Email is a great way to connect with your community and stay in touch with them. But just like every other business tool, you have to know how to use email properly or it can easily consume your days.
Many business owners have difficulty managing their inboxes. As a result, they stay buried under an avalanche of ever growing messages. If that describes you, then consider trying some of these email hacks.
Don’t check your email constantly
This one is difficult if you have your email account synced to a mobile device. It’s tempting to drop everything and check your email the second you get a new notification. But when you check your email too often, you’ll be tempted to respond to messages later. This can make you more likely to forget or ignore the message.
Instead, set a designated time to check and respond to messages. It’s usually best to have 1-2 times during the day that you stop and check your email. Many business owners find that checking your email in the morning and again before you stop working is the best way to go.
Create templates
As a business owner, you may get the same questions frequently. For example, if you offer WordPress themes, you might receive emails from new buyers asking how they should install their WordPress theme. In cases like this, it’s helpful to have a saved response. Now all you have to do is copy and paste your response each time you get the same question.
Make a decision quickly
Procrastination is the enemy when it comes to email productivity. You only have a few basic options when it comes to handling email messages. You can respond, file, delegate, or delete your emails.
Once you make a decision, ask yourself if you’ll need the information again later. For example when you get an electronic receipt for a business purchase, it’s usually best to file it. But emails that aren’t important or that you don’t have to follow up with can be deleted.
Know when to pick up the phone
Sometimes, an old fashioned phone call is required. With a phone call, you have the advantage of tone and inflection. This is important when dealing with situations that might be tricky like negotiating a price with one of your clients or when collaborating on a project with a business partner.
Mastering email can be difficult. But with the right systems in place, you can make it more manageable. Take control of your inbox and end the electronic avalanche.
Stop living in overwhelm…download your free productivity workbook now.
Previous posts in the series:
Say No to Busy Work
Know What Your Most Valuable Tasks Are
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