0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

Technology and Telecommunications ● 101
More strategies for taking control of e-mail:
• As hard as it may be at first, try checking e-mail every two hours
instead of every two minutes. Try this on a day when you need to write
a proposal or complete a project. You’ll be amazed at how much you
can accomplish when you take a break from your e-mail.
• Don’t reply to every message, especially if you just need to say “thanks.”
• The fewer messages you send or respond to, the fewer you will
receive.
• Just write your message in the subject line, not the body.
• Ask an assistant to screen and prioritize your messages. Respond
quickly to messages from clients or customers.
• Notice how your stress level will plummet once you stop checking
e-mail every two minutes.
GREAT
Take This Technology Checkup
Computers and telecommunications equipment has
IDEA
never been cheaper. So, there’s no excuse not to buy
the best hardware and software available. You can boost productivity and
morale and improve customer service by having the right technology.
Use this quick checkup to determine what you should buy:
1. What do you need to be more productive? Do you prefer to work on a
tablet, desktop, or laptop?
2. What do your employees need to be more productive? Don’t buy anything
without asking them what they need.
3. Assign one staffer to research products and prices. Ask other business
owners for their recommendations. Read reviews and blogs.
4. Ask your customers, clients, and suppliers how they prefer to communicate
with you. Try Survey Monkey or another free survey tool. Keep the
questions short. Most customers will be happy to tell you how they
prefer to communicate with your team. Just ask.