Tom Kosiec- Freelance Content Writer

From August 2014 to June 2015, I blogged for BOCA Communications. It was a great experience and l learned a lot during my time there. Here are a few of my favorites blogs I wrote for them.

Learning How to Be a Better PR Pro: From Other Jobs

A fun three-part blog post series where I interview my coworkers about what they did before they started in PR and what helped them excel at their career. Here’s part one.

PR and Tech Growth Outside Silicon Valley

A two-part blog post where I examined the different tech sectors around the world experiencing strong job growth and tech innovation.

Introducing the New Faces of BOCA

Interviewing people is my favorite part of journalism so writing profiles about the BOCA staff members and learning more about them was a great experience.

007 Tips You Can Learn from James Bond to Ignite Your Tech PR Career

A  blog post examining how James Bond relates to PR and how you can learn from him.

Many PR pros already know the importance of paying attention to the mainstream news, but equally important is pop culture. Why? It’s critical to follow trends and understand what holds people’s attention. For instance, knowing what subjects generate huge discussions makes pitching reporters easier because they feel you know their audience.

However, it’s difficult to make time for pop culture when you have a busy schedule. So, to help make the process of consuming pop culture more enjoyable here are five ways to use it intelligently and productively.

Automate Your Pop Culture Content

The first step to overcoming your resistance to pop culture is making the process painless. One way we’ve highlighted before is to identify keywords and then set up Google Alerts. Pick some pop culture trends that you want to understand better, so the relevant content gets delivered to your inbox daily. Even if you don’t have time to read articles or watch videos, just scanning the headlines every morning keep the content fresh in your mind.

Study Pop Culture Trends

Once you’ve gotten a grasp of pop culture from reading your Google Alerts, it’s time to do some additional research. Check websites like Buzzfeed and read the stories that are trending like Disney Princesses, 90s nostalgia and Chipotle. While you may not care for Justin Beiber and the Kardashians, it’s important to get some context on why people talk about them. Also, don’t forget to read the comments and see which subjects go viral the most. You can also use your phone or tablet to download apps like PEOPLE Celebrity News Tracker and others to get a better idea of what’s popular.

Make a Weekly Commitment

To stay consistent subscribe to weekly news roundup from your favorite publications and get relevant content sent to you every Friday. Also, consider listening to a weekly podcast, like NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, which talks about pop culture in depth with regular guests. When selecting TV shows to watch remember it’s not necessarily the most popular ones that generate the most discussion so pay attention to niche ones too. Reality TV can be helpful too because you get a better read on how people think and what influences their behavior. Finally, if you’re time is extremely limited, an easy fix is to watch The Soup for a 30-minute humorous weekly recap of pop culture.

Understand Where Pop Culture is Going

Working in tech PR means you must anticipate future trends so you can prepare for them and gain an advantage over your competitors. For example, one film people are talking about regularly and especially in Silicon Valley is Ex Machina. The film offers a captivating look at the future of artificial intelligence and how it potentially could impact our working society. While Ex Machina might not end up being accurate, it’s exciting to get an idea of what possibilities the future hold for tech like how Star Trek predated the invention of cell phones. Besides consuming pop culture get involved and interact with people online. On Twitter, reddit and other online forums people form a community and discuss subjects that are important them. If you can identify what’s trending in the community before it hits the mainstream news, you’ll always have an advantage over your peers.

Pick Something Uncomfortable

Many people already consume common forms of pop culture like TV, music and film, without even thinking about it. However, it helpful to expose yourself to other aspects of pop culture that you may not even consider. For instance, the video game Minecraft is a culture phenomenon. Consider trying it or watching videos on YouTube to understand why Minecraft resonates with people and why Microsoft acquired it for $2.5 billion. Other pop culture ideas to think about, why are so many people into live streaming? What films subjects are overrated and underrated?

By implementing these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pop culture expert in no time and leave your peers in the dust.

 I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

To succeed in tech PR, you must be a skilled networker. Socializing with strangers isn’t natural for everyone, though. However, by planning ahead, you can make any networking event less stressful. Buildings on our networking tips from last year here’re a few more points to remember.

Do Meet as Many People as Possible

Aim to meet at least five new people at each event you attend. Don’t discriminate either. Once you get a conversation rolling with someone new you may find yourself pleasantly surprised that this unfamiliar face is looking for someone with your expertise or knows somebody who can help you.

