From Chaos to Clarity: Tame Your Inbox with These Five Tips

Are you a busy professional struggling to keep up with an overflowing inbox?

You're not alone. Many of us are inundated with hundreds of emails each week, leading to feelings of overwhelm and decreased productivity. But what if there was a way to work smarter, not harder, with the technology you already have? 

In our "Quick Tips for Email Management" class, we share five quick and simple tips to immediately improve your email management.

Tip #1: Use Search Folders 

Search Folders in Outlook can be a lifesaver. They allow you to quickly find emails based on specific criteria, such as sender, keywords, or categories by setting up permanent searches.

Here's how:

• In the Outlook Navigation Pane, right click on Search Folders.

• In the New Search Folder dialog box that appears, select the type of Search Folder you would like to create from the 13 available options or you can create a custom Search Folder.

• Click OK and you're done!

No more wasting time scrolling through your inbox looking for that one important email. 

Tip #2: Use Quick Steps 

Quick Steps in Outlook allow you to apply multiple actions at once to an email message. This can be a real time-saver, especially for repetitive tasks like forwarding emails to a specific group of people.

For more on Quick Steps, check out our on-demand training, "Using Quick Steps for Email Management."

Tip #3: Leverage Quick Parts and Templates 

If you find yourself typing the same responses over and over, Quick Parts and Templates can be a game-changer. You can save frequently used text and add it to your messages with just a few clicks. 

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Tip #4: BLUF Your Subject Line 

BLUF stands for "Bottom Line Up Front". By making your subject line clear and meaningful, you help your recipients prioritize your message. Consider adding a prefix like "Action", "FYI", or "Question" to give your recipients a heads-up on what to expect. 

Tip #5: Automate 

Take your email management to the next level with automation tools like Power Automate. This tool allows you to create highly customized rules to automate many of your email tasks. 

Implementing these tips can help you manage your email more effectively, freeing up time to focus on what really matters.  Request the Webinar Companion Handout for step-by-step instructions for all five tips!

Ready for More?

These features are just the tip of the iceberg. Outlook isn’t just an email tool; it’s a productivity powerhouse. Master these overlooked features and watch your efficiency soar.

Join our extended class, “Tips and Tricks for Email Management,” where we discuss these gems and reveal even more productivity hacks. Subscribe to our Luma page to be the first to know about this and our other live interactive classes.

Do you need onsite or customized training? We can help! Reach out and we will be happy to assist. Complete our contact us form to request a quote or set up your free consultation. We will work with you to design a cost-effective training plan using a variety of sources of training. See you in class!

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