Outlook Tip: Write Now, Send Later

Let's say you have a conference call with a strategic partner next Wednesday. Prior to the meeting, you want to send her a reminder as well as a note covering items you'd like to discuss.

Since you've just set up the meeting, your mind is full of ideas. The most efficient use of your time is to go ahead and write the note while the topic is top of mind.

Microsoft Outlook® allows you to write the
email now, and send it later. Here's how you do it.

1. Prepare the email.


2. Click on your View Menu, and Select Options.

The Message Options dialog box pops up.





3. Place a check mark next to Do not deliver before: and select the date and time you want the message delivered.

4. Click Send. Outlook® will keep the email in your Outbox, and send it at the scheduled date and time. Outlook ® has to be connected to the Internet when it is time to send the email.


Those of you who have used Microsoft software for any length of time know Microsoft provides many ways to accomplish one task. This is the quickest and easiest way I've found to schedule emails.

Other Uses for Window's Start Menu

Here are three undocumented ways to use the Start> Run> menu.

To bypass Windows Explorer.

Instead of opening Windows Explorer or My Computer every time you need to open a file, click on Start, then Run. Type the location of the file you want to open (for example, c:\seminars\seo.ppt). If you wish to view a directory of files, type the directory name (for example, c:\seminars\).

To quickly send an email

Click on Start, then Run.

Type mailto:, followed by the email address of your recipient (for example, mailto:training@probiztechnology.com).

Hit Enter.

This quickly launches your default email program, and creates an email message.
Please note: You must have an email client set-up on your system in order for this tip to work.

To quickly visit a website.

Click Start, then Run.

Type the web address in the dialog box (for example, www.probiztechnology.com).

Please note: (a) You must type the "www" before the web address, and (b) your computer must be online in order for this trick to work.

What does your hard drive say about you?

As I explain to students in my Professional Email Communications course, know that everything you have on your computer, every item you send via email or store online is open for public scrutiny. Accepting this fact makes life a lot easier.

An article in today's New York Times, If your hard drive could testify, discusses several cases involving the right of customs officials to inspect what is on your hard drive. The article was written by Adam Liptak.
Source.