Zero Inbox is, without any doubt, the biggest dream for the majority of working people. For many of us, sorting through piles and piles of new messages is an ongoing struggle. Hence, boosting email efficiency should be one of the top priorities.
But, how is it done?
There are, actually, various strategies, each of them involving a number of apps and tools. Luckily, of those, there is no lack. The question is: which tools can replace individual email functions?
Let’s take a look at some ideas.
Table of Contents
App Integration
App integration tools are a good start. They automate your business processes and add value exactly where it’s needed, saving you considerable amounts of time. Forget about copying and pasting data between apps to automate time-consuming processes, such as expenses, orders, invoices and more.
When it comes to email efficiency, app integration tools have no real alternative. For, not only do they improve email efficiency, but they also help keep track of all the required actions in one integrated space. Google calendar scheduler is one notable example.
Keep in mind that with the rapid pace of the new technologies, using the latest apps and tools is certain to increase your flexibility. The burning issues, such as the inefficiency of email services, is being continuously addressed because email remains one of the chief communication tools to this day.
Manage Multiple Email Accounts
Managing multiple email accounts can be cumbersome, and no mistake. People who have to administer multiple accounts on a daily basis, as a part of their job description, know all too well how important apps that help the management are.
For maximum efficiency and minimum distractions, the ultimate goal should be getting all emails in one place. There are a couple of tools available for this purpose, but some are better than others.
Mailbird is one popular example. It provides a single interface for all email accounts, allowing seamless switching between the accounts, should the need arise. It is compatible with the majority of popular email accounts and messengers, including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter and WeChat.
Other similar apps are available, so make sure to compare the features before deciding on the best solution.
Use Cloud-Based Platforms
Emails have their limits when it comes to file size, and long gone are the days when they were the most convenient tool for sharing. Cloud-based platforms have replaced file storing and sharing functions, so consider using them instead of email attachments.
Dropbox is one popular choice. Not only is it great at storing and sharing, but it also integrates with a number of popular apps, including Mailbird. The platform offers the possibility to search, share and send files within the correspondence, making it a time-saving tool indeed. Finally, Dropbox offers file recovery as it monitors all changes made to the files.
Use Alternative Tools for Task Scheduling and Team Correspondence
Remember those circular emails with tens of recipients, each adding a reply? A true horror story indeed, especially when you need to find specific info.
Remember that, even though email retains its original function, many other aspects have been taken over by more specialized apps.
Examples are numerous, and it is indeed impossible to list all of the tools that can be used, but some are more popular than others. And for a good reason, we might add.
I.e., project management and task delegation are nicely covered by Asana, the tool that is quickly becoming a must-have for businesses and remote workers alike. Like Dropbox, it integrates with Mailbird, turning into a truly powerful productivity tool that takes care not only of correspondence, but also of all sorts of tasks. All that in a couple of clicks.
Asana is widely considered to be one of the best task-management tools that can be fully automated by setting rules for recurring actions. The downside is that the free version offers only a couple of features, but the app is definitely worth investing in.
Keep Learning New Tech
As you can see, there is always something new to learn about the apps and tools. Not to mention that we never know what’s waiting just around the corner.
The pace at which new apps emerge is stunning indeed, and it unmistakably matches the rising demand. Add to that the fact that the gig economy is becoming more popular literally by the second, and you’ll understand that learning about new tech is not optional.
If you want your business to remain competitive (and who doesn’t?), you’ll have to stay on top of the developments. Integration and automation are not optional anymore — not in the fast-paced business environment of today.
For new employee apps, make sure to provide the proper training with new app rollouts. It saves time and has multiple benefits in the long run.
Lastly, use microlearning. It is a relevant method to cover one or two targets quickly when you’re pressed for time. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, learn it ASAP.
Microlearning provides easily digestible and relevant bits of information at the optimal moment. It is a form of eLearning that replaces outdated methods, such as lengthy workshops and employee manuals, for example.
In short, microlearning empowers the learner in that it provides the right information when they need it and in the exact way they need it.
Conclusion
With the continual developments of new integration and automation tools, email services have become so much more than just a convenient tool for instant communication. The times when email had no alternative for file sharing are long past.
There are, in fact, so many new features available, that sometimes it can be truly challenging to pick just one combination. With the abundance of high-quality, multi-functional tools that seamlessly integrate with email services, picking bits and pieces of every functionality can mimic bingo combinations.
On a serious note, a clever choice of apps can boost your email efficiency and eliminate distractions for stunning long-term results. We’ve provided some of our favorite combinations above. The rest is up to you.