I’ve recently switched my platform from Windows to Mac and when re-evaluating my email setup I found out I was using the “good old POP3″ when there is IMAP which keeps my email synchronized between my Mac, iPhone and the Web. I also found out I only need 3 folders to get it to zero, just have a look for yourself:
Question: How is your email setup? Are you also using IMAP? How many email folders do you have?
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#1 by LeanLifeCoach on November 12th, 2009
Good tips on managing email, especially the 2 minute rule.
One challenge – By living with a zero inbox you have to take action with every email. Why not have your reply and thinking but just leave everything else in the inbox?
If you deleted what you know to be trash and mark all else as read you accomplish the same function with less work.
It may not be as pretty but it makes better use of your time and keystrokes.
#2 by Michael Sliwinski on January 13th, 2010
Zero inbox is a must. I’m taking action on every email, but really, most of them are either archived or deleted… only the rare ones go to [Reply] folder or are being replied right away in 2 minutes.
Really, having inbox zero is something that is really great. You don’t read unimportant messages so many times.
#3 by Tomek Blaszczyk on February 25th, 2010
Why use IMAP when google supports MS Exchange on iPhone? You get mail, calendar AND contacts synchronized over-the-air in your iPhone. On mac 10.6 calendar and address book sync takes 2 minutes to set-up. No need to sync thru iTunes anymore — which is lenghty and tedious and affects how effective you are
#4 by Michael Sliwinski on March 8th, 2010
@Tomek – thanks, great tip on using Exchange on the iPhone. I use MobileMe to have my iPhone in sync with my mac.
I have push-email turned off though. I don’t like it when email is pushy and tells me I should check it. I’m checking it when I choose to. This way I’m not a slave to email.
#5 by Craig on July 8th, 2010
Thanks Michael, interesting post, need to consider your setup. My initial reaction though is based on the GTD adage “you should only have a thought once unless you want to”. Are you not having to think through your emails twice in this setup?
Thanks!
Craig
#6 by Michael Sliwinski on August 11th, 2010
Yes, the emails in REPLY folder sometimes are being read twice, but usually after reading first lines of the email I know if I should keep reading it and replying in 2 minutes or if I should read it thoroughly later.
I just found out that it’s the best setup for me and so far I’m using it after almost a year later when I published this video.