Here are ten of the top mistakes we make with our email.
(See this PC Magazineroundup of email misfiresfor further reinforcement.)
Also be careful when replying versusreplying to allone of the biggest causes of email fails.
Checking Your Inbox Too Often
Everyonestrying to fix emailbecause itsa productivity killer.
If youve been to my house, you know what I mean.)
New emails will constantly be flowing in, burying your important to-dos and notes in that mass of messages.
Generally, though, youre better off using one to-do listprobably not your email.
Email threads have a way ofspiraling out of controlall on their owneven when everyone sticks to the email subject.
(You know those subject lines that start with Re: Re: Re: Re: Ugh.)
c’mon dont do this.
Start a new email for every distinct subject.
They help us know whether we should read an email right away or if they can wait.
I know I could do better atwriting more actionable and informative subject linesandwriting subject-only emailswithacronyms like EOM.
The subject lines pretty important, so it helps if you know how to makea killer subject line.
What if the Exchange Server mysteriously deletes your emails?
Or Gmail goes down just when it’s crucial that you access a particular email?
(Ive seen both happen.)
Email backups are your friend.
If theres only one email etiquette guideline you want to read today,read the Email Charter.
And finally, dont drink and email.
Ill fess up to that too.
Well, for many of us,responding within half a day would be good!
If you dropped the ball on an email response, dont worry,you could recover.
Illustration by Fruzsina Kuhari.
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