How might technology shape business report formats and their delivery in the future?

Technology plays a big part in all aspects of the business world today. The creation of business reports has been greatly affected by the growing innovations of technology. Most employees do not enjoy writing a business report. It is a task often viewed as unpleasant for those who do not enjoy organizing and writing information. Luckily, technology has helped making this task simpler.

Letters, manuscripts, memos, and pre-printed data are becoming a thing of the past. The use of paper and pen in to format business reports is becoming more scarcely used in the workplace. Technology such as PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, and video are just a few tools that are becoming more popular when formatting a report.

Employees and employers no longer have to be tied down at a desk waiting for an email that contains the business report. Business data can now be delivered and accessed virtually anywhere from handheld devices. With new advancements such as company share-drives and iCloud tools sharing and delivering reports is hassle-free. The formatting and delivering of business reports will only become easier as technology quickly advances. 

Direct-mail Sales and E-mail Sales Messages

Sales messages can be conveyed in two different ways, direct-mail and e-mail. Many experts view direct-mail as the best way to sell anything to anyone. According to Tom Egelhoff, "If I shoot a rifle at a target I have to be precise in my aim. The target is very small. If I shoot the target with a shotgun I have a better chance of hitting the target but a lot of my shot also misses the target. So those pellets are wasted because they missed the target. The same is true in advertising." Using direct-mail is precise. When you use direct-mail you can send the message to exactly who you want to reach. Some may think that direct-mail is a thing of the past, but in reality it shows no signs of going away. People still use it today because it is foolproof and it works. Unfortunately, direct-mail tends to be more expensive for the marketer than e-mail. 

E-mail is not only a faster way to relay a message, but also a cheaper way. E-mail doesn't require the use of thousands and thousands of pieces of paper and pens. Not to mention the number of envelopes and stamps. E-mail is also a great deal faster than snail mail. As soon as the marketer presses the send button, the message is almost instantly received. E-mail mail seem perfect, but it has its downsides. Many people receive hundreds of spam e-mails a day. This can often clutter a work space and could even lead to lost mail that could be vitally important. Direct-mail can usually be quite a bit longer than e-mail as well. According to Ivan Levison, "When prospects are going through their email, they want information quickly. So long copy is out. Complex offers are out. Supporting facts and arguments are out."

Both of these mediums are used frequently every day. They both have the ability to get the job done. When you weigh the pros and cons of each, they could really tie. I think that choosing the best medium depends on the circumstances. 

Indirect Organization is Ethical

In my opinion, the indirect strategy is unethical only if the writer intends to deceive the reader. When the writer deliberately delays the main idea for reasons such as when the receiver is unable to properly receive and comprehend the message, the receiver is actually benefiting. Using the indirect method can also make the receiver feel like the writer has been tactful and that he/she cares for the receiver. Using the indirect method is often very helpful when attempting to soften the blow of a bad news message. Ethical communicators do not intend to deceive the reader. Bad news can be announced in a bad news message but should never be used to misrepresent or avoid the truth. The indirect strategy may be easily used to manipulate the reader, but as long as it is used ethically it will benefit both the writer and the reader in every situation. 

Writing Plan for Adjustment Messages

According to the Business Dictionary, an adjustment message is, "A written response to a claim letter sent by a customer by a business representative or manager. An adjustment letter is generally written after a client of the business makes a material claim. Basically, it is a response to a customer's claim letter. Unfortunately, claims are often letters from customers that are upset or unsatisfied. To resolve the customer's complaint, an adjustment letter can be written. Adjustment letters should be sent as soon as possible after receiving the customer's claim letter. A successful claim letter can often prevent a customer from leaving a company and establish a strengthened relationship. 

Like with any type of letter, it is important to begin with brainstorming ideas and putting together an outline. Outlines help to gather one's thoughts in a manner that will be easy to transfer into the letter format. It is important to gather relevant information about the customer's relationship with the company. 

Next, it is important that you establish what you want the reader to do. According to Englet, for an adjustment letter to be effective, it must consist of:

1. Acknowledgment of receipt of our complaining customer.
              -Use a phrase such as, "Thank you for your letter of" or just refer to information in the claim                 letter.
2. Expression of our apology
               -Clearly state what the apology is for. 
3. Explanation of the problem
               -Introduce the problem that was found, the causes, and effects.
4. Solution of the problem: It can be an action or reimbursement.  
               -Let the reader know that changes have been made to prevent re-occurrence and assure them                  it will not happen again.  

It is very important to maintain goodwill throughout the letter. Never end a letter with a negative tone. Always end with words that imply the customer will be continue doing business with the company.