Reference no: EM133776615

Question: Choose a company that has publicly expressed sustainability commitments, but which is not yet a certified B Corp. In a two-page (single-spaced) business memorandum, addressed to the CEO of the company you have selected, you will make the business case for pursuing B Corp certification.

Your goal is to articulate a strategy for preparing the company for certification, which is both specific and actionable. To do that, you will need to research the certification process, as well as the company's current operations, and identify areas that will need to be either highlighted or improved to ensure a successful certification audit. Vague, rhetorical arguments are insufficient. Your job here is to convince the CEO that pursuing B Corp certification would be wise, from a business perspective, and to lay out a clear and actionable plan for doing so.

Memoranda will be assessed based on:

writing clarity and grammatical precision,
the strength, logical cohesion, creativity and persuasiveness of your arguments, and
the comprehensiveness and applicability of your research.
Use single-spaced, 12-pt. font with breaks between paragraphs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All written work must be original, which is to say: created entirely by the student submitting it. Proper citation is required if the student chooses to include quotations or reference preexisting work. Paraphrased work should also be cited. APA citation style is preferred.

STEPS TO CREATE A BUSINESS MEMO:

Steps for Creating a Business Memorandum:

1. Understand Your Audience, Context, and Purpose:

Before you start writing, it's essential to know who will be reading your memo, the context of the communication, and the purpose. Consider what your audience values, what they already know, and what action or response you expect from them. The context may involve whether the memo is addressing an ongoing issue or introducing new information. Your purpose could range from making a recommendation to informing, persuading, or reporting on specific findings. Understanding these elements helps shape the tone, content, and structure of your memo.

2. Construct a Clear Header:

At the top of your memo, include a header with the following components:

- To: The name(s) of the person(s) receiving the memo.

- From: Your name and title.

- Date: The date the memo is being written or distributed.

- Subject: A precise and informative subject line. A strong subject line sets expectations for the reader and can include the main takeaway or focus of the memo. For instance, rather than simply saying "Sales Report," a subject like "Q1 Sales Figures and Recommended Actions" is clearer and more specific.

3. Bottom Line On Top (BLOT):

Start your memo with the most important information or recommendation. Busy professionals appreciate direct communication, so stating your key points at the beginning (rather than working up to them) saves time and keeps their attention. This can also be reflected in the subject line. For example, you might start with: "Following the latest sales review, we recommend implementing three strategies to improve Q2 performance."

4. Main Content: Provide Key Information Concisely:

The body of the memo should be clear, concise, and well-structured. Stick to the essential elements such as:

- Who is involved or impacted

- What is happening or being proposed

- When actions or changes will take place

- Where the changes will occur or apply

- Why the issue or recommendation matters

- How to proceed or what steps are required

Present your information in a way that is easy to follow. Use specific evidence, data, or credible sources to support your claims. Keep the information relevant and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon or lengthy explanations.

5. Action Steps and Conclusion:

At the end of your memo, summarize what actions are expected next. Whether you need approval for a plan, further investigation, or immediate implementation of a recommendation, make sure your conclusion is clear. You may also include contact information for follow-up questions or links to additional resources. This section should reinforce the main points and give readers a clear understanding of what you want them to do or consider.

6. Ensure Skimmability:

Business memos should be easy to read and digest. Most readers will skim the document first before diving into any particular sections, so use formatting tools to enhance readability. Use:

- Bullet points or numbered lists for key items or recommendations.

- Headings and subheadings to guide the reader through different sections of the memo.

- Short paragraphs to prevent information overload. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and avoid large blocks of text.

- Clear, concise sentences that get straight to the point without unnecessary filler.

7. Visual Appeal and Formatting:

Visual appeal is crucial in business writing, as it helps your reader navigate the memo quickly. Ensure your memo is formatted with:

- Block-style paragraphs (no indentations, but leave a space between paragraphs).

- Left-aligned text for consistency and clarity.

- Consider adding charts, graphs, or other visuals if they help convey important data or support your points. Ensure visuals are relevant and well-labeled.

8. Research and Citations:

If your memo includes data, research findings, or statistics, make sure that your sources are credible and correctly cited. This adds credibility to your arguments and avoids any potential issues related to misinformation or plagiarism. Depending on the format preferred by your organization, use a consistent citation style, such as APA or Chicago.

9. Proofreading and Review:

Before finalizing your memo, review it for clarity, tone, and grammar. Poorly written memos with errors can affect your credibility and the professionalism of the communication. Use tools like spell check and grammar check, but also consider reading your memo aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or mistakes that might be missed otherwise. It may also help to have a colleague review your draft and provide feedback.

Final Tips for a Business Memo:

- Tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout, but adjust the level of formality based on your relationship with the audience. For example, an internal memo to colleagues may be less formal than one to upper management or external stakeholders.

- Clarity: Be sure to avoid ambiguity in your writing. The reader should easily understand the action points and their significance.

- Timeliness: If your memo is time-sensitive, emphasize any deadlines or timeframes for action in both the body and conclusion.

By following these steps, your business memorandum will be well-structured, professional, and effective in conveying important information and recommendations to your audience.