Down To a Science: E-mail

My e-mail inbox is a huge source of stress for me. E-mails are always coming in at a rate faster than I can manage them. Whenever I do sit down and go through my e-mails - I have a system that I use which works for me! 

1. New E-mail! 

2. Does it need a response?

I tend to get quite a few e-mails from stores notifying me of sales and promotions or follow up e-mails that don't necessarily need a reply. When this is the case, I instantly delete the e-mail.  

3. Do I have a response now?

After I clear out the e-mails that don't require a response, I tackle the ones that do. Typically I can formulate a response and send it off right away. Sometimes, though, I don't have a response right away! If that is the case then I move on to step 4!

4. Flag or star

I use Microsoft Outlook so which has a flag function. This function allows me to flag an e-mail, add a reason for the flag and set a reminder to follow up! I love it! G-mail also has a great start function for e-mails that you need to go back to! 

5. File for later

If I have an e-mail or e-mail thread that I think I should hang on to, then I create a folder or tag and place it there! This makes it a lot easier to find something quickly! 

6. Delete

After going through all of the steps and finding no reason to keep an e-mail - I delete it. I do not like to see e-mails in my inbox. It causes me unnecessary stress and looks messy!

This is how I manage my inbox and while it may not be a perfect method, I think it's pretty effective! If you're a stickler for a tidy inbox - let me know what methods you use!

xoxo