Don’t Exit Conversations Ungracefully

Sometimes a conversation doesn’t go smoothly, and there is an uncomfortable pause. That’s okay, but just remember to put a positive spin on the situation and exit the conversation gracefully. Something like, “well it was nice talking to you, but I want to make sure I meet a few more people before the event ends” helps you leave with your dignity intact.

Do Always Wear Your Nametag

While it may be an annoyance to wear a nametag, you’re doing the hosts a favor and helping them ensure no one sneaks into the event uninvited. Popular networking events often sell out fast, and there are always a few people who try to get away without registering. Don’t associate yourself with them.

Don’t Talk Loudly During Speaker Talks

Inviting industry speakers is a big deal, and you want to be on your best behavior. Unfortunately, you’d be surprised how many people speak loudly or partake in other disrespectful behavior. If you must speak with someone, then take that conversation outside or get their business card.

Do Stick out Those Uncomfortable Moments

You want to avoid being shy at a networking event, but sometimes a new venue can be intimidating. If you’re nervous, try standing near the food line, the middle of a crowd and by an exhibit booth, so people approach you instead. Wearing some prop like a fancy hat or a watch can help draw people to you too. If the event turns out to be a dud, just leave after 30 minutes.

Don’t Leave to Early

When you arrive at an event, sometimes nothing is happening, and it takes awhile for more people to come. If this happens to you, take a short walk around the block for around 20 minutes and then come back later. You could also bring a book to read while you wait.

Do be Courteous to the Volunteer Staff.

Many of the people serving your refreshments at an event are volunteering for free. Show some generosity by tipping them a dollar when you grab your free drink. The volunteer staff will appreciate it. Remember, even though, the drinks are free it’s still costing the host money to rent out the place and have an open bar.

 Don’t be Greedy with Food or Trash the Place

You go to networking events to meet new people not to get a free dinner. Having a few drinks and appetizers is fine, but leave some food for everyone else. Lastly, be sure to recycle any drinks, plates and printed materials to avoid trashing the place. You’d be surprised how many so-called business professionals don’t pick up after themselves.

Do Refer to People by Their First Name and Make Good Eye Contact

An easy way to remember someone’s name is spelling it on their forehead when they introduce themselves to you or referencing a celebrity name. Continue to use their name in a conversation, so you don’t forget it. People appreciate those little details and help them feel at ease with you.

Don’t Hand out Your Business Card Right Away

Business cards are essential for networking events, but you don’t have to hand them out immediately. Take some time to get to know the person first and then offer yours once the conversation reaches its peak. When it comes to expanding your network, it’s the quality of new connections you meet that’s is more important than the quantity.

Do Thank the Host and Leave Feedback for the Next Event

Successful event series don’t always start off great. Like a seasoned TV show sometimes it takes the host a few events and reviewing attendee surveys to improve the overall experience. So do take the time to complete a short survey and give some helpful feedback to the host if you get the opportunity.

Don’t be too Negative with Your Feedback

When you give feedback to someone, it’s important to strike an even balance between being positive and negative with your comments. If all you do is criticize or just say everything was great, then you’re not helping the host improve future events. So, when giving feedback point out something that you liked, what you disliked and if they asked for suggestions offer some solutions.

We hope these tips provide you with success at your next tech event and keep an eye on the BOCA Blog for some of our event recommendations this summer.

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

Working from home means no commute and ample time for breakfast, but it can be hard to remain motivated and productive. Here are some tips to help you fight distractions and stay on task.

Keep Your Morning Routine
Sure you could sleep in, but if you want to stay focused, it’s better to keep your morning schedule. Rituals like showering, making coffee and putting on your work clothes all help jumpstart your day. A later start makes it harder to stay focused, and you’re more likely to procrastinate.

Work a Little Earlier Than Usual
If you normally begin work at 9 a.m., try starting at your usual commute time. Your workday will be less stressful and during the later hours, you can focus on winding down and prepare for tomorrow.

Make Your Schedule More Specific
At work, your manager enforces your schedule, so it’s easier to stay focused. The opposite is true at home where you’re the one calling the shots. It’s easy to lose track of time, take too many breaks or focus on a single task for too long. So to stay on schedule, make your schedule more specific and map out each hour of your day, detailing specifically what you want to accomplish during that time.

