email Archives - Chloe Anagnos

6 Productivity Hacks to Stop Wasting Your Time

July 15, 2019 · In: Professional Development

Though many of us wish for more time in a day, we’re all given the same amount. And fortunately – or unfortunately – many of us are better at maximizing our time than others. If you’re feeling stuck and ready to get back to the grind here are some productivity tips to get your life back – and out of a Netflix rut.

Batch your time for similar tasks

Many of us still have a “to-do” list mentality, where we try to complete as many tasks on our list as we can.

“Task fatigue” can occur, however, so it’s best to group similar tasks together or group unrelated things together. So, if you have to send invoices, try to draft them at the same time you’re planning your budget. Or if you’re calling leads at work, do them all at once instead of every day for 15 minutes.

Turn off your notifications

Notifications can be distracting and divert you from bigger tasks you need to accomplish. They’ve become a substantial enough issue that even Apple CEO Tim Cook agrees. To get more time back, start turning off notifications to the apps you spend the most time on. (I’ve personally turned off all social media notifications!) Don’t be afraid to take the leap to turn off text notifications either. Be sure to limit your screen time and look into apps that help you monitor how much of your day is spent staring at electronic devices.

Try to get your primary “inbox to zero”

Though having an empty inbox may bring anxiety at first, this productivity hack may save you hours in the long haul. Schedule a few hours to do some spring cleaning and sift through your inbox for any important emails or ongoing projects that need to be saved. Then, create folders designated for important tasks.

Then, delete everything else. Make it your objective every day to have an empty inbox as you file and archive completed emails. Though it may take some time on the front end, your life will be a lot less cluttered.

Break up with Netflix

The obvious. Though we all love Netflix, track how much time you actually spend watching television. Instead of making Netflix your fall back, try to schedule times where you relax and watch TV, instead of running to it as your comfort whenever you’re stressed or procrastinating.

Use site-blocking plugins

Believe it or not, there are plenty of plugins on Google Chrome and other web browsers that will enable you to block distracting websites during specific hours. So if you’re reading articles on Buzzfeed all day, you can list distracting websites on your “blocked” list. Block Site also allows you to go into work mode!

Track your time

Plenty of project management solutions exist to keep track of your time, but you may also consider creating an excel spreadsheet or diary to track everything you do. When you really and truly do the math, it’s easy to see the holes that can be filled with more productive activities.

Know your priorities

Set firm boundaries, know your priorities, and know what you won’t commit to doing. Having a firm idea of the commitments you will honor will enable you to gauge where to spend your time to make it productive, and what to avoid.

Remember, you can always make time for what’s important to you.

And when you struggle to keep everything afloat, the right tools will make everything easier. If you struggle to know your priorities, whether you’re trying to create a blog post or structure your day, the right note-taking tools will work in your favor to make sure that everything is easier. (We spend a lot of time working hard rather than working smart and it’s time to flip it on its head!)

7 Steps to Sending Successful Emails

May 20, 2019 · In: Professional Development, Technology

In many cases, writing professional emails can be daunting. Moreover, many can struggle to properly address professionals when sending emails. Here are seven effective steps to consider to ensure that your email content is appropriate and applicable to the setting.

Always include a greeting

Regardless of the length of your email, a greeting is always a formality, as the alternative fails to address the recipient. Just like many become frustrated in a setting where colleagues simply yell, “Hey you!” across the room, failure to include an email greeting disregards the presence of the recipient. Always include a name in your greeting if able, and title when applicable.

Use a short but prompt subject

Subject lines serve as clarifiers not only to convey the message but also the importance of the content. Furthermore, subject lines serve as a gauge to the recipient as to whether they want to read what you’ve sent.

Keep your subject lines brief, but ensure the subject line clearly articulates what you intend to discuss in your email so the recipient is prepared.

Failure to do so is reminiscent of the text message you receive that says, “We need to talk,” without any reason why.

Thank the recipient

Manners are important, and emails are no exception. Thank the recipient for reading or considering your message, regardless of necessity. This is a polite way to nod to the time the recipient takes not only to read your message but also to respond swiftly and appropriately if the subject warrants it.

Introduce yourself when necessary

Just as if you were meeting someone for the first time in person, introduce yourself over email when the situation demands. If the recipient is unfamiliar with you, be sure to include your title or the way you obtained the connection to bridge the gap.

Get to the point

Though long emails may seem thorough, most people will simply not remember the entire contents of a long email or will skim through and sometimes miss major points.

Instead of spending time composing a draft that may or may not be read in its entirety, make your emails concise. Even using bullet points or editing to remove filler can help.

On another note, getting to the point will also simplify your message. The more words we use to communicate something, the more tainted the meaning becomes.

Communicate your message efficiently by saying exactly what you mean.

Close your email well

Resolve your conversation by thanking the recipient for their time and attention to the matter at hand. If the email was of length, use your closing to summarize major points presented, or confirm a time to follow up.

Don’t forget a signature

Your signature serves as a final handshake between you and the recipient. Ensure your signature clearly demonstrates your role, expertise, and calls your recipient to act.

Even if the action is unrelated, your signature reminds anyone you contact of your role and value.

The Best Email Service Providers for Your Needs

March 5, 2019 · In: Marketing, Technology

If you’ve read an article or two on my blog, you’ve probably picked up on the importance of email marketing (if not, start with this one about your strategy.)

In today’s day and age, 95 percent of companies are taking advantage of email marketing. The ones who are not risk being left behind.

