Although the work of assisting someone, be it a minor shelving project or a major construction work, is not always easy to do, for many people, joining up is as simple as saying, “I’m ready to help”.

Personnel in well-established organizations and professional businesses have protocols to follow when someone requests for a helping hand. For others, a simple, well-written letter of request for assistance can make all the difference.

But what if you have an idea that’s not already known to the person you are sending the request? What if you see your project that needs exactly what you have in mind? What if you want to have a recurring assistance service? These tips will help get you started.

Tip 1: What do you Want to do?

Has the person done anything like this project before? You need to find out before sending the request. Your letter of request for assistance needs to specify your main intention/project. What exactly do you hope to accomplish with the idea? For example, if you are dealing with a house construction project, do you want the person or crew to do the final clean-up process as well? Do you want public attention for your project? What’s your deadline for doing it? How much will it cost and how are you going to pay the team? These questions could apply to almost all the project request letters you attempt.

Tip 2: Collect Information

Once you have a specific goal in mind, start the next step. Explain your proposal and details that go into it. This may be your opportunity to get hold of the right person for your project for any future task as well. Another important factor to keep in mind, even at this early stage of your project, is the need for support and the need to complete it on time. Also, be clear and precise. Even the most skilled person may lose momentum if the project is not clear.

Tip 3: Get Into Details

Do you need more than one person for the job? If yes, how many and what will be their responsibilities? Mention the resources needed to do it if possible. If you want to be formal, what are the goals and objectives of the work? All these tasks can be done yourself, so learn to divide up responsibilities.

Tip 4: Looking Forward

Use “we”, instead of “I” to avoid sounding or acting like a dictator. Plan your meetings in advance. Whatever the project, there are many ways the person or team can assist you. Once you have come up with the details, it is time to prepare for the next step.

Tip 5: Final Touch

Well, you are almost complete. You have a starting date and time for your project and, you have a place where the person/team can begin helping. Congratulations! Finally, make sure that your letter is tactful and respectful in general. Make sure that your questions are specific in order to avoid back and forth communication. Mention how appreciative you are for all their help and expertise.