Find Your Best and Worst Hours
Although many people are most productive in the morning, you may not be. That’s okay, too. If your job doesn’t require you to work directly with other people’s schedules, find your own most productive periods and make the most of them. If you’re not sure what your peak hours are, then it’s a good idea to use a weekly log and take notes about how you feel during different time periods. Always try to work when you are at your best.

Create a Habit Loop
Often just getting a project started is the hardest part. To trick yourself into working efficiently, create a habit loop. Eventually, managing tasks quickly become routine. The most efficient pattern is to introduce a cue, a routine and a reward.

For example, you might cue yourself by brewing coffee or tea. Next, your routine is to go to your desk and start working on something. Finally, your reward is enjoying your beverage while you start your work for the day. Finding a routine that perpetuates good habits is an easy way to keep a positive momentum going throughout your day.

Create a Workday Playlist
The right music can help you stay focused and on task. For mindless tasks like creating data entry or compiling reports, pick music that keeps your energized. Podcasts and audiobooks are other options that can teach you something new while you work.

For tasks that require more focused attention, it’s best to choose something without vocals and a steady beat to keep you from getting distracted. Everyone processes music differently, so experiment and find out what works for you.

Prevent Distractions
Anything that disrupts your workflow interferes with your productivity, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Is there something in your surroundings that habitually distracts you? It might be worth investing in some noise canceling headphones or going elsewhere to work instead.

Identify the things that get you off track and actively limit them. Visiting Facebook every five minutes? Block it. Getting bothered by texts from friends? Put your phone away. You can always revisit these things during breaks, just make sure it’s a deliberate decision instead of a habit.

Change Your Scenery
Fight off the boredom of being in the same old environment. Find places you don’t typically go in your day-to-day so you can establish a new space specifically for you to work.

Working effectively without an office doesn’t have to be hard if you take the necessary steps to remain productive. Test our tips out and see for yourself.

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

Working in San Francisco means plentiful fun distractions and the thrill of working in a thriving tech hub. However, getting in and out of the city isn’t always pleasant. Even if you live and work in the city you can face long commutes, especially at peak hours. So how do you make the most of your commute and avoid going into the office stressed out or dreading the trip back home? Depending on how you normally commute into the city, there are several options to consider.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TIPS

Take The Route Less Traveled
As Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” This truth of this saying is definitely evident for public transportation. Most people take the most common bus route or take BART, but if you do some research online you’ll find that not all public transportation routes are created equal. A certain bus may take a bit longer, but the benefit is worth it if you don’t have to transfer and there’s always an open seat. Do some research and see if you’ve been neglecting other routes that are more convenient or comfortable.

Find the Best Time
Just like discovering a neglected route, picking the perfect time to commute can make all the difference. Review your bus schedule and experiment. For instance, if the 8 a.m. bus feels too crowded, consider taking one at 7:30 or 8:15. Test different times on your trip home too. Lastly, it never hurts to ask your boss if it is okay to shift your hours back or forward if it makes for a more efficient day.

Walk a Few Blocks to Your Main Stop
If you normally go to the bus stop closest to your home, consider walking 10-20 minutes to a bus stop closer to the beginning of the route. This way you can ensure you have a seat and don’t have to stand the whole time.

WHAT TO DO WHILE COMMUTING

Write
A long commute doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If you plan ahead, you can start your day early by using your commute time to write. A tablet is your best friend here. You can easily start drafting emails, a writing project, or a to-do list and then have it all sync up on your computer when you get to work. The lack of Wi-Fi on buses also means it’s the perfect place to brainstorm new ideas since you don’t have to worry about the distractions of the Internet.

Listen to Something Informative or Motivating
If you’d rather not write, then listen to some NPR podcasts or audio books to educate yourself while you commute. You could also re-listen to any work meeting or client presentation to refresh your mind. Having a bad day? Listen to some uplifting music, guided meditations or self-affirmation scripts. It may not feel like much at first, but after a few weeks of you’ll find yourself in a much better mood when you arrive at the office.

Read
Staying on top of pop culture and the news is important. Use your commute time to read all the big morning headlines and social media chatter before going into the office. You can also put you research skills to good use and read about topics relevant to your client.

