I am not exactly how I have collected different e-mail addresses and accounts over the years. I remember what a big deal it was a decade or so ago when I got my very first e-mail address, and now, I’ve had various accounts for jobs and work and changed providers a time or two. Keeping all of that information organized can take some effort!
If only it was just a matter of changing an e-mail account or provider and getting on with things. Unfortunately, you may have used a specific e-mail address on one web site or link, and another on some marketing materials. It is important to be as thorough as possible about notifying contacts when there is an e-mail address change—but this might not be enough. Some e-mail programs have the ability to forward e-mail. If this is possible, you might try setting up old accounts or addresses to forward mail to a new e-mail address for a certain period of time. This way, you can let people know personally that the e-mail has changed and needs to be updated.
If you are extremely organized, you will keep records of your e-mail addresses and accounts—but it can be tough to make sure that e-mail contacts from one work or business address and ones from a personal address all end up in the same location. If you are setting up a new business account, you might consider a general address instead of one linked directly to your name or something cute—so it will be more useable. For example: admin@xyzbiz.com can be used by years and by different users instead of: suzy@xyzbiz.com.
The simpler the e-mail address for business purposes, the better. If you are like me and have let yourself acquire different e-mail addresses over the years—it can take some time and effort to get everything sorted out and organized. But, if e-mail is to be a main mode of communication for your home business, it’s worth it.
See Also: Making the Most of Your E-mail Signature
Why E-mail is the Best Customer Service
Giving Your E-mail Out on Message Boards