How to Write Engagement Letters

How to Write Engagement Letters: "Managing Client Expectations

There are many ways that you and your clients can communicate the details of your consulting engagement, ranging from formal Request for Proposal (RFP) from the client with your written response, to an informal phone call or short meeting where your client decides to engage you.

The Importance of Written Communication

Regardless of how you and your client communicate, the key to a successful engagement is to set the client’s expectations, and then, at a minimum, meet those expectations, and hopefully, exceed them. The most important factor in managing the client’s expectations is to put your agreement in writing. Putting it in writing also has the side-effect of eliminating post-delivery disputes over what was expected, making your billing method highly visible to your client, and finally, reinforcing your professionalism.

The Engagement Letter – a Basic Communication

The engagement letter is the simplest form of written communication designed to clarify client expectations."