Correct Etiquette

[Bonzo 2000]

I need to send a letter to an important potential new client, who for the pruposes of this question is called Sir Joe Bloggs. For initial contact, how should he correctly be addressed - Dear Mr Bloggs? Thereafter in more familiar terms, should it be Dear Sir Joe, Dear Joe or Sir Joe. Whats the form with this? Any feedback gratefully received

[chakka35]

The greeting in your letter should be "Dear Sir Joe" and you should address him a "Sir Joe" thereafter until he courteously tells you to drop the "Sir". "Mr" would never be right.

[~max~]

I always thought you couldn't put just "sir" and the name together, lest it means the person has received a knighthood????
I would personally say "Dear Mr Bloggs" to open the first letter, then depending on how the relationship evolves, either continue with that or use " Dear Joe"....

[Bonzo 2000]

... thats just the point ~max~. This man IS Sir Joe, with a real Knighthood. I tend to agree with chakka35 that once you become a Sir, you're no longer a Mister. It just seems that Dear Sir Joe may seem a bit familiar for an initial contact. Any more ideas?

[~max~]

Oh sorry! I hadn't got that bit! Ooopss...
I agree that Dear Sir Joe is a bit too familiar for a first contact....I'm not sure, but I think I would use "Dear Sir Joe Bloggs" the first time, then maybe "Sir Joe" thereafter.
Will try to research the subject a bit...

[~max~]

Some tips here:

http://www.london-guides.co.uk/pages.php?id=b0 801010

[Bonzo 2000]

Thats helpful ~max~. Thanks a lot.

[chakka35]

Sorry you doubt me. My copy of Debrett's Etiquette and Modern Manners gives as an example Sir Thomas Ecclestone.
It says that the letter greeting should be "Dear Sir Thomas" and that he should be addressed as "Sir Thomas" in conversation.

[Bonzo 2000]

...dont doubt you at all, Chakka - see above. Thanks for your input

[obxavon88]

In regards to this situation, how would you address the person in the US? Is it still considered appropriate for him to be addressed as Sir Joe or would it be Mr. ?