Wouldn’t it be great if we really could keep it all in one small package. A package that could go anywhere,withstand anything and be suitable for a variety of needs.
Well, sorry to say neither Microsoft nor Apple have hit the market with that yet.
Until that day comes, there are ways we can simplify.
At the moment I carry a datebook, cell phone, mp3 (2 actually), sometimes a laptop and always a notebook or two (the paper kind.) Someday I hope to have something that looks similar to Amazon’s new Kindle that would take the place of all these things.
Fortunately, there are other ways to simplify now. Our Webmail system has some handy tools beyond email.
For example, I can make a “To Do” list and set it to nag me if necessary- this is great considering I forget things.
I can make notes, just like a sticky note but better because it will hold all of the text I care to type. This is actually a great place to stash those paragraghs that I plan to put somewhere but haven’t yet found where they should go. Writers out there know what I mean.
The calendar feature allows me to keep up with my schedule- if I’m near a computer all I have to do is log in the webmail and I have access to a calendar. Also, the calendar will let me set color priorities.
As far as email, I tend to spend WAY too much time sorting through all the messages. Fortunately our webmail system allows me to set color codes for certain messages. So, all the email from members of my department are a certain color. Everything from list serves are another color.
Speaking of color, I can customise the look of webmail to suit my tastes. Sometimes I like my screen in calming green hues, but other times I might like a more energizing yellow. It’s up to me! And it’s up to you- Poke around our webmail system if you haven’t already. See what it has to offer for you and your needs.
Going on Vacation? Set a vacation message.
Can’t find an email you KNOW is in your inbox? Use the search feature.
Want to be more organized with email? Create folders to file emails that must be saved.
Elizabeth has a great presentation on webmail and email etiquette that she presented at the DSRT meeting last week. It’s posted in the DSRT meeting minutes. I highly recommend it even for you savvy email experts!
