in granting hardship requests. To request a distribution, you need to explain in writing why you need the distribution. Review your 401(k) plan documents to determine for what reasons, if any, the plan permits a hardship exemption. Examples the IRS regulations permit include significant medical expenses, purchasing a primary residence, tuition and fees, preventing eviction, funeral expenses, and repairing your primary residence. However, your particular plan might be more restrictive on what it permits. Sorry, but your hankering for a new flat screen TV or Mustang convertible doesn't count. The plan documents should also specify who the letter needs to be addressed to. Calculate the amount you need to withdraw. IRS rules permit you to take a hardship distribution only from your elective deferrals -- not your employer's contributions on your behalf. The amount is limited to the amount of the need plus any applicable taxes. Make a copy of documents supporting your hardship claim to mail with your letter...Write the letter clearly stating your reason for the hardship distribution and the specific amount you need. If you are married, have your spouse sign off on the letter as well...Make a copy of your letter for your records and then mail it to the appropriate person in your human resources department. You will be notified in writing if your request is denied...You must exhaust other sources of funds before requesting a hardship withdrawal. A company is not permitted to make a hardship distribution if it is aware that you could mitigate the hardship with funds from insurance, liquidating your assets, stopping elective deferrals, taking a loan from the plan, or borrowing from banks." Jennifer VanBaren reports:
"If you are overly satisfied with a good or service you purchased, you may consider writing a customer satisfaction letter to the company who provided it. Feedback from customers is a vital source of information used by companies when determining future plans. When writing such a letter, include several key components such as the product you purchased, how it made you feel and tell[ing] the company that you would recommend it to your friends and family. Date and address the letter. At the top of the letter, write the date and the company’s name and address. Address the letter 'Dear,' or 'To Whom It May Concern.' State the purpose of the letter. Begin a customer satisfaction letter by telling why you are writing. Include details that state you are writing it because you are extremely happy with something you received from this company. Include the product or service description. Explain what good or service you purchased from the company, including any details that would allow the reader to fully understand the precise product. Explain why you are satisfied. Tell the reader why you are so happy about this product...Recommend the company. State that you highly recommend this company and its products and that you will continue purchasing them. Tell the reader you will recommend this product to your friends and family in the future. Thank the company. Offer a genuine thank you to the company for helping you and your problem. Close the letter. This type of letter is closed by simply writing 'Sincerely[,]' or to take it one step further, sign it 'A Loyal Customer,' followed by your name and address." M.T. Wroblewski reports:
"Whoever said that 'you can’t fight city hall' probably never sought a fence variance. This means that your chances of success are good – as long as you pose no threat to the public good and present a reasonable case...By writing an effective fence variance request, you stand an excellent chance of persuading the zoning board to see a new vision through your set of lenses. Do wonders for your 'case' by talking with your neighbors about your desire for a fence variance before you sit down to write the request. Whether they are homeowners or business people, your neighbors should be aware of your intentions and you should ask if they would lodge any objections. If not, ask them to sign a petition in support of your variance, which you will include with your variance request. Choose a readable font for your letter, such as Arial or Tahoma. Establish 1-inch margins on the top, bottom and sides and make the letter flush-left (with no indents). Single-space between lines and double-space between paragraphs. Ascertain the official address of your city hall for the inside address. Write 'Zoning Board of Appeals' on the first line of the inside address information. Double-space. Write the salutation, followed by a colon (not a comma): 'Dear Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals:' You don't need to list all the members by name as your letter will be copied and disseminated to all members before the public hearing on your variance request. Double-space. Devote the first paragraph to the purpose of your letter. Be polite, direct and specific: 'I am writing to seek a fence variance for my single-family home at (provide the address and the [town).] Current zoning rules say that fences must be no more than 4 feet tall; I respectfully request to install a fence that is 5 feet tall.' Devote the rest of the letter – two and no more than four paragraphs – to explaining why you want the variance. State your position clearly and positively while emphasizing the benefits of installing a taller fence than zoning codes allow. Strive for a fair-minded and logical tone, and by all [means] do not show defensiveness or adopt an air of arrogance or disdain for the current zoning rules. Assume the role of diplomat by pointing out that you have taken the time to speak with your neighbors about your fence variance request. Make reference to the supportive petition you will include with the letter, if applicable. This one step alone could spell success for your request; after all, you are demonstrating that you are a thoughtful and considerate neighbor who is interest[ed] in 'keeping the peace.' Also, by soliciting your neighbors’ opinions, you may very well be saving the zoning board a step in their own research process. Devote the last paragraph to an upbeat call to action. Be confident, but don’t be presumptuous: 'I hope you agree that my request would produce an aesthetically proper addition if not an enhancement to my neighborhood. