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2For Starters, Send Less Email
If you send less, chances are, you’ll receive less, which means that you’ll have fewer messages to sort, organize and reply to. Also, it’s okay to check emails in the morning, but hold off on replying immediately. Instead, reply to emails at specific times during the day. (Don’t constantly check, or else you’ll end up using time you should be spending on priority tasks and projects).
3Consider Using a Project Management App
4Be Specific About What Needs to Be Done With Your Messages
5Special Advice for Gmail Users
6Use the ‘Yesterbox’ Technique
7Unsubscribe from Newsletters You Don’t Read Anymore
8Use Boomerang for Gmail
This Google app will remove certain emails from your inbox and boomerang (or send) them back at a time you specify (i.e., when you can work on them). The Right Inbox app will let you add reminders to an email so that you don’t lose track of important conversations. FollowUp.cc does something similar.
9Inbox Zero, or No Inbox Zero
You may not be an Inbox Zero person, and that’s okay. InboxZero is a Gmail app that turns emails into tasks that have to be done. Many mail apps (including Gmail) have very powerful search features to help you find particular messages you’re looking for. But if you are an Inbox Zero person, schedule time each week (or daily) to sort through and organize your inbox.
10More Advice About Using Email Efficiently
11Canned Responses Can Save You Time
Use canned responses for messages you send frequently. That way, you won’t have to keep recreating the same message over and over.