Unlock the hidden email productivity hack in your inbox for Tax Pros

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the monster in your inbox. You know, that ever-growing pile of emails that threatens to swallow your productivity whole? Well, it’s time to show that beast who’s boss!

The Email Time-Suck Struggle is Real

We’ve all been there. You start your day with the best intentions, only to find yourself three hours deep in an email rabbit hole, wondering where your morning went. But fear not, fellow tax warriors! I’ve got some secret weapons to help you reclaim your time, sanity and productivity.

Timing is Everything

First things first, let’s put those emails on a schedule. Pick two or three specific times during the day to check and respond to emails. Maybe 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4:30 PM work for you. Stick to it like your life and family depends on it (because, let’s face it, it kind of does). I don’t open my email until noon and 4pm each day. Once you train your clients that this is the time you respond, they will get used to it.

But please consider what time of day are you most alert, awake and focused. This should NOT be the time when you are working on email. That is the time you should be focusing on your biggest projects. Whether it is a large tax return review, preparation for a big meeting, marketing task, or a sales function (BTW, this time should not be spent on admin tasks, you can pay someone else to handle those 15-20/hr tasks).

Folders, Filters, and Rules, Oh My!

Now, let’s get those incoming messages sorted faster than you can say “tax deduction.” Use folders, filters, and rules to automatically categorize emails. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The “Touch It Once” Tactic

Adopt the “touch it once” policy for emails. When you open that message, decide right then and there: delete, delegate, respond, or defer. No more “I’ll get to it later” excuses—we all know “later” never comes during tax season.Tools to

Tame the Beast

Let’s face it, sometimes we need a little extra help. Here are some tools to consider:

The Final Word

Remember, your inbox is a to-do list that anyone in the world can add to. Don’t let it run your life or ruin your productivity! By implementing these strategies and tools, you’ll be well on your way to email nirvana. And hey, with all that extra time, you might even be able to take a lunch break that doesn’t involve eating over your keyboard. Yeah, take a walk around the block (or even the building) for your health!

Now go forth and conquer that inbox! Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.

P.S. If all else fails, there’s always the “select all” and “mark as read” option. I won’t tell if you won’t!