One simple e-mail productivity rule that I started using many years ago -- originally as a defense against viruses -- is the "tell me why I should open it" rule.
If a sender, clients, family, & friends included, can't tell me why I should open an email in the subject, I delete it. It's their fault for not gaining my interest and differentiating their email from the 300+ junk emails I receive daily.
Subjects like: "billing," "software update," and "Scott's computer" don't cut it. Instead, I encourage my clients and friends to be more creative in their subject lines. Example:
"Eric, please review billing for November. I need your approval by Friday."
"I've installed MindManager on David's computer. No action required."
"Jack's Tablet PC arrived; Are you available to meet with him Tues?
Of course, this rule works two ways; I'm still training myself to improve my own subject line habits.
Discussion/Comments (2):
The first line of text of your email is usually what can end up being the subject line.
Posted at 11/21/2006 20:28:03 by michael callen
I want to open an email with an attachment. How do I do this?
Posted at 12/10/2006 3:55:33 by lorraine
Discussion for this entry is now closed.