5 Rules for Managing Your Emails

If you are like me - or any small business owner for that matter - emails are a important part of communication. In fact more people are trending towards the email communication then towards the now more antiquated phone call. An email can be short and sweat, sent at 3:00 AM so as not to disturb, but it can also contain a "to do" list, most of which must be addressed in a time sensitive matter.

Here are some small but proven tips on how to stay on top of your in box, and keep things at Inbox Zero.

1. Don't let it dictate your day - start your day by cleaning out your inbox and replying to those emails that need attention. Check it again at lunch, and then again in the afternoon and evening. Try not to be a reactive business owner, every time an email comes in you must react to it.

2. Work backwards - when you read through your emails, work from the oldest first, that way they get attention first. Reply, delete, or file.

3. Deal with email once - dont let one email over whelm your day. once you receive it, delete, reply and delete, or reply and file. Make your inbox organized. Have files for your clients so that all correspondence is saved under their names.

4. At the end of your day make your inbox at your comfort level, so you don't have to start your day tomorrow with a huge "to do" list.

5. Reply - there is nothing worse in my world then sending off an email into cyberspace and never getting a reply. I spent the time, so you can to. Reply with a quick thanks for the information and move on. That way you won't be plagued with emails in your inbox that read, "did you get my message."

Always remember that small business etiquette applies to emails as well. Small steps in organization and respect can lead to big rewards down the road.