Microsoft Outlook is one of the most used e-mail programs, especially within the business community. The ability to customize your Outlook e-mail to suit your specific needs will allow you to access different features more quickly. Learn to make Microsoft Outlook work for you by following the tips we offer below:

10 MICROSOFT OUTLOOK E-MAIL TIPS

1. Choosing from multiple e-mail accounts. If you are currently using multiple e-mail accounts in Outlook, you can select which to use when sending messages. In a new message, click Accounts, and then click the account you want from the list. All messages sent during that session will show the selected account name.

2.  Save custom searches. Click the Tools menu, select Find and then choose Advanced Find. Use the Advanced Find dialog box to specify your search criteria and click Save Search on the File menu.

3.  Track messages that require action. Assign categories as well as rules for sorting your messages. Then the messages will be arranged in groups in your Inbox. Any messages flagged for follow-up action will be grouped together.

4.  Receive delivery and read receipts. Click the Tools menu, select Options, and then highlight the Preferences tab. Choose E-mail Options, and then click Tracking Options. Click the box for delivery and/or read notifications. Click OK.

5.  Automatically add a signature or logo to your message. Click on the Tools menu, select Options, and then choose Mail Format. If you are using more than one account, highlight the account you want to create the signature for, and then click Signatures.

6. Customizing a follow-up flag for a new message. Click the Message Flag button and then type the desired message in the Flag to box.

7. Setting message reminders. Highlight the message you want to set the reminder for by right clicking on it. Select Follow Up, and then click Add Reminder. In the Due By list, choose the date when the reply is required. In the second list, select a time. In the Flag color list, choose your desired flag color and then click OK.

8.  Organizing Outlook group messages. The default setting for Outlook group’s message organization is by time such as Today, Yesterday, and Last Week. To collapse a section to see only the group heading, click on any message and then press the LEFT ARROW key. The RIGHT ARROW key will expand the group again.

9. Sending an attachment from Windows Explorer. You can easily send an e-mail file on your computer from Windows Explorer. To do this right-click on the file, highlight Send To, and then click Mail Recipient. Automatic text is added to the body of the message. You can delete that text and add your own text by clicking in the message body and pressing CTRL+A.

10. Sync Outlook Email Schedules with a Calendar. Check out this entry to learn how to sync Outlook's internal calendar with an external one, like Google Calendar.

These tips should help you customize your e-mail in a way that not only represents your personal style but makes your usage time simpler and more efficient. Look for tips in the future.