Email filtering on steroids
Back in the days of "Lazy," I created a set of videos showing you how to have Google handle your domain's email. The idea was that Gmail provides such great features, especially spam filtering, that it would be best for you to have all of those same features within your own domain's emails. Despite filtering, email has become so intrusive that it causes productivity to suffer. As a freelancer, all we have is time and we need to use every minute of it wisely - while still being available for work. It's a challenge, because of the need to constantly check your email. But a challenge made much easier with Awayfind.
I "discovered" (I like to take credit for things) and wrote about Awayfind back in November of 2008. Now, it's all grown up with its latest incarnation, Orchant. If back in 2008 I called it a "secretary," it's since become my "executive assistant." Why? Well, aside from simply sending me a text about urgent emails, now it can also call me (and read me the actual email,) email me to any email address, tweet (DM) me, and even IM me! That's why when Jared Goralnick, contacted me about voicing the new video for Awayfind, I was honored and thrilled about telling a story about a product that I truly believe in.
If you know me, you understand how important it is for me to create time; Time for silence, time for craft, and time for fun. If I wanted to be miserable, I wouldn't have opted to become a freelancer in a line of work I love so much. Therefore, I can't allow myself to become overwhelmed with my choice of career and everything that comes with it. As long as email continues to be the preferred method of communication for my agents, manager, and clients, I will use Awayfind to sort it all out for me and ensure that I'm only interrupted when absolutely necessary.
This is the major reason why I don't have my number on my website - that's what I have agents for. Some of my colleagues don't agree with that, but in the end my focus is on continuing to improve on my self and my work. My clients - both existing and potential - will, in turn, benefit as well. (For the record, I do have my business number on my email signature.)
How do you balance being accessible and productive at the same time? I'd love to hear your opinion.
-Anthony
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