Memorandum / 259SAMPLE MEMoRANDUM
The following memo follows the process set out above and illustrates one reason for
writing a memo.
VIP
VIDEO INSTRUCTIONAL PRODUCTS
To: Mearl Evans, Sales Department Manager
From: Sara Davidson
Subject: New Product Proposal
Date: November 8, 20—
CONFIDENTIAL
The New Products Committee hopes to present a proposed new product to the VIP Board of
Directors at their December meeting. The first draft of the proposal outlines the product con-
cept, potential sales, and cost estimates for a new industrial training video.
The new training DVD production follows the design of earlier digital products used in the
industry. It will focus on the pest-control industry. Its primary purpose will be to train pest-control
technicians to eradicate pests in residential and commercial properties while maintaining safety
standards for both the PC technician and personnel working or living in the area. The product,
an innovation in both pest control and in training, appears to have good market potential.
The committee looks forward to presenting the proposal to you and your staff prior to the
December Board meeting. We think you will have valuable contributions to make to the overall
plan and can suggest methods by which the proposal can best be presented to the Board. By
next Friday, please suggest a time most appropriate for our discussion.ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE MEMoRANDUM
The preceding memorandum serves the purpose of maintaining communication
between departments and involving personnel at all levels in the development of a
potential new product. Note these specifics about the memo itself:
- The company name and logo are preprinted at the top of the memo form, as
are the words To, From, Subject, and Date. - The heading lists a title for the addressee but no title for the writer. The
tendency is to be more formal with the addressee than with the writer. - The heading concisely indicates the subject matter. Note the initial capitals.
- The complete date is essential for future reference.