Ask For Personal Advice
Letter #1
Hope you're doing well! Listen, I know you're not a fortune teller, but sometimes a second opinion can be a lifesaver. I have this opportunity to [brief explanation of situation]. The thing is, it might put a strain on things financially next season. I value your experience and would love to hear your thoughts if you have a spare moment. Maybe we could grab lunch and go over the details? No pressure at all, but your insights would be greatly appreciated.
Letter #2
Guess what? I just got a raise! Finally making more than Eric, but...well, let's just say it's causing a bit of tension. I know you've been in similar situations before, and I could really use your advice. Free lunch this week sound good? Let's chat and see how you navigated things.
Letter #3
Hope all is well! Remember me from way back in sixth grade? Anyway, I'm reaching out because you've always been someone I admire for your experiences and wisdom. I have this personal decision to make, and I trust you to keep it confidential.
Here's the deal: I'm debating between applying for government financial aid for grad school or working full-time for a while to save up. I recently bought a car and the payments are manageable, but tuition is another story. Part of me worries about more debt, but taking a break might make me lose momentum on going back to school altogether. Any thoughts you have would be a huge help. Thanks for listening!
Letter #4
Hope you're doing okay. Listen, I'm facing some financial difficulties right now, and I'm considering bankruptcy. I know it's a big decision, and I'd honestly prefer to chat about it in person rather than write everything out. Would you be free sometime next week to talk? I'll call you in a few days to set something up. Thanks for your time.
How to Write this Advice Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines
To ask someone for advice is a compliment, because you are expressing confidence in his or her opinion. That person should be worthy of your trust and be willing to keep your request confidential. Shift the tone to a more casual and conversational style appropriate for requesting personal advice from a friend. Encourage the recipient to provide specific details about their situation. Emphasize that the purpose is to offer a listening ear and support, not pressure them for a specific answer. Maintain the call to action is for meeting up or chatting further.Consider adding a disclaimer clarifying these letters are not professional financial or academic advice. You can further personalize the letters based on the nature of your relationship with the recipient.
Steps
- Explain immediately that you are requesting advice and express confidence that the reader is one who can help.
- Explain the problem in broad terms.
- If necessary, suggest more detailed communication on the subject.
- Express anticipation for an answer.
Write Your advice in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases
1 Explain immediately that you are requesting advice and express confidence that the reader is one who can help.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- I am writing to ask your advice regarding my application to dental school. Jane Doe told me that your counsel to her was invaluable.
- I need your advice regarding whether I should take a position in management or stay in sales. Since you can view me objectively, your insight would very valuable.
- John, I am turning to you for your professional opinion regarding the purchase of a condominium in Springfield. You seem to be your company's expert on this.
- I need some advice regarding a possible divorce. I know you received effective legal counsel last year, and I'd like to ask you a few questions.
- Help! You're a dear friend who knows me better than anyone and I need your advice.
- Since you have successfully changed your profession, I am hoping you can give me some advice on a career change.
Key Phrases for Step 1
- am asking for your help because
- am seriously considering
- as to whether I should
- ask for your advice
- for your professional opinion
- have a few questions
- have a good view of
- in view of your experience with
- know better than anyone
- may I impose on
- need some advice about
- regarding the purchase of a
- regarding my application to
- regarding a possible
- turning to you for advice
- would appreciate your counsel
- would appreciate your advice
- would be very valuable to
- your insight would be
- your ability to
2 Explain the problem in broad terms.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- My problem is that my undergraduate degree has taken so long that most of the professors who know me and could advise me have left the university.
- My major concern has to do with weighing the benefits of immediate financial gains against possible long-range opportunities.
- My husband wants to place all of our property in my name, which makes me liable for the mortgages and debts.
- I am wondering whether I should wait for interest rates to come down or whether I should make a move now.
- I am concerned with how the courts determine custody of children.
- I need to terminate a relationship with a friend who is becoming abusive.
- My mother's health has deteriorated to the point where we are considering putting her in a rest home, but we don't know how to proceed.
Key Phrases for Step 2
- am considering making some changes to
- am looking into
- am really worried about
- am not sure how to approach
- am having difficulties with
- am seriously considering
- am feeling pressured to
- are planning to organize
- concerned about the long-term implications of
- have been struggling with
- have recently received an offer of
- have run into problems with
- in serious financial trouble
- my major concern is
- need to make a final decision about
- need to know
- not sure what I should do
- seems a wonderful opportunity
- would like to explore my options
3 If necessary, suggest more detailed communication on the subject.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Rather than going into a lot of detail in a letter, I would like to meet with you for lunch to discuss my options.
- Some of his comments lately make me think that we are in serious financial trouble.
- One bank claims that interest rates will fall even lower so I should wait, while another is advising me to close the deal.
- You know that my recent difficulty may make the courts less sympathetic to my case.
- Several times during the past months his anger has escalated and he has threatened me with physical harm.
- I need to know how to structure the estate so I can use funds to cover her care.
Key Phrases for Step 3
- as soon as possible
- at your convenience
- at your earliest convenience
- could I call you
- could we meet at
- discuss this with you
- fill you in on the details
- get together for
- give you the full story when we meet
- like to hear your experience with
- like to meet with you
- meet with you personally
- please let me know when
- take you to lunch
- will call you
- will tell you all about it
- will be happy to
- will set up an appointment
- would appreciate the opportunity to
- would like to discuss this
- would you be available to
- would be grateful if
4 Express anticipation for an answer.
Sample Sentences for Step 4
- I will be in Springfield on July 3, and would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you personally. I will call that morning to see if I can have an appointment.
- Do you feel I should consult a lawyer, or should I wait and see if things work out?
- I am anxious to know what you recommend, given my financial situation and the current economic trend.
- I sincerely hope we can get together to talk about this. I need your input soon.
- I look forward to hearing from you. I have to make some difficult decisions.
- I'm not going to make any long-range decisions until I hear from you. Please call me soon.
Key Phrases for Step 4
- am eager to know
- can't wait to hear from you
- could you meet me
- give me a call
- have to make a decision by
- have lunch together
- hope you will be able to
- hope to hear from you soon
- how do you suggest that I
- if you would give me an appointment
- leave a message
- look forward to
- sincerely hope that you can
- to hear your opinion
- to hear from you
- until I hear from you
- what you think I should
- would appreciate your help
- would be grateful for your
- would like to know what you
- would appreciate any insights
