How to Write a Corporate History

Writing a Corporate History

Writing a corporate history is an important business tool. Frequently, potential clients will base their decisions on whether or not to hire a corporation based on the company's past history. Compiling a corporate history takes a little bit of time and effort, but will benefit the company in the end.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Access to corporate records

Instructions

1. Begin the corporate history with a list of the current owners and board members. Include a brief biography on each person and what the position is in the company. Include in this section the corporation's mission statement and why they are writing a corporate history.

2. Include a photograph section that shows the growth of the corporation over time. Perhaps the company had its beginnings in a warehouse or basement and now it occupies a entire 10-building complex. Showing the growth of the corporation in a pictorial history adds depth to your narrative.

3. Bring in the past. In the next section, write about the key players in the corporation over the years: past presidents, board members, managers and other influential employees. Include brief biographies on these people and write about their contributions to the company.

4. Include a section about how the corporation has interacted with the community. In this era of "going green," it is an asset to a company to be active in their community and to take an active role in preserving the environment. Show in this section how the corporation has participated in charity events and other corporate responsibility efforts.

5. Add only the major events that happened to a corporation that had positive outcomes. Because the corporate history is a valuable marketing tool, you do not want to include things like the time your office manager was indicted for money laundering. Paint it in a positive light, but be careful not to be too sugary, too.

6. Find a reputable printing company to print and bind your corporate history. If money is an issue, check out small presses, such as Lulu or Infinity Publishing.

7. Add your corporate history to your bookshelves and distribute a free copy to potential clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider sending out copies of the history to potential clients as a marketing tool. List your corporate history with online booksellers. Donate a copy of the history to local libraries.

References

• Lulu: Home
• Infinity Publishing: Home
• Writer's Digest: Writing Corporate History