There are actually many things that you can do to automate the management of your email. The most common email client software that we work with is Microsoft Outlook Express and Outlook. However, Outlook Express has more flexibility in handling email and is significantly easier to setup and maintain. Here are 7 Ways, using Outlook Express, to make managing your email simpler and more streamlined:

1. Color Code your incoming messages - this can help you quickly identify important messages, so that you don't inadvertently overlook critical emails.

2. Setup certain incoming email to automatically go into its own separate folder - this takes the sorting process one step further - for example you could setup all of your online orders to come to your "Orders" folder (you will have to create the folder) - then when you're pressed for time you can simply concentrate on the emails in the folders that contain important messages.

3. Block certain senders - this helps with spam filtering - a word of caution: be careful not to set email filters too high....you may end up filtering out important messages!

4. Download all (depending on your provider) of your email accounts (even free personal ones) into your Outlook Express client - this could be a big help in saving time, in addition to assisting in better archiving your emails for future reference - no more wondering which email account you used.

5. Setup messages to automatically forward to another person - another time saver! (In Outlook you can setup faxes to forward, as well).

6. Setup auto responders - this feature allows your email client to automatically send a preset (canned) response (that you set) to those that email you and can be especially useful when communicating with customers, giving them the perception that their emails are going to be given a prompt response.

7. Setup multiple signature files,  as well as a default one that appears at the bottom of every new message that you start - you can also use this to create preset (canned) messages for specific occasions (thank you's, order acknowledgements, etc) - this keeps uniformity and adds professionalism to your emails, in addition to assuring that you don't leave out any of your contact info. (Why would you want to type in your name, phone number, address....again and again????)

Click here for some online Viewlets on How to Setup Outlook Express (as well as some others).

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t forget, we’re here to help. Call today if you would like to learn more.