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (include your phone number). Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.' Choose an appropriate closing, which range[s] from formal to less formal: 'Respectfully yours,' 'Yours very truly,' 'Yours truly,' 'Sincerely yours,' 'Sincerely' and 'Yours sincerely.' Type your name. Sign your name above your typed name...Read your letter aloud, then proofread and edit it." Leigh Anthony reports:
"An employee development plan is a written plan that addresses areas of improvement for an employee. The plan is generally drafted together with the manager and the employee. Goals that are important to the employee as well as the small business are identified along with how the employee will accomplish the goals. The manager can also deliver feedback on the resources that will be available to aid the employee in reaching the goals...Determine the employee's goals. Working as a team, goals will be identified for the employee to work towards. In some employee development plans, the goals will be focused on areas of weakness that need improvement. In others, the development plan will be based on grooming the employee for a promotion or position of leadership within the small business. Employee development plans may also be a part of continuity planning for the business...Set strategies for goals. For every goal that is identified, determine strategies that will be used to meet those goals...Develop an action plan for the goals and strategies. The action plan takes the strategies a step further by specifically identifying what will be done and when it will be done as well as any costs associated with the plan. For the strategy of taking classes on public speaking, the action plan will identify the class, when it will be held and the costs associated with the class. It will give the exact steps needed for the employee to accomplish the goal...Assign a timeline in which to reach the goals and complete the items outlined in the action plan. To improve public speaking, a timeline of six months may be instituted. This gives both the employee and the manager an idea of what to expect and by when the goal should be accomplished. It also helps to guide the action plan as it helps to determine what can be done within that timeline...Evaluate the employee's progress and adjust the plan. The final part of the plan is how the progress for achieving the stated goals will be evaluated. With the goal of public speaking, the employee could be evaluated by a group of peers during a presentation before the development plan is implemented and at the end of the time period. The evaluation scores will serve to prove if the employee has met his goals. If progress is not satisfactory, the goals, strategy and action plan can be adjusted to ensure success...The employee development plan should be a joint effort between the employee and the manager." Jody Hanson reports:
"Putting your thoughts on paper as to why you want to live in the country [of your choice] is an opportunity to explain why you want to remain after your visa expires. Taking the time to plan your letter carefully is worth the time and effort, because it will be read by an official who will make a decision that affects your future. Find out where the Department of Immigration is located and go there to get the name of the official you need to contact. Use the business letter block format style. All text will start on the left-hand side of the page and there will need to be blank lines between the paragraphs of the business letter. If you have personal letterhead[,] use it. If not, type your address in the left-hand corner at the top of the page. Leave a blank line after your address and then enter the date. Then leave another blank line and type in the official's name and mailing address. This is the same name and address that goes on the envelope. Write the salutation. If you know the name of the person, write it in this form: 'Dear Mr. Sanchez,' Notice that the name is followed by a comma. If you weren't able to find out the official's name, write 'To Whom It May Concern:' Be direct. Don't bother with pleasantries, as this is a business letter. Start with [as an example] 'I am writing to request permission to reside in Argentina.'...Outline the reasons you feel that you are eligible to reside in the country. For instance, you could be a freelance journalist working on a project and you need to stay in the country for another six months to complete the assignment. Stick to the facts and maintain a business-like tone at all times. Avoid going off on tangents and getting distracted. Resist sounding emotional, as it will make your residency request less professional. Summarize your main points in your concluding paragraph. Thank the official for his or her time and state that you are looking forward to hearing about a favorable decision. After a day has passed, review your letter again. Read it aloud to yourself and assess it for a sincere tone. Edit any grammar or typing mistakes. Attach any supporting documents to your letter. These documents could be letters from people who support your application, or a copy of an employment offer." |
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April 2024
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