Comments on: Maximizing Microsoft Outlook

By: Miranda Johnson

Miranda Johnson — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:34:34 +0000

Don’t use Outlook. Haven’t in years b/c of problems. Probably computer related though.

May have to try again when my new computer comes in. (won from @KidzChores on twitter!)

By: Melissa Multitasking Mama

Melissa Multitasking Mama — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:11:24 +0000

I do the same thing, inbox = to-do list! Thanks for the tips!

By: MissingLynxx

MissingLynxx — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:57:47 +0000

I sometimes still use Outlook but I feel gmail is getting better and better. I use ASAP a lot for really important emails that I can sort through later.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:19:27 +0000

Thank GOODNESS that I don’t have to use Outlook anymore. We are allowed to use Gmail. I can’t survive without Gmail’s simple tagging system.

By: Execumama

Execumama — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:37:32 +0000

Great post! I’m actually working on a “Why Outlook Rocks!” post this week! I’m a serious Outlook junkie, and it’s a great way to stay on top of tasks that can otherwise become overwhelming. I love the automatic “flag as task” feature too!!

By: Janet Carpenter

Janet Carpenter — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:10:48 +0000

I use folders and message rules to help me pre-sort my emails. I set up rules so that emails from specific senders will go directly into their folder. I know by the sender whether it is urgent (a boss, child etc) or can wait until I get time in the evening to read ie cooking blog posts. The folder name is highlighted when there is a new message, so I know with a glance whether I’ve received an email from someone or not.

By: Rose RedNeckWitch @ NetWorkingWitches

Rose RedNeckWitch @ NetWorkingWitches — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:54:38 +0000

I often use keywords to search my inbox, and I too am guilty of OE checking as soon as I look at the laptop.

By: Gary

Gary — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:45:03 +0000

Priscilla,
Like you, my inbox is my to-do list.

I use a few other “tricks” to help stay organized.
by using flags it helps me organize my tasks… for example:

Red flag is for any items that I am waiting for a response on from someone else before I can move forward.
Green, is for any contests… i found that if I file these away in my personal file, then its out of site and out of mind, but when I flag them I can keep them top of mind.
Yellow, is for any items for future projects… where I have collected data in advance of the next step. Once all the data is recieved I can move to the next step in the plan.
Blue, important future dates / events / or materials

Overall, the color of the flag is not important but to be able to effectively group items saves me from having to read through all the emails to find the ones I am working on.

I hope you found this helpful…

Living with a BIG Vision!
GH

By: Tammy Prather

Tammy Prather — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:48:43 +0000

I utilize color coding that’s assigned to a senders name so those emails stand out immediately (for instance – red may be assigned to a supervisor)