Here is my simple hack for eliminating unnecessary emails.
Treat each email like a phone call.
For example, the email ’Dude you want to grab drinks on Friday at McFlannery’s’ 8pm?’ would also work as a phone call to that same buddy.
Your buddy might then respond via email, ’Sure, McFlannery’s at 8pm is perfect.’ Again, this works as a phone call. At this point unless you respond to say you need to change plans, it should be obvious that the plan is set ’“ especially if it’s a friend and not a new business associate.
If you were now to respond, ’killer, see you then!’
’ and your friend was to reply, ’Word!’
You can see how you would probably not pick up the phone, dial and say something that really adds no value.
Putting each email in the context of a phone call is a simple and effective way to drastically cut down on email clutter.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:23 am
Ummm… perhaps I’m being dense, but I don’t follow.
What does it mean to “put each email in the context of a phone call” ?
Yes, I see your example…but is this being held up as good process? If so, as compared to what?