How to Outsmart Your Inbox

You’ve got mail (too much of it)

overload is a global epidemic Yet “doing ” is not in anyone’s job description

Agenda The 3 Commandments Inbox Zero rules hacks

Commandment #1 is like Tetris Problem: No matter how good you are, more keep coming Solution: Something has to change - you You need a system, better process, better tools

Commandment #2 is not your #1 priority Problem: is a to-do list other people write on Solution: Scan (for important/urgent s in the morning) Block (30-60 min appointments on your calendar) Ask (yourself if clearing your Inbox is the best use of time right)

Commandment #3 Not all s are created equal Problem: Same screen real estate for each Solution: Urgent/Important: now Non-urgent/Important: later Unimportant: delete/archive in bulk

Inbox Zero Rules Never touch the same twice 1.Delete: after scanning the From/Subject 2.Defer: move out of your Inbox until actionable 3.Delegate: forward to a team member 4.Respond: if takes <2 min 5.Do: the only s left in your Inbox are the ones you’ll deal with today

1.Bold key phrases 2.Don’t get hacked (1Password + bjinmlsjagwctiat1)1Passwordbjinmlsjagwctiat1 3.Don’t enter the To: address until you proof read 4.Don’t use your Inbox as an archive 5.Use the subject wisely (NNTR, EOM, FYI, NOT URGENT) 6.Don’t unsubscribe from suspicious s (use SaneBlackHole) Hacks

7.Specify why you’re CC’ing someone 8.Check if you’re BCC’ed (not CC’ed) before “Reply All” 9.Don’t put images in your signature 10.No open-ended questions 11.Busiest people are very responsive Hacks Lots more at bit.ly/25 tricks

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