New email. Did you just feel a shudder go down your spine?
[bctt tweet=”We have become a slave to email and it’s time to take our lives back.” username=”jess_creates”]
If you’re anything like me you spend too much time in your email. I get anxious as soon as I see a new email pop up. I feel like I must respond to everything immediately. And if I don’t? Well, I’ve failed.
The problem is I am failing. Not because I’m not responding to every message immediately, but because email is decreasing my productivity. Which takes valuable time away from my clients, my family, and myself.
An Easy Solution for Email Anxiety
So, what is the solution? An autoresponder.
Typically you think of an email autoresponder when you are going on vacation (also referred to as an out-of-office message). I’m proposing, however, that you use this autoresponder ALL THE TIME.
You may be hesitant to do this, thinking it’s not going to serve your clients as well as an immediate response directly from you, but I disagree.
Quicker Response = Content Contacts
You may be on your email like white on rice, but even you can’t respond as quickly as an autoresponder.
These days we are all programmed for immediate gratification. A well-executed autoresponder will give people an immediate feeling of comfort knowing their message has been received and will be handled in a defined period of time.
Quicker Resolution = Less Work
Less work? Really? Yes!
An informative autoresponder can help clients help themselves, which means less for you to do. Let people know what resources are available to them, where they can go to get help, and/or how to reach you in case of an emergency.
Don’t worry, all of their initial messages will still be in your email so you can check in and make sure they found what they needed (or address the things only you can settle).
More Attention = Happier Clients
I’m sure you want happier clients. Happy clients mean repeat projects and quality referrals.
Clients like working with you not only because you produce kick-ass work, but because you provide the attention that they need (and deserve!). When you get out of your inbox, you can be more focused on your most important tasks and pay more attention to what you are providing your clients.
[bctt tweet=”Less time in your inbox means more time focusing on client projects.” username=”jess_creates”]
What do you think?
Are you ready for happier clients and less anxiety? Turn on your autoresponder!
If you’re trying out this method or you’ve long been a fan, I’d love to know! Send me a copy of your email responder so I can see how you’re using it to your advantage.
Not sure what you should include in your email autoresponder? Check out this post for three essential elements of an email autoresponder.