CAR TRAVEL TIPS

Learn to Welcome Red Lights and Traffic Stops
So you hit a red light or construction zone, and traffic has screamed to a halt. There’s no need to join the crowd by getting angry and being negative. Instead, sit back, take a few deep breaths and relax. Just like at work having a few minutes to unwind can make a long commute more manageable.

Take Conference Calls
Meetings take lots of time. So, if your co-workers don’t have to be present, you can easily hook up a Bluetooth device or headset to talk while you drive. The extra time you don’t have to set aside for meetings can dramatically increase your productivity at the office.

Rideshare Services and Carpooling
If you hate public transportation and driving, consider rideshare services like Lyft or Uber or carpool groups. Uber can get expensive, but it’s worth it if you have a more enjoyable commute and use that time to work. Since you’re not the one driving, you can do everything we mentioned before while the driver takes you to work. If rideshare services are breaking your bank account, find some carpool spots. Many are very inexpensive, and some are even free.

BEFORE AND AFTER WORK TIPS

Use Nearby Places to Work
Sometimes changing your schedule is non-negotiable, so use your extra time to jumpstart the day by working at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. Ditto for the trip back too. It’s often more productive to wait until traffic dies down and plan ahead for tomorrow.

Network
Maybe your early-bird schedule coordinates with that reporter or client CEO you just met. Use the time before work to meet for coffee and discuss goals for the future and build that working relationship. After work, there are many happy hours, meet ups and speaker panel events that begin at 5:30 or 6 p.m. Try these once or twice a week and stay for at least a half hour to meet people and expand your network.

Take a Class
Classes are also a good way to learn something new if you feel that you do enough networking already. Start small and find some area of your life you want to improve and just attend one session each week. The weekly class pays off in the long run because you’re building new skills, and it’s a good way to get more experience without starting a new job.

A daily commute can be a nightmare, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. However by planning ahead and changing parts of the routine that are under your control, you can make your commute more enjoyable and productive. Consider these ideas and see if you notice a difference.

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

We previously shared with you how a well-known secret agent’s advice can make you a stronger tech PR professional. This time, we turn to a mischievous child and his imaginary best friend for more lessons. Here you have it, nine valuable PR lessons from Calvin and Hobbes.

You Can Turn Something Ordinary into Something Extraordinary
Tired of seeing the same old press releases or byline content? Take a new perspective. Calvin and Hobbes continually turn an ordinary cardboard box into ingenious inventions like a time travel machine, clone duplicator and animal transformer. While you may think a press release is just another press release, it has the power to be more than that. Change your perspective and challenge yourself to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.
Understand What Distinguishes a Good Brand from a Great One
Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson is notorious for prohibiting licensed merchandise and ending his comic strip once it peaked. His bold moves kept Calvin and Hobbes relevant for decades, while other comic strips faded into obscurity. Always be mindful when working on product launches, contributed content and PR campaigns. Does your strategy cheapen or strengthen the image your client is trying to build?

Unpleasant Tasks Build Character
Calvin’s father constantly utters the phrase “it builds character” when he tells Calvin to do something he hates like shoveling snow or cleaning the house. There are lessons in every task no matter how much you dislike it and how mundane it may appear. Remembering this helps make reoccurring PR work like building media lists, filling out time sheets or reviewing briefing documents more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Know the Difference Between Fantasy and Reality
Just as Calvin uses his imagination to make life more intriguing, always recognize what’s feasible and what isn’t. While you may want your client featured in the The Wall Street Journal, a more focused, mid-tier publication might be better a fit. Dream big, but stay rooted in reality so you can bring in solid wins for your customers.
Know When to Walk Away from Work
Tech PR requires you to hustle. However, it’s critical for your well being that you also make time for your friends, family and personal hobbies. For instance, Calvin’s dad often works extra hours at home. However, he understands the importance of bonding with Calvin on those rare school snow days that will vanish once Calvin becomes an adult. Moments like those don’t last forever. So, if it means working later or getting an earlier start the next day to spend time with your loved ones, then make that sacrifice.

