I have a different way of processing my e-mail. I recently switched from Thunderbird to Outlook because it can sync my contacts with my blackberry.

I check my e-mail at set times throughout the day. If I'm working on a particular client and am expecting something related to that client I will check at that time if needed. I do not have my e-mail set to automatically download.

I also do not have any rules set for Outlook. Every piece of e-mail that comes in goes to my inbox. When I receive my e-mails I process through all of it. I then create subfolders for specific client work. When I start working on a specific client I open that client's subfolder and all e-mail related to them are there. As they are finished they get moved to their subfolder in my "finished" folder then the inbox subfolder is deleted.

At the end of the day I do a quick review of any subfolders in my inbox to make sure there isn't anything that needs looked into before I leave. My inbox is always empty. Right now I have seven subfolders six are client work with e-mails from those particular clients and one is a "waiting for shipment" folder with e-mail confirmations of items I've ordered but haven't received.

It's uncommon for me to have that many subfolders but I was just off work for two weeks for the holidays so they are backed up.

__________________
Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.