Whether you’re selling a product, service, blog, or personal brand, you NEED to build an email list. Depending on your needs, here are some of the best platforms to get you started.

ConvertKit

Building a personal brand, blog, or consider yourself a full time creative? Consider looking into ConvertKit. This platform is incredibly user-friendly and offers quite a few easy to use features to begin building your list.

With a visual builder comparable to Squarespace, ConvertKit also enables you to make Email Marketing Workflows. Platforms like Squarespace who have begun introducing email marketing campaigns have yet to introduce this feature, but it’s one essential to list building and staying in touch with prospects.

Though it’s priced higher than other platforms starting at $29 a month, it may just save you back precious time.

MailChimp

Why do we love MailChimp? Because you can start building lists for FREE.

If you’re bootstrapped into a low budget while getting off the ground, MailChimp is your best friend. It’s been around for quite a while and integrates with reputable platforms like Salesforce, Zapier, Eventbrite, and Shopify to name a few.

Though the platform isn’t as user-friendly, if you’re a smaller website looking to grow, MailChimp is an excellent starting point. And if you run into trouble, there’s plenty of resources about this platform to help you get back on track.

InfusionSoft by Keap

If you’re a growing business and have the budget for this all in one platform, InfusionSoft by Keap may be for you. Now known as Keap, this platform is the best of both worlds including both CRM (Customer Relationship Management, a tool used to manage all of your client conversations and data) and automated email marketing. Though it’s a bit pricier of an option (starting at $99 a month) keep in mind most CRM platforms are priced higher than this rate. But if you’re looking to build your list through content marketing, this platform is a must.

Constant Contact

As a small business primarily selling products, Constant Contact has quickly moved to the top of the list for most email marketers. Considering it provides access to an event management tool, download coupons added directly to your social media platforms, Facebook ad integrations, a diverse image library, audience segmentation, on top of the automation features offered by every other platform, it’s no wonder Constant Contact has become so popular. Pricing starts at $20 a month.

Drip

Another new platform, Drip has quickly generated attention marketing itself as the world’s first ECRM platform (CRM designed specifically for e-commerce.)

This platform is extremely friendly for beginners and is specifically notable for their email segmenting capability, visual workflow, marketing automation, and email segmenting. With plenty of integration capability, Drip is an incredible option to explore. Drip is actually free up to 100 subscribers and then jumps to $49 a month for 2,500 subscribers.

ActiveCampaign

Starting at only $9 a month, ActiveCampaign is another all in one platform combining email marketing and CRM. With marketing automation and messaging features, ActiveCampaign is used by bloggers, marketing agencies, ECommerce stores, SaaS businesses, and even for higher education.

One unique feature is that this platform can actually track onsite events. For instance, you can track billing through your apps incoming calls, all of which that can be utilized in their CRM to create better customer conversation. If you’re a marketing company or agency, this one is worth looking into.

SendinBlue

Last but not least, SendinBlue is another easy to use beginner friendly platform. Users can create transactional emails, workflows, and segment users. Their free plan allows you to send 300 emails daily, and create campaigns without prior knowledge. Their free account offers unlimited contacts, with a cap of 9,000 emails each month.

Why Your Email Signature Matters

February 25, 2019 · In: Professional Development

According to research by Oberlo, in 2017 269 billion emails were sent on a daily basis, and in 2022 that number is projected to grow to nearly 333 billion.

It’s safe to say email isn’t going anywhere.

And as the world’s top communication tool, email offers the chance not only to make a great first impression but to also leave a lasting one.

One way to do this is with your email signature. It’s critical to leaving your clients and colleagues engaged, interested, and informed of what you are doing in any capacity.

Here are some easy to implement tools to captivate them:

Limit your email signature content

No one wants to read Gmail’s 10,000 character limit email signature. Keep yours at a tweet so your audience clearly sees what you want them to see. Make your signature concise, relevant, and to the point, indirectly sending your reader where you want them to go. Here’s an example:

Chloe Anagnos

Publications Manager, American Institute for Economic Research

LinkedIn: ChloeAnagnos ; Twitter, ChloeAnagnos; FB, chloeanagnoswrites

Demonstrate expertise

Consider including your title to show proficiency. If you’re a multi-passionate entrepreneur, consider making each email separate and specific to that given niche – say your work email and side hustle. Otherwise, consider making your dominant email a personal brand that articulates all you aspire to accomplish. Maybe you’re a CEO, a serial entrepreneur, or a startup connoisseur. Demonstrate whatever expertise you offer and capitalize on it.

Include a call to action

Make it clear and give every person you send an email to a call to action. Direct them to your website, portfolio, social media channels, or even to download your latest content. You can even give them a directive. Be savvy, but take advantage on your chance to be seen and noticed as you send emails.

Skip the obvious

So many people include their email in their signature…yet they can clearly see your email in the “from” section. Use your precious characters to convey information your audience does not already have. If your website domain is linked in your email already, consider sending them elsewhere. Just like any other important document, your word count matters.

If you’re on your cell phone, keep the iPhone signature

When you include the “sent from iPhone” line, you’re more likely to be forgiven for potential spelling errors. Even though this tactic may seem less professional, if you are engaged in a conversation with a client or prospect you’ve already initiated the first point of contact with, leaving this signature line will help you be able to engage with them on the go. They’ll be appreciative of your promptness in response and aware that you’re not in front of your laptop.

Protect your boundaries

It’s becoming trendy for professionals to include their work and cell phone numbers in their email signatures. Unless you want calls and texts during non-work hours, skip the cell number in your signature. To many, it’s a sign that you’re available 24/7.