Recently, I wrote about the epidemic of wasted time due to email overload. Studies suggest that 28% of our workweek is spent processing email. So I’m sharing some of my best tips that have made me an email pro.
Over the years I’ve been a sucker for subscribing to blogs, news feeds, regular updates, google alerts, and LinkedIn Groups among other things. While the information is good it makes my inbox overcrowded and causes unwanted distractions due to my occasional ADD. I call it...
"Email Bacon"
...it’s better than SPAM because you want to receive it, but if you’re not careful, it will make your inbox fat!
Here are a 3 simple steps I’ve used over the years to cut the fat from my inbox.
Multiple Emails
I’ve setup multiple email addresses with the idea that I would use one email address anytime I sign-up for something I consider bacon. I use separate email address for personal things and one for business. I use Mail on my Macbook to filter my email boxes between business, personal, and bacon. Now I can quickly get to the emails that interest me most.
Bacon Filter
SPAM filters keep unwanted emails out. Why not create a bacon filter?
- First, determine where you want to keep your bacon. You have two options. Create a separate email like mentioned above or you can create a folder in your primary email box. Most email software allows you to do this pretty easily. Title the folder "bacon".
- Next, Create a filter using any email address or subject line from anyone who sends you bacon. For example, I have a filter for “group-digest@linkedin.com” to help with my LinkedIn Group updates.
- The last step is optional but I highly recommend it. If your email box says you have 500 unread emails it's overwhelming. I set a rule to automatically “mark as read” on all of my bacon mail. I use down time to quickly skim through the folder. This keeps my email ticker pure and alerts me only of the emails that require my immediate attention
Change Preferences
Now that your bacon email is filtered it's time to cut the fat. I routinely review my bacon folder to find senders who aren't adding value. I'll open the email, scroll to the bottom and select “change preferences” or “unsubscribe”.
That's it... 3 steps to cut the fat from your inbox. What other tips do you use for managing your inbox?