Seven Steps to Better Email Management

These days, email is probably the most important communication tool for businesses. I'd even hazard a guess that in most industries, business professionals either thrive -- or barely survive -- based on their ability to interact via email. And while it's easy to get overwhelmed by your inbox, there are some easy strategies you can implement to keep it all under control. These seven tips will help you better manage your email use:

1. Get rid of consumer email solutions.

Using one of the free email services, such as Hotmail, Yahoo! (YHOO Quote) or MSN (MSFT Quote), is OK for emails to friends and family. For serious business use, however, it's best to use a professional email program hosted by an email provider, your ISP or on a server in your business. Consumer email services don't have the advanced features that more robust and "professional" email programs have. And if you don't have your own domain name, you should -- it's much more professional.

2. Learn how to really use your email program....