Outlook folder organization?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some effective strategies for organizing your Outlook inbox:

1. Create Rules in Outlook:

   • Admin Emails: Forward to an admin folder.
   • Deal Emails: Move manually to a deal folder.
   • Newsletters: Move to their own inbox.
   • Training Emails: Move to a training inbox.
   • High Priority Emails: Move to a high priority inbox for pending tasks, then to a completed tasks folder once addressed.

2. Use Folders and Subfolders:

   • Logical Naming: Create logical folder and subfolder names.
   • Standard Naming: Use standard naming conventions for consistency.

3. Utilize OneNote:

   • Tabs/Folders: Create several tabs/folders for different categories like call notes, training materials, self-studying, to-do lists, etc.

4. Task Function in Outlook:

   • Set Follow-Ups and Reminders: Use the task function to set follow-ups and reminders for different timelines.

5. Inbox as a To-Do List:

   • Unread Emails: Mark emails as unread if they need a response, using the inbox as a checklist.

6. Triage Folder System:

   • Immediate Response: Respond to emails immediately if possible.
   • Action Folder: Move emails that need more time to an actions folder.
   • Archive: Archive emails that don’t need immediate attention.
   • Reading Folder: Automatically file news emails into a reading folder.

7. View Settings in Outlook:

   • Experiment: Adjust view settings to find what works best for you.

8. Zero Inbox Strategy:

   • Outstanding Items: Use the inbox for outstanding items only.
   • Random Projects Folder: Create a "Random Projects" folder by year for effective organization.

These strategies should help you maintain a tidy and efficient Outlook inbox.

Sources: How do you stay organized at work (both in general and on action item lists)? (x-post w/ MC forum), How do you guys organize yourselves?, Tips & Suggestions for adapting as a new Investment Banking Analyst (mine and yours), Small Developer Advice - Second Week, Tips for keeping a tidy Inbox