Don’t Always Follow the Crowd
Calvin often drives his teachers, classmates and parents crazy, but they recognize his potential and admire his capability to surprise them. Channel your inner Calvin in team meetings or via email and share creative ideas that may go against the norm.
Learn to Wear Multiple Hats
Calvin can transform himself into Stupendous Man, Spaceman Spiff and Tracer Bullet at will, preventing him from becoming a one-dimensional character. In PR, your willingness to tackle multiple job roles will make you more valuable to your peers and prevent you from becoming a one-trick pony. So, like Calvin, learn to juggle multiple hats so you can please clients, build relationships with media, write stellar releases and vet speaking and awards with ease.

Know the Consequences of Being Too Mischievous
Calvin fans know that he gets into way too much trouble. Getting grounded for locking the babysitter outside, dropping a giant snowball on his neighbor and other mischievous tasks cause him a lot of grief. While most people know better, make sure you act professionally on social media, in the office and at networking events. It’s okay to share jokes and make light of situations, but going too far like Calvin might get you into trouble.
Be There for Your PR Family
Throughout all their ups and downs Calvin and Hobbes remain best friends. Reporters, PR professionals and clients all need each other to do their jobs effectively. Even though you may not always agree with them, be sure to handle disagreements with tact.

While Calvin and Hobbes has entertained fans for year, the lessons within the comic strip offer more than just entertainment. As you traverse the world of PR remember these powerful lessons from this adventurous duo.

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

James Bond needs no introduction. He’s the most popular secret agent in the world with 26 films and even more books to his name. He’s also someone you can use as a model to strengthen your tech PR skills. Wait! What? Are you serious? Yes! Bond’s behavior, ambition, resourcefulness and more all work in tech PR. In honor of the new Bond film Spectre releasing this year, let’s take a look at what 007 can teach us.

001: Bond Adapts to the Present
If Bond stayed the same and didn’t redevelop his identity multiple times over the years, he’d be KIA (killed in action) just like every other 00 agent. While tech PR isn’t espionage, agencies that don’t adapt to new trends risk being abandoned by their clients and the media. So to ensure your agency remains relevant, always evolve your tech PR craft and pay attention to changes in the industry.

002: Bond Is Proactive
Observe Bond in the films and you’ll notice he goes to venues alone, conducts his own research and makes new connections without his boss M’s approval. While you should probably get permission for high-level assignments, don’t be afraid to proactively pitch, share new ideas in team meetings and find that next great connection independently. Don’t wait around for opportunities to come to you. Make it happen.

003: Bond Constantly Seeks Out New Experiences
A day in the life of Bond is never the same. He’s always off having little adventures, whether it’s skiing in Switzerland, bungee jumping, playing a round of golf or using the latest Q-Branch gadgets. Obviously most people don’t share Bond’s luxurious work schedule, but devoting some of your free time to new activities can enrich your life in surprising ways. It might not seem practical now, but your interests and passions may prove invaluable to brainstorming the next great byline or press release idea for your clients.

004: Bond Is Ready for the Unexpected
Bond dresses to impress and lives a life of spontaneity. You never know when you’ll run into a client outside of work. So always be mindful of your appearance. Also, how you act in response to a client’s internal crisis can make or break your relationship. Do you know how to act under pressure? There’s no harm in preparing ahead of time, but you need to be able to act without hesitation – like Bond does.

005: Bond Is Very Thorough
Bond is meticulous with his research and knows his co-workers, friends and especially rivals like the back of his hand. He’s always thinking one step ahead and lining up his next move similar to a great poker player. You can do the same when interacting with your clients by demonstrating you’ve done your homework.

006: Bond Is Charismatic
Bond may be a cold-blooded killer, but he’s also an expert conversationalist. Watch his body language and behaviors to see how he demonstrates charisma. Observe how he focuses completely on who he’s talking to and displays just enough mystery to get people thinking about him when they’re alone. Be like him at your next networking event but also while you’re working. Consider this: do your pitches, conference calls and coffee meetings leave people wanting more?

007: Bond Never Gives Up
The most critical character trait of Bond is determination. Remember on those tough workdays that Bond has encountered much worse and still found ways to overcome his problems. You can’t win them all. So don’t let a reporter’s rejection or a client leaving your agency for someone else become personal. You might not be 007, but you can learn from him to better your tech PR career or any job for that matter.

For five more 007 tips check here and prepare for Spectre with this Bond film roundup.

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.

