Know-How Exchange : Copywriting

My suggestion: Write a draft yourself and then pay a professional to polish it before sending it out. Using someone else's letter is likely to seem stiff and overly formal -- not authentic.

Whatever you do in that letter, do not criticize the former partner. Be sure to focus on the value of the customer.

oh boy-- it sounds like you have already put yourself at a disadvantage.

Your joint name together had some goodwill. Do you have an agreement to what that is worth and how to proceed? Did you define who is yours and his clients?

A letter to say (and follow the above advice as well as have a lawyer review) pleased to announce forming of xyz enterprise formerly abc & pal. As my (emphasis MY) valued client I want to assure you of the same attention to detail and service I have provided to you in the past. In the next few days I will be calling you to discuss this venture and how it effects you".

Or better-- skip the letter and call each client. The letter no matter how dressed up will always be impersonal and can't reflect the one on one attention you have given them.

Good Luck

Dear XXXXX,
You will be pleased to know that I have recently set up a new business for clients at xxxxx.

Previously at XXXX, our focus is now on the kind of financial services that have become increasingly important for most of our clients at this time:

1. xxx

2. xxx

3. xxx

Please contact me to hear about some highly successful financial strategies we have put together for satisfied clients. There is no obligation, and I know you will benefit from our inside view of how to profit from the current market situation.

Our new office is at xxxx and you are welcome to call at any time to arrange a presentation of our new client-orientated services.

Yours sincerely,

XXXXX

P.S. Register your email address with us for a regular free 'insiders update' on the financial market.


This is just a draft to show why it's important not to talk to much about your previous firm. Although that will be on your mind. if you just mention it as I have done in the second paragraph, it will help clients remember who you are. You can then go on to sell the benefits of your new firm, which is what the letter is for. A tactic that works very well is to send out a newsletter - most people will be happy to register for free advice and that is the first step to getting the attention and trust of new prospects. Hopefully, your old clients will move with you and they deserve a special letter.