Email trick for "waiting for" items

[KW7]

I'm new to GTD and don't have much to offer but wanted to share this trick as a thank-you to others that have helped so much.

Often, I send an email to a client or coworker requesting information and I need to make sure I have a record of the request so I can follow up if necessary. In Microsoft Outlook, you can create a rule to help do this. First, I have a "Pending" folder within my inbox. When I set the priority of the email to "high" by clicking the exclamation point, the rule creates a copy of the email and moves it to "Pending". When I process my inbox everyday I check the Pending folder to see if I should delete items that are completed or follow up if there has been no action for my request.

More info about setting up rules here: link

This could all be done in Evernote by sending a blind copy of the email to Evernote but I've decided against that for two reasons. One, I don't feel Evernote is as secure so I don't want client email addresses in there and, two, if I need to follow up it's much easier just to forward the email again from my Pending folder.

I hope this is helpful to someone.

 

[kelstarrising]

Versions of this trick are also covered in our GTD & Outlook Setup Guides.

 

[aderoy]

If you are using Microsoft Outlook you can also track 'Waiting For' via Flags, Set the Flag (colour and date) to remind you n a future date.
The followup flag will display in the bottom right corner with your Tasks. Click on the item and will display the original e-mail or when due a pop-up dialog will display.