Email Therapy

Email has been a constant battle for me lately.

Email, instant messaging, and cell phones give us fabulous communication abilitities. but because we live and work in our own little worlds, that communication is totally disorganized. -Marilyn vos Savant

First of all, I have too many emails. Being in a business where I need an email for several clients, it's difficult keeping them straight. All I can say is thank goodness for Gmail. A few tips and tricks for those of you finding yourself a little defeated. GMAIL 101:

1. Utilize the ability to add multiple accounts to 1 email address. This will allow you to send and receive mail all to one place as opposed to having to log in separately to each.

Go to "Settings"
Click Accounts
Choose send mail as, then add your email in there
Add the same email in the check email from other account option
If you have an iCloud email, you have to actually forward your email through icloud to you gmail because apparently it isn't POP compatible. (I just learned this today!)

2. Have an alternate "junk" email OR have a folder that you can throw "junk" in. You know that random email address you give people at the store when they want to send you promotions? Yes, that is what I am talking about.

3. Try using www.yesware.com. Not only do many people use it for sales positions, it is a great tool to remind yourself. Utilize the tools to schedule emails in advance, create templates, etc. Additionally, a great feature is to be able to see whether or not your recipient opened your email or not. This integrates perfectly with your Gmail account. I am typically one who prefers all of the FREE stuff, but this is well worth $10/month to keep yourself on top of things when you feel like you are swimming in your email.

4. Use the search tool. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to type a persons name in or a business I have contacted in the past to find information and emails.

5. Weekly Maintenance. In this day and age, so many people communicate through email. Whether you are inviting someone to an event through your calendar, being reminded about an upcoming event, or getting a sweet 50% off coupon from your favorite store. Email is part of the world today, it is hard to live without one. Take at least 1 hour a week to "clean out" your email and make sure you aren't missing anything!