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Taking time off during the holiday period means returning to an overflowing inbox that creates immediate overwhelm. Everyone tries to squeeze in one last request before Christmas, your inbox fills rapidly, and the temptation to reply when you should be resting undermines your break. Without proper boundaries and systems, you either sacrifice your time off responding to emails or face hundreds of messages demanding attention the moment you return.
In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ Setting up auto-responders with clear boundaries and response timeframes
📌 Using filters and folders to automatically sort incoming messages by priority
🔗 Creating smart email forwarding rules for genuinely urgent matters
✅ Unsubscribing from newsletters and archiving old threads before you leave
📌 Turning off push notifications for a genuine break from constant pinging
🛡️ Managing your inbox strategically when you return rather than chronologically
The inbox explosion happens because clients see the calendar approaching Christmas and want tasks completed before the break. This creates a surge of last-minute requests that would be manageable individually but become overwhelming collectively. Setting boundaries using technology prevents this problem. Auto-responders that clearly state when you will return and point urgent issues to specific contacts manage expectations. Filters that automatically sort messages by sender domain or subject keywords ensure priority items are visible whilst newsletters and notifications are filed appropriately. The critical element is turning off push notifications entirely during your break so you are not tempted to check email constantly. When you return, resist the urge to process messages chronologically. Instead, mark genuine priorities and handle those first, then work through the remainder knowing the urgent items are already addressed.
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Music and Credits to:
Paradise Found is covered under Creative Commons.
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/licenses/
https://rumble.com/v72529o-how-do-you-stop-your-inbox-exploding-over-christmas-2025642.html
Life is busy and there's just so many things to remember. What tools do you use to help you keep on top of ALL the things?
It's easy to react or respond quickly to messages and the like. It's better to do that mindfully. That's why I try to Practice The Pause.
If you’re bringing in extra help over Christmas or changing how work gets done while people are away, what happens to the information your business handles? An arrangement that keeps work moving can potentially expose customer details and confidential business information to unauthorised people.
✅ What access and data are you handing over along with the work when someone steps in for Christmas?
➡️ Why does an email forward matter?
⚡ What does your automation keep after it’s finished its job?
⭐ What should you do when you return from a break?
If you’re making arrangements for the break, join Charly for Firewall Friday. What precautions are you taking with your automations over Christmas?
Book a Free 30 minute Breakthrough Session: https://askcharlyleetham.com/book-me
(1 per person only)
Follow us:
Locals: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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...
Getting ready for the Christmas holiday break? The automated response when someone submits an enquiry from your website can perform a vital function in setting expectations and conveying holiday information.
Charly’s preparing holiday notifications in Gravity Forms for today’s Walkthrough Wednesday.
➡️ What do you need to convey in the message?
⚡ How do you add multiple notifications in Gravity Forms?
⭐ When should you get the messages ready?
✅ Who can make the changes?
Get organised now before business takes off.
Have you started your festive season plans yet?
Book a Free 30 minute Breakthrough Session: https://askcharlyleetham.com/book-me
(1 per person only)
Follow us:
Locals: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
Rumble: https://rumble.com/askcharlyleetham
Odyssey: https://odysee.com/@askcharlyleetham:4
YouTube: https://youtube.com/askcharlyleetham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askcharlyleetham
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbizmgr
Instagram: ...
Could your small business win work with a large company or government? Being good at what you do matters, but a prospective buyer also wants to know they can depend on you.
Bronwyn Reid, business mentor and author of Small Company Big Business, joins Charly to discuss what it takes to become that supplier. Drawing on nearly 30 years of supplying larger organisations through her environmental services business, Bronwyn shares some hard-earned lessons:
✅ Why a bigger buyer might see risk where you see great service.
➡️ What’s worth preparing before a contract catches your eye.
⚡ Where smaller businesses can find opportunities they might otherwise overlook.
⭐ Why competing for work doesn’t rule out working together.
A larger contract could bring more consistent income, but is your business ready to take it on?
Join Charly and Bronwyn for a conversation about closing that gap, including the work involved and where to find help.
Connect with Bronwyn
Website: https://bronwynreid.com.au
Facebook: ...
