One of the most powerful ways to get control of your incoming email is to use filters. I’m not talking about filtering SPAM because Postini already does that for us. We’re talking about automatically filtering email that you want to receive to a folder other than your Inbox. Automatically filtering your incoming mail ensures that less important email does not get in the way of messages that matter or are time sensitive.
My current filters automatically divert ~20 messages per day to a folder I scan once or twice a week. While I do want to receive these emails, they are mostly automated informational emails that do not require action on my part. With automatic filters routing these emails to a special folder I can check these messages on my schedule, not the senders. I regain control of my email and my time. It’s a refreshing change!
What are the best critieria for setting up a filter? First, resist the temptation to create dozens of filters. The goal is to simplify. We suggest a single filter for all automated emails. This would be any newsletter (except ours!), mailing list or other email that is not sent by a human. Try this filter for a week. If it’s done right, you’ll notice email is less of a burden as you are managing the flow instead of the flow managing you!
You can read Google’s tutorial on creating Filters here.
We can provide assistance on setting up filtering and many more tips that will transform your relationship to Email.
Contact us to learn how we can help you.
