The volume of information we have today “throttles productivity, reduces our capability to absorb and learn, puts our physical and mental health at risk, and interferes with personal and business relationships.” Jonathan Spira, CEO of Basex, a research firm focusing on issues companies face in the knowledge economy, explains in the new book Overload! Why we are in the state we are in and what steps we can begin to take to better manage it.

Although there are tens of thousands of things we could do says Spiria, he offers ten tips that, when observed, will help lower information overload for everyone:

• Don’t email someone, and then two seconds later follow up with an Instant Message or phone call.
• Don’t combine multiple themes or requests in a single email.
• Make sure the subject of your email clearly reflects both the topic and urgency of the missive.
• Read your email before sending to make sure it is comprehensible to others.
• Don’t overburden people with unnecessary e-mail, especially one-word replies such as “Thanks!” or “Great!” and only use “reply to all” only when absolutely necessary.
• Don’t get impatient when there’s no immediate response to your message.
• Keep your status up-to-date and visible to others so they know whether you’re busy or away.
• Recognize that the intended recipient of your communications isn’t a mind reader, and therefore I will supply the necessary details in your messages so nothing is left to the imagination.
• Recognize that typed words can be misleading in both tone and intent, so strive for simplicity and clarity in your communication.
• Because you understand the complexity and severity of information overload, do everything you can to facilitate the transfer and sharing of knowledge.

Find more tips at the book's companion website: OverloadStories.com

By Kate LaFrance

As the Publisher of Hartford Woman Online Kate is passionate about bridging the gap between the work-from-home and the office dwelling career woman in the Greater Hartford Area. She is open to new ideas and new friends from all of the towns and neighborhoods throughout CT.

Kate has 20 years of newspaper industry experience behind her doing everything but run the press! She's sold ads, designed ads, created ads, written editorial, taken photos, run departments, run managers and more. In the past 10 years, Kate has concentrated on becoming a marketing maven, Virtual Assistant business owner, internet marketing strategist and, now, online publisher.

If you'd like to get Kate and Hartford Woman Online behind your CT cause or business, send her an email and let her know - she will consider all offers that help women.

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