Purpose

Prevents important client requests from getting buried under newsletters, CCs, and low-priority email.

When to use this

Daily, ideally at a fixed time (e.g., first 15 minutes of the workday).

Steps

1. Scan new emails and sort each into one of three categories: Needs Action, FYI/Reference, or Not Relevant.
2. For Needs Action emails: create a linked Task in the Tasks database (Project + Due Date filled in), then archive or label the email as "Actioned."
3. For FYI/Reference emails: label and file — no task needed.
4. For Not Relevant (newsletters, spam, unrelated CCs): archive or delete immediately, don't leave sitting in the main inbox.
5. Anything from an active client should always be checked first, ahead of internal or vendor email.

Notes

The goal is zero client-related emails sitting unactioned in the inbox by end of day.