Are we drowning or thriving in technology?

Have you ever stopped to count how many ways someone can send you a message? We got rid of our house phone, but I still have a cell phone, work voicemail, work fax, work email, personal email, facebook email, facebook wall, linked in email, etc. I think the technology we have today is amazing. In my lifetime, we have come a long way from digital clocks and microwaves! But, who would have thought we could communicate with each other in this many ways. Sometimes I think I am drowning in technology, and other times I think how great that I can communicate quickly with so many people! What helps you thrive in the technology era with your business?

When it comes to owning your own business, it helps to have a system to manage the inflow of all of your messages and papers. What system works for you? I do the "paper two step," which is something I read about in The House that Cleans Itself (by Mindy Starns Clark). I sort through my mail, leaving out on my desk only what needs immediate attention. Then, I sort the additional mail into into file folders marked "to complete, to fax, to copy, to file, to shred." The important part is to empty these file folders at least once a week, which sometimes may mean scheduled paper management time!

I can manage and prioritize the paper flow and the phone messages in my solo practice. However, I cannot keep up with email! I try the email two step, leaving in my inbox only what needs immediate attention or reply. Then, the remaining email messages are filed in my work email folder. I don't think I am ever caught up on email. Even if I could keep up with all the great mailing lists I am on, it would only take a day to fill it back up! I'm thinking about removing my address from any mailing list that I don't read in a week. What works for you to manage your inbox?

(c) Copyright 2009, Marci Payne, MA, LPC

May not be duplicated or reprinted without permission.

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