• • Write a negative response to the routine inquiry asking for a meeting time to discuss the business plan of Business Writing With An Edge. Keep the above guidelines in mind, as you are now writing an indirect response to soften the message. Use transitional phrases such as "Though we value your friendship" for the opening paragraph or "In continued collaboration" for the closing paragraph and "It violates our privacy rules" or "all stakeholders may not agree" for the content paragraphs. You are encouraged to add your own indirect and softening language as well. Remember, this is a relationship you want to keep!