How do you handle your emails?
I need help!!! I’m drowning in emails almost every… single… day!
I receive anywhere between 100 and 200 emails every weekday, around 70 each day of a weekend. I’m finding myself spending around 3-4 hours each day just replying to emails and then keeping them filed so I don’t start losing them. These are mostly business related and while some are from forums I’m a member of and may not need replying to, many of them are from clients/prospective clients and associates, and they do need a reply, preferably a.s.a.p.
NB: My business is mostly run ‘virtually’ - i.e. online. Therefore it’s convenient for most of my clients to deal with me through emails. Those overseas, particularly in the US, find it essential as I’m usually asleep while they’re working.
Thankfully I’m a very organised person and have been managing somewhat, but I’m still finding it difficult to keep up. I have tried phoning some people back to save emailing, but then I get tied up on the phone for half the day (especially with those who love a chat).
If there’s anyone out there who has overcome this challenge - or at least found a way to ease the pressure - I’d love to hear your suggestions. Please? 
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2 responses to “How do you handle your emails?”
Donna Marie, it sounds like you need an assistant :-).
I get about 70 - 100 emails a day for work and about another 20 - 30 for personal and home based work and I just try to only handle them once.
I flag (using different colours) things that I have to go back to and I try to file everything as soon as completed to keep my inbox looking reasonable.
Because I keep on top of my email people don’t expect acknowledgement responses and only expect to hear from me if I have questions or a solution.
Don’t expect that any of this helps you much…but at least I understand and can empathise
Thanks Princess JoJo. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one
I do all those things too except that I do reply to most emails. I had a phase where some emails weren’t arriving so I make it a policy to always acknowledge them. I do have an assistant but she’s not up to replying to emails yet. That can be my next goal.
If I learn of any other great ideas I’ll be sure to share them with you