Although you may not consider yourself an expert wordsmith, it’s likely you write as part of your job every day, and most of that writing is probably in the form of emails. The vast majority of jobs (especially in PR) require daily email use, so it’s imperative that your writing’s clear and concise. Try these email best practices to improve your writing and boost your productivity in no time.

EMAIL ETIQUETTE

Don’t beat around the bush
Nowadays most people read emails on their phone, so keep your messages short and easy to understand. Ditch overly long emails and get to the point in three sentences or less.

Pay attention to your email format
How your emails look makes a huge difference. Always check that your font matches, use bullets strategically and put keywords in bold so important facts stand out.

Watch your tone
Written communication differs from face-to-face conversations so make sure what you say doesn’t send the wrong message. Use smiley faces or other emoticons if the conversation isn’t too formal, eliminate redundancies and avoid sounding negative. A positive and upbeat approach is much more effective.

Don’t forget the greeting and closing statement
When writing email make sure to greet everyone and leave them with an closing statement. It really comes down to personal preference, but words like cheers, best, kind regards and anything else that fits your style works.

EMAIL FUNDAMENTALS

Use a great subject line
Use a memorable subject line like a question, the recipient’s first name, or put the word urgent to ensure your email gets quick attention. If you’re reaching out to a reporter, try referencing their Twitter account in some way in the subject line.

Respond quickly
People always prefer a quick response versus waiting days for a reply. Obviously, it’s not possible for every email, but acknowledging someone within 24 hours shows you’re paying attention.

Avoid playing email tag
To avoid lots of back-and-forth, ask all your questions upfront and provide answers right away. Also, repeat back instructions you received and ask for deadlines or any other important information so you can start working immediately.

Follow up professionally
Sometimes you don’t get a response no matter what you do. Instead of getting mad, take a more thoughtful approach. Add some additional information to your message and acknowledge that you know the recipient busy. Oftentimes people just missed your first email and need a friendly reminder. If this fails to produce a response, just pick up the phone.

PROOFREADING TIPS

Use Microsoft Word spell checker and read emails out loud
Gmail and Outlook don’t catch everything, so before hitting send use Microsoft Word or another spell checker like Grammarly. Besides spell checking, read your emails out loud. Doing so helps you detect run-on sentences, sentence fragments and misplaced or missing commas.

Send emails to yourself
It’s easy to make a typo without realizing it. Prevent embarrassing mistakes by sending emails to yourself first. Reading your message from the recipient’s perspective helps you catch issues you might have missed.

Have a co-worker or friend review your email
Sometimes a second pair of eyes helps you find writing flaws you wouldn’t see otherwise. When sending high-priority emails, like securing media coverage, getting peer feedback makes all the difference.

TRIM THE FAT FROM YOUR EMAILS

Eliminate long-winded sentences
Remove unnecessary prepositional phrases to make your writing easy to read. You don’t need to eliminate them all, but more than three per sentence is probably too many. See the Paramedic Method for a more thorough breakdown.

Shorten your paragraphs
If you do write long emails, shorten your paragraphs to improve readability. No one likes reading huge paragraphs with no white space. So keep your paragraphs concise (under 100 words) whenever possible.

Make a word watchlist
Maybe swearing like a sailor and saying bat-shit-crazy wasn’t the best move. Learn from your bad email experiences by creating a word watchlist so you don’t repeat the same errors again. Words people frequently misspell, like embarrassment, and meaningless jargon also make good inclusions.

EMAIL PRODUCTIVITY HACKS

Use a timer
Do you have an overwhelming number of emails that require a response ASAP? Try giving yourself a short deadline of 25 minutes to compose a pre-determined number of emails, say five or ten. This way you won’t waste time rewriting the same emails over and over again.

Wake up earlier
Waking up earlier does wonders for you productivity. Just ask Tim Cook. You don’t have to get up at 4:30am everyday like he does, but getting started before the 9am email onslaught begins means more free time for you.

Work on two screens
Having your email open constantly interferes with your productivity. So, to lessen distractions, limit emails to your phone or tablet. Use your computer only when you need to respond.

We’ve covered a lot of email tips, but feel free to try just a few. A few weeks of implementing these strategies routinely, and you’ll be an email all-star!

I wrote this blog originally for BOCA Communications.