Message Strategies: Making Routine Requests; Completing Messages: Evaluating Content, Organization, and Tone [LO-2], Chapter 5 Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this message and then revise it so that it follows this chapters guidelines for routine requests for information: Im fed up with the mistakes that our current accounting firm makes. I run a small construction company, and I dont have time to double-check every bookkeeping entry and call the accountants a dozen times when they wont return my messages. Please explain how your firm would do a better job than my current accountants. You have a good reputation among homebuilders, but before I consider hiring you to take over my accounting, I need to know that you care about quality work and good customer service.

consider the following:

• The tone and wording of the message are unprofessional and negative (e.g., Im fed up, I dont have time) and the focus is misplaced.
• Instead of dealing primarily with the problems associated with the current accounting firm, the main idea should be the request for information on how the prospective firm can help.
• The closing is abrupt; instead, close the message cordially (you can use fictitious contact information).
• 

7-25. Message Strategies: Making Routine Requests; Completing Messages: Evaluating Content, Organization, and Tone [LO-2], Chapter 5 Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this message and then revise it so that it follows this chapter's guidelines for routine requests for information: I'm fed up with the mistakes that our current accounting firm makes. I run a small construction company, and I don't have time to double-check every bookkeeping entry and call the accountants a dozen times when they won't return my messages. Please explain how your firm would do a better job than my current accountants. You have a good reputation among homebuilders, but before I consider hiring you to take over my accounting, I need to know that you care about quality work and good customer service