Keep Your E-Mail Moving Efficiently

These days, e-mail can quickly become avalanche mail.  It can bury you - unless you manage it aggressively.  Here's how:

• Set your filters at high levels to prevent unwanted mail from getting through.
• Immediately enter the address of any offending mail in your "junk" utility.
• Answer new messages as you receive them. 
• Keep your e-mail inquiries - and your answers - brief.
• When action is need, quickly forward the message to someone else if possible.
• Delete mail once you're done.  If you must save an e-mail, create an online folder and transfer the message there.
• Organize your inbox by date so that you can see at a glance any unanswered messages.
• Ask to be removed from "cc" lists unless it's essential that you see the information being sent.
• Use an autoresponder to provide routine information, or redirect messages to a colleague or subordinate.