The Art of Email Management: Reference

If you’ve been hanging out with me for any amount of time you’ve probably heard me talk about the A.R.T of email management. It’s my key to putting out inbox fires. Kind of like stop, drop, and roll is for regular fires! 

The A.R.T. theory can be explained as such: all email is either an Action item, a Reference item, or a Trash item.  When you open up your inbox and its full of messages, take a quick moment to decide – what type of message is this? The answer will tell you what to do with it. 

Reference emails are full of interesting information, but nothing that requires you to take action. These are your newsletters, pictures of your sister’s dog, and the bylaws of your professional organization. Read these the first time you open them, then move the keepers over to a reference folder. 

These are great emails to set on a filter. Have them skip the inbox and go directly to their reference folder. Then, you can read them when you have time. By skipping the inbox, you avoid distractions from those important action items.

Next blog? Trash emails and next steps! 

Need one on one help with your email? Ilios Digital Organizing can help! Contact me with your questions and to schedule a session.