[shadricks]

I'm searching for new ideas. I consider myself a dran good user of Outlook (calendar, email, journal), but I'm searching for new ways to use the different tools on Outlook. Please share with me (really us) what tool you use or have adapted/tailored for your use. For example, I use the MS Journal to track incoming/outgoing documents. No matter how small or how large, I drop it in the journal and..........I've given everyone in the entire company permission to create, view, and modify documents. the use of the journal has greatly simplified the search and tracking process when it comes to tracking actions.
Sooooo, aside from sending emails and calendar invites how do you use MS Outlook? Thanks

Shirl in DC

[Bob2409]

I'd totally recommend Lookeen. It's a small search plugin for Outlook and it much faster and more reliable than the instant search. It searches through your calender, contacts, all email archives, and can even be used as a desktop search. I've been using it for about two months now and it really help me improve my Outlook work productivity. At home and the Office. For more information www.lookeen.net

[Patricia]

I use Tasks all the time. When I send an e-mail requesting information, I drag and drop it into my Tasks and set a reasonable date that I expect to hear back from the person. Also, if someone sends me an e-mail and says they will have something to me by a certain date, into the Tasks it goes and I set a reminder. It is the only way I would keep track of things.

I also use Outlook Rules and wrote an article about it on my blog that you may find useful. Laughing All the Way to Work: A Survival Blog for Today's Administrative Assistant: Outlook Rules that Rule: Start to take control of your Inbox instead of it controlling you
My favourite and most useful Rule is sending my boss's e-mails to a folder with a special ring so I always know when e-mail comes in from him. If someone is chatting with me in my office and I hear the ring, I excuse myself so I can tend to it, especially if he is out of town.

When I make meeting requests I put agenda and other materials in the body of the meeting request and use Insert Attach File or Attach Item to put in what my boss requires for the meeting. I also put OPEN FOR DETAILS in the Subject Line (or Location line) to make sure they see they need to open the meeting request.

Patricia