Business Memo

Memo Layout Example:
 
1)    Organizations name at top of page (Letterhead) - internal memo follows.
2)    Double space (DATE, TO, FROM, SUBJECT). 
3)    This is followed by the introductory paragraph (no headline) (1 paragraph)
4)    Recommendation: (direct pattern memo style) because reader is supportive and familiar with topic. (1 paragraph and 3 to 6 bullets)
5)    Findings and Analyses: (3 to 6 paragraphs) that support your recommendations.
 
Font sizes should follow APA standards as should in-text citations and references.  Leave plenty of white space for easy reading.
 
Example - outline of memo.  Note the sections with bullets for proper format. 
ABC Company  (Letterhead - created)
Internal memo  (internal memo noted)
DATE:  March 7, 2012
TO:  Adam Brown, President
FROM:  Bonnie Akerson   BA  (Signature followed by initials) 
SUBJECT:  Analysis of communication techniques
For ABC company, the preliminary investigation…(Introductory paragraph - no heading - one paragraph)
Recommendations: (1 paragraph  and 3-6 bullets)
The preliminary investigation of XYZ company based on research and interviews from physical inspection, official records, interviews with officials and persons of knowledge….etc. the following:
•	Communication effectiveness evaluation between the organization and its intended public(s).
•	Identification of the different publics (internal and external) involved in the case study.
•	Impact the communications on the intended public(s). If and how, the message could have been communicated more effectively. 
•	Identification of the different PR communication tools and techniques used to inform, influence, and motivate the public(s). Also, the benefits and risks of the tools used and what other tools could have been used.
•	How new technologies, such as the Internet, would impact this case today.
•	How recent globalization of markets, might impact the outcome of this case if the events occurred today.
 
Findings and Analysis: (3-6 paragraphs) supports your recommendations
Build out the findings and suggestions based on the bulleted topics. 
Note: This memo uses the ‘direct style’.  In this memo style, the purpose for writing is presented close to the beginning of a report, and therefore the organizational strategy is direct. Informal reports, such as the one you are creating, are usually arranged (written) directly.  They open with an introduction, which is followed by facts and a summary.  This type of report is prepared for busy executives who do not have time to wade through pages of information to get to the most important facts.  Be aware that - unless the reader is familiar with the topic this style may be confusing - which is why some memo approaches require the ‘indirect strategy.’  This strategy appears more logical and mirrors the way a problem may be solved.  The indirect strategy for memo organization is considered indirect when the conclusions and recommendations, if requested, appear at the end of the report.  This style of report begins with an introduction or description of the problem, followed by facts, and interpretations from the writer.  They end with conclusions and recommendations. This style is helpful when readers are unfamiliar with the problem - it is also useful when readers must be persuaded or they may be disappointed in or hostile toward the report- findings. The goal is to first explain, then justify, then analyze the facts and make conclusions.