A business memo template is an effective and fast way to communicate information to all employees within an organization. Through memos, you can communicate with a group of people such as your entire department or everyone in the organization.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a business memo?
- 2 What to include in a business memo?
- 3 What is the purpose of the business memo?
- 4 What are the different types of memo?
- 5 The different types of memos:
- 6 The format of a business memo:
- 7 Why should you use a business memo template?
- 8 What are Policy and Credit Memo Templates?
- 9 How do you create your own business memo?
- 10 How do you write a business memo?
- 11 Some tips to write an effective business memo:
What is a business memo?
A business memo is a document shared with a large group of employees to tell them about newly updated policies, changes in procedures, and more. This document is commonly used for internal communications. The main aim of this document is to seek the immediate attention of the employees to that information in a precise and quick manner.
What to include in a business memo?
You should include the following key elements in a business memo;
- A clear and precise subject line
- A short introduction
- The why of the email
- The main text as well as a bullet list of action steps or related changes
- Related contact person and resources
In a sentence, the subject line should encapsulate the purpose of the business memo. The introduction must be precise. It outlines the reasons for the memo and set up employee expectations. You can use in the main body of the memo headers to divide up content and make it easy to read. In addition to this, to summarize the highlights and make a scannable text, you can also introduce bullet-point lists.
What is the purpose of the business memo?
The main purpose of business memos are;
- They help you to identify the problems and solve them.
- They enable you to achieve your goals and also informs the recipients about new information such as policy changes, price increase, etc,
- It also allows the recipients to take actions such as attending the meetings, modify the recent production procedure, etc.
- Most importantly, it is used to communicate to a number of people about the company’s objectives.
What are the different types of memo?
There are 5 different types of memos that are provided in a company or organization;
- A request memo
- A confirmation memo
- A periodic report memo
- A suggestion memo
- The informal study results memo
The different types of memos:
Let us discuss below the different types of memos;
A request memo
The management uses this type of memo to get a good response to any request they made. So, you have to make it convincingly. The following details should be included in an excellent request memo;
- Make the request in a clear and concise way so that the reader or employees must understand and they won’t have any questions about it.
- State the reason that indicates why the request is made. However, you may not get a very favorable response from them if you don’t specify it. If they don’t know why it has been made, they might not agree to fulfill a request.
- It is also important to specify in detail any costs or expenses involved.
- You should provide recommendations to the employees for carrying out the tasks so that they know how they would complete the request.
A confirmation memo
A confirmation memo is created to formally validate and document a pre-made agreement. It should include the following;
- You have to clearly state the most essential points which were discussed and agreed upon by both parties.
- Be very specific while explaining these points so that you can easily access them when you need them in the future for reference.
A periodic report memo
A periodic report memo is distributed daily to provide information about the company. This information could be in the form of monthly or quarterly sales reports. Some important points about these memos are;
- You’d have to make a template such as a form while making this kind of memo. This form should be filled out so that this information can easily enter each time.
- Create a sample memo template so that you can reuse it every time the memo is due.
- For any descriptive or narrative comments, the memo must have a space.
A suggestion memo
This type of memo is used to include different ideas and suggestions from employees or from management. Suggestions may include how to improve the workplace or ideas and how to deal with issues or concerns. Consider the following tips while making these types of memos;
- You should always begin with good comments and then provide ideas and suggestions for modifying them.
- Make use of the headings and titles to describe the ideas and suggestions.
- To avoid confusion, use precise statements and be straight to the point.
The informal study results memo
Sometimes, specific panels do studies in organizations and companies informally. This memo is usually presented as a form. It should include the following;
- You should clearly state the purpose of the informal study in the memo.
- Make use of headings and subheadings to explain specific points. This makes your memo easily readable.
- Again, you have to be precise and specific while stating your points, issues, or concerns.
- Use formal language to write these types of memos.
The format of a business memo:
Design the format of a business memo in a way that communicates your message effectively. The included information should be digested by a mass number of employees easily. However, the standard format of the business memo is;
Header
In the header, label your content ‘Memorandum’ clearly so that the recipients know what they are receiving.
1st paragraph
State the purpose of your memo in the first paragraph. Keep in mind that your memo should be precise, clear, and to the point. Include your most critical information first and then use the remaining paragraph to dive into more details, if necessary.
2nd paragraph
The second paragraph should contain context or supporting evidence.
3rd paragraph
The third paragraph is your final section where you have to state your specific request for each employee.
Why should you use a business memo template?
