Email: The Productivity Drain

The author, a venture capitalist, argues that email has become a significant drain on productivity, comparing it to a personal to-do list that anyone can add to. He highlights the prevalent cultural acceptance of email, where people feel comfortable emailing others, even if they don't know them personally.

Email has shifted cultural norms, making it acceptable to reach out to anyone.

People are often annoyed when someone doesn't respond to their email, even if it's from an unknown sender.

The Inevitability of Email

The author acknowledges the importance of email in business, but emphasizes that it should not consume all of one's time. He advocates for a strategy of managing email rather than becoming a slave to it.

He practices reading all his emails but doesn't feel obligated to respond immediately.

He prioritizes his time by allocating specific blocks for different activities, such as portfolio company issues, fundraising, and marketing.

Email as a Tool, Not a Master

The article highlights the author's approach to email as a tool for customer service, deal flow, and marketing, rather than the primary focus of his day. He suggests that entrepreneurs should prioritize email but not allow it to control their schedule. He advocates for a time management strategy that involves segmenting the day into specific blocks for different activities, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-priority tasks.

He advocates for a balanced approach to email, prioritizing its role in customer service, deal flow, and marketing.

He highlights the need to allocate time for other crucial activities, including portfolio company operations, fundraising, and marketing.

He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and managing time effectively to achieve optimal productivity.

Time Management: A VC's Perspective

The author provides a detailed breakdown of his typical day, showcasing his time management strategy for a venture capitalist. He categorizes his activities into six major areas: operations, sales, fundraising, business development, customer support, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of allocating time for each area, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes high-impact tasks.

The author's schedule includes meetings with portfolio company CEOs, investors, and advisors.

He allocates time for fundraising, deal flow, and marketing, recognizing the importance of maintaining a pipeline of potential investments.

He also emphasizes the value of customer support, taking time to meet with young entrepreneurs and providing advice.

A Call to Action: Email Management for Entrepreneurs

The author concludes by encouraging entrepreneurs to prioritize their time and manage their email effectively. He believes that by adopting a similar time management strategy, they can achieve greater productivity and focus on their core business objectives.

He advises entrepreneurs to keep emails brief and specific, emphasizing the importance of clarity and conciseness.

He encourages entrepreneurs to be proactive in managing their email, setting aside specific time blocks for handling correspondence.

He suggests that entrepreneurs prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency, allowing them to focus on high-value activities.

The Value of Time: A VC's Perspective

The author's personal experience as a venture capitalist highlights the importance of prioritizing time and managing email effectively. He provides a practical guide for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to allocate time for different activities and manage email as a tool, not a master.

He emphasizes the need to allocate time for high-impact activities, including portfolio company operations, fundraising, marketing, and customer support.

He suggests that entrepreneurs adopt a proactive approach to email, setting aside specific time blocks for handling correspondence.