Business Writing Center

Tools

Colons

Use the colon ( : ) to introduce a list. Usually, the words the following, as follows, or these will occur or will be implied before the list. (Ex. We represented the interests of the following constituencies: shareholders, management, and employees.) 

Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.  Even “friendly” business letters need a colon (not a comma) after the salutation. (Ex. Dear Professor Stark:)