A to do list is a must do to get through your work or business day and some tasks on the list are tedious and may seem to keep you occupied far longer than they should but the absolute must do are
Do Not Ignore Your Inbox
Sometimes we open the inbox and decide to go through it later, don’t do this, go through it immediately and cull it. Culling as in delete the drivel or the mail you have been tagged in that is of no use to you. Zone in on the important and the urgent and read those first.
Business queries, questions about prices and delivery conditions, memos and important documents you have been tagged in that will move your work forward or lead to a new business opportunity should get your time and your attention first.
Follow-up anything that is work related or is good for business right away and other mail can be assigned to the unimportant list or the recycle bin.
Do Not Rush Your Responses
That query for business or order, that “for your attention” mail may catch your eye but, do not jump in and respond immediately. Re-read it, understand it before you respond and get your ducks in a row before responding. That is, get your facts right before you pass anything on.
If you have been asked to contribute to something learn the process and make sure you submit the correct layout, send and copy the correct people. If you have been asked for a quotation, double check the prices and availability then respond.
If you are going to respond immediately just to let the other party know you have seen their mail, do not just send a received with thanks but, individualize the response. Then get on with getting the correct information and sending a more detailed response as soon possible.
Do Not Waste Your Time
Sometimes you will be sending out mail of your own to make queries and when you are sending to an info or general email account do not start the query with a Dear Sir. Be sure it is a sir you are addressing if not tart with Sir or Madam. Or if you know it, use the title associated with that position. Just be sure to get your opening right.
If you are looking for business opportunities or wanting to get employed do not pitch something that is so far afield from what the company does. Do a research on the company before pitching. Take a few minutes to go through the person, company or government handles on line to see what they are into.
Spend time on their social media to see what they are currently most excited about, working on, usually like and then if you think your product or service fits, reach out. Don’t waste their time and more important your time by going in blind. Be professional, do your research and represent yourself in the best possible way.