Most importantly, the business memo can speed up your internal communication. This, in turn, helps departments run such as well-oiled machines. Almost all employees believe that the main reason of company failures stem is a lack of clear communication. Therefore, streamlining employee interactions could be important for averting disaster. You can adapt quickly and respond in the case of disruptions such as breaking news that affects your business or unexpected client requests.
Furthermore, a large group of employees within a company typically use business memos. The templates assist you in drafting that message while factoring in comprehension and scannability. The template can be filled out quickly so it can save the company time.
In a more remote workplace, keep connected
Almost 71% of workers in 2020 were forced to start working remotely. The significance of clear communication to keep everyone on the same page is emphasized. If you effectively keep in touch online then a lack of in-person meetings can’t slow down your communications.
By having clearer messages, avoid misunderstandings
The business memo template has a uniform structure that boosts comprehension among employees and peers. It helps them act on the information quickly. The better you’ll be able to respond to as a single unit on a company-wide level if faster you can get the update to everyone it relates to.
What are Policy and Credit Memo Templates?
A credit memo or credit note is a document that is issued to the buyer by the seller to return or reduce the amount given by the buyer under the agreed terms of invoices or mature letter of credit. It clearly states the reason for return or reduction such as unsatisfactory or partial satisfactory performance of the product, marketing allowance, and pricing disputes. In the case of us once letter of credit, the buyer can use the credit memo for partially offset the total amount of ULC’s. Credit Memo Template can be of both internal and external memo types.
Policy Memo Template is used for a particular problem or situation to provide recommendations and analysis to a particular audience. These memos are written with clear jargon relative to the well-known audience keeping in view their needs and expectations. The following points require special focus while writing a policy memo;
- Introduction
- Background
- Analysis and Supporting Arguments
- Format and Styles
- Length of Memo
How do you create your own business memo?
Let us discuss some steps and tips on how you create your own business memo;
- At first, you have to select the software of your choice, and then open it, and format your page.
- The first and foremost part of a business memo is the title. Give your memo a title such as ‘memo’ or ‘memorandum’.
- After that, address your recipient in a formal way. Write down the full name of the recipient.
- Then, in the ‘From’ line enter your name and title.
- The next thing is to mention the proper date.
- Next, enter the subject which gives an idea of a memo to the recipient. However, the heading section must appear at the top of the page.
- The next step is to write the body of your memo. The first paragraph describes what the memo is about. Then, explains the whole issue and also detailed the key points.
- When you have all done with the above steps, close your memo by providing a positive ending note. After that, proofread your memo to ensure that it is readable and well-spaced.
- In the end, print out your memo and write down the initials by hand next to your name, and spread it.
How do you write a business memo?
For addressing a certain audience in a formal context a business memo is such a great way. However, it typically starts with a header section. The header section lists recipients and other information in the below format;
To: It contains the name of every recipient and job title. But if you are going to communicate with a designated group then simply write down the name of a group.
From: Here you have to write down your name and title.
Date: Enter the complete date.
Subject: Draft the subject precise and descriptive.
Some business memos usually leave greetings. They direct go into the body text. You should always explain the main point of the paragraph first when you begin it in a memo.
Business memos usually don’t have a farewell. It depends on you whether you want to add it or not. If you add a farewell, then make it precise.
Some tips to write an effective business memo:
Consider the following tips to write an effective business memo;
In the introductory paragraph, specify the purpose of the memo
In the introductory paragraph, let your readers know what you’re communicating to your audience. You have to create your memo’s content that answers employees’ questions. Before expanding on details regarding the decision-making or what led to the existing situation, specify the purpose of the memo.
Be concise
Keep your memo’s language positive as you write this to coworkers and managers you interact with regularly. Make use of active voice that helps you get your purpose across and keep the sentences precise and clear. This can enhance your credibility with your colleagues.
In the subject line, write the message of the memo
Use the subject line to inform the readers what they should expect to learn from the memo. It should guide them on where to file it in their email folders.
In the body paragraph and conclusion, break down the information
You have to demonstrate the decision the company is announcing in the body paragraph. You need to state potential feelings for employees that are relatable to staff members. Show your gratitude for their hard work. To navigate recurring changes, indicate your plan to work with employees.
Grace Harry is an experienced freelance writer with an experience for 12+ years. She got her Master’s in Financial Management degree from the University of Dennison in 2007. She worked at California State Bank to help clients with their credit, investments, and bank accounts. She likes to assist people in reaching their financial goals when it comes to financial planning.
