Anyone who read my tweets today saw the one where I said

"over 800 emails have been dealt with this week, only 300 more to go {not counting the ones still coming in} {about 9 hours ago via yoono}"

By the end of the day I had more than 100 more to work through.

So, this brings me to the dilemma most of us feel in our daily lives ... how do I manage my virtual life too?

To be honest, I think it's a miracle that we get as much done as we do ... but that's a different post.

Frustration points:
  • when you unsubscribe but still get email from someone
  • e-zines you subscribed to when you had more time
  • folks who know you personally & think of you when they FWD: items

What to do, what to do:

  • Don't be afraid to delete
{if you're not interested, you're not interested}

  • Create folders for hobbies, vacations, research projects & file accordingly
I know, everyone screams in horror when I say "file" but remember ~ most email programs allow you to search based on a key word ... thus making relocation that much easier.

  • Go in with blinders
When I work with small businesses or entrepreneurs I teach them to check their e-mail "with a mission". Know what you're looking for {email from Sally about the upcoming social media campaign} check the inbox ... either find it & address the contents or don't find it & get out {think about the mantra "I came, I saw, I conquered"}

  • Figure out what's more important
Having an empty email box by Friday afternoon or being productive with appropriate projects? I promise, you're not the only one supporting their "open rate".

  • And finally, walk away
Don't be afraid to address the high priority items in the day & leave less priority items for a later date. Turn off the computer/blackberry/iPhone & go live life {grin}


Remember, these are just tips to get you started. None of these are meant to be the only way ~ only you can figure that part out!

Have a great weekend {whether you spend it cleaning out the email in-box or chillin' out with friends}

april
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Comments

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:43:18

Hi April! I love talking about email organization because it can totally ruin your day when you sit down and see tons of emails needing you. Such great points you brought up. I love your "blinders" idea--such a great image.

One other thing that's helped me is to use the filters on gmail. For people who regularly "spam" me, but whose feelings I don't want to hurt by unsubscribing, I filter them to automatically skip my inbox and go into a special file that I check once in awhile to make sure I'm aware of what they've sent me. That has eliminated hundreds of emails from my inbox. It's a process, though, because I still think email is fun, and I have to watch myself every day so I don't get carried away!

Hope you're doing great! It's fun to read your blog, and I'm glad you're teaching so many of us how to get more organized.

 

Sue Ellen Wells

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:02:18

I find fb as a less stressful way to handle e-communication. Somehow, while attending to issues, fb allows me to have a relaxed attitude as I handle all the pressures of responses. It seems more friendly...and "social"! Makes sense.

 

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:56:25

April ~ I'm so glad you mentioned the "auto skip" in the Google platform! I love using that function too! I also have utilized "labels" in the gmail platform, it allows me to instant archive if I don't have time that day to read it ~ then I come back later, if I want to.

Sue Ellen ~ I love the idea of using fb! And you're absolutely right, the social aspect does lend a more relaxed atmosphere.

Warmly,

april

 



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    April Welch is a Certified Professional Organizer with specialties in ADD, Chronic Acquiring, Children/Families and Social Media.


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