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Tips We've Picked Up Along the Way

The Email Feature Most Likely to Save a Butt

By February 20, 2016August 2nd, 2021No Comments

I sent this around the law firm yesterday and thought it worthwhile to share with the world.  If by doing so I can prevent even one embarrassing moment, one husband or boyfriend from getting a severe stink-eye when he gets home, or one client from leaving you because you were a moron for copying opposing counsel on a client communication, then it will have been worth posting here.  You’re welcome.

It’s the one-minute e-mail delay function.  It delays your e-mails for a minute before sending.  E-mails sit in your outbox for a minute so you can catch them before your stupid mistake or typo that you caught too late goes out the door.  I can’t tell you how often this thing has saved my butt.

Here it is in Outlook:

1.     In Outlook’s main screen, click “File”

2.    “Manage Rules & Alerts”

3.    “New Rule”

4.    “Apply rule on messages I send”

5.    “Next” (i.e. don’t select conditions)

6.    When it says “The rule will be applied to all e-mails you send” click Yes.

7.    “Defer delivery by a number of minutes”.

8.    Click on “number of minutes” and enter 1.

9.    (Optional; I do this but not required) “Except if is marked as [high] importance”

10.  Give it a name and make sure “Turn on this rule” is checked off, then click Finish.

I don’t know the corresponding steps in Gmail or other mail programs.  This thing has been a total lifesaver for me though.  After sending it around the firm yesterday, most people immediately implemented.  (Those that didn’t will make themselves known…)

Alex Gertsburg is a managing partner at Gertsburg Licata.  He may be reached at (216) 573-6000 or at [email protected].

Gertsburg Licata is a full-service, strategic growth firm, specializing in business law, M&A advisory and executive talent solutions for entrepreneurs and executives of start-up and middle-market enterprises. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you secure your next competitive advantage. We are also home to CoverMySix®, our unique, anti-litigation audit service for middle-market companies. 

This article is for informational purposes only. It is merely intended to provide a very general overview of a certain area of the law. Nothing in this article is intended to create an attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. You should not rely on anything in this article without first consulting with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. If you have specific questions about your matter, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

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