How Do I? "Email Signatures Edition"

After my recent post about email signatures, I received some really good questions. Maybe you had the same questions! If so, keep reading ...

• What's the difference between Outlook and the Outlook Web App? Which one should I use?
• How can I include a picture or graphic in my email signature?
• I don't want my signature to appear on email replies. How can I stop that?
• I set up my signature, but when I send an email from home, it doesn't show up. Why not?
• Can I use my cutesy fonts in my email signatures?
• PicMonkey (my favorite online image editor)
• Blank Signature File (Click the link, then right-click and save the white rectangle image to your computer. You can edit it in PicMonkey!)

Do you have more questions related to email signatures? Add them to the comments - I'll be happy to answer them!

Email Signatures

One popular topic in our district these days (or will be soon!) is how to create email signatures. I've created a couple of {short} videos to walk you through these simple steps.

Creating an Email Signature in Outlook 2010

Creating an Email Signature in the Outlook Web App

If you access your email by logging in at live.com or by using the link on the Employees page of the district website, you are using the Outlook Web App. This video is for you:

Tech Tip Tuesday ... Outlook 2010

Outlook 2010 is an outstanding email management and calendaring program that gives you so many more options than using the web version at live.com. If you are already using Outlook to access your email, skip down a bit to learn some tips and tricks that can make your life even easier!

EM-S ISD Peeps: If you still access your email in district by opening an internet browser and going to www.live.com (or by going to the district site, clicking Employees, clicking the Live@edu Sign-In link), please follow the simple directions at the EM-S ISD Tech Tips blog to set up Outlook on your computer and begin using this application as your email program. If you need assistance with this, please contact your CTI, IT, or turn in a Technology request in Helpdesk.

Be sure to check out this great Introductory Video about Outlook 2010. I've been using Outlook for more than a year now and I still learned a few new things!

My Favorite Outlook Tips & Tricks

• When entering a contact's name in your email, begin typing the first few letters of the first name. Hit Control + K on your keyboard to see all the possible contacts from the district address book.
• Need help? Hit F1 (a function key at the top of your keyboard) and easily search through Outlook's Help information.
• Did someone send you an email (instead of a meeting request?) with details about a meeting or appointment? Just click and drag the email over to the correct date on your calendar and it will turn into a meeting!
• Easily create an Email Signature! On the Message tab, in the Include Group, click Signature, then click Signatures. Click New and enter your signature information. You can include colors, images, and more. (If you have a blog or webpage, be sure to include that address!)

Even more Outlook help ...

• Outlook 2010 Quick Reference Card - this 2-page PDF file includes basic and advanced mail tips, calendar how-to's, keyboard shortcuts, and more. If you're new to Outlook or looking for new things you can do, be sure to check it out!
• Basic Tasks in Outlook 2010 - this article explains (in very simple terms and screenshots) basics like creating emails, forwarding/replying to emails, working with attachments, email signatures, calendar appointments, contacts, tasks, and more
• Outlook Skills Builder - from using tasks and reminders to customizing your inbox view, get the most out of Outlook with this video training series. 

Something new ... MailChimp

For more than a year now, I've been blogging regularly pretty regularly. I've also sent weekly emails as a way to remind district teachers and staff to check out the blog. Occasionally I forgot to send the email or it was really, really late when I did finally remember. I'm sure there were times people saw the email, but just didn't have the time to click on the link and go out and read the blog. 

That brings me to MailChimp! I'm trying this new service that automatically sends an email once a day IF (and only if) there's new content on the blog. The "good thing" for me is that I don't have to remember to send the email. The "good thing" for you (my dedicated readers!) is that you can read the new content directly in the email without having to go to the blog itself.

I may have mentioned once or twice (or fifty) times before that I like getting comments on the blog posts. Feel free to go to the blog to leave a comment, or you can even reply to the email and I'll add it to the blog.

If this much email is just TOO much (remember, never more than 1 per day, and only when there's new content), you can always unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of the email.

I won't lie. The whole set-up process wasn't as easy as I would have liked, but I think I've got the hang of it now. If you're a blogger and are interested in an email system like MailChimp, let me know and I'll be happy to help you get started.

Check out  MailChimp  now!

Tech Tip Tuesday ... Remind 2 Me!

If you're like me, you probably check your email throughout the day. However, I don't check my calendar as often and sometimes I forget meetings or appointments (shocker!). Remind 2 Me is a free online reminder service that will send reminders to right to your inbox.

Enter your subject, your message, and the email address where you want it sent. Choose a delivery date, then click the green Save and Remind me button!

I will be sending myself reminders to pay my bills, change the a/c air filter (because apparently that's pretty important!), have my tires rotated, etc. How can you use this in your classroom or professionally?

Tech Tip Tuesday ... Email Siggies in Outlook 2010

I've had lots of requests to share how to set up an Email Signature in our new email program, Outlook. (This is the application loaded on your computer, not the Outlook WebApp at www.live.com)
Just follow the steps below to create a text or imaged-based signature.

• File > Options
• Choose Mail from the left column, Click Signatures
• Click New

• Name your signature
• Enter the desired information in the Edit Signature box, OK
  Be sure to use the standard fonts. (Fancy fonts will look cute on your computer, but will now show up for your recipients unless they also have that font installed.)
• To insert an image, click the Image icon on the toolbar of the Edit Signature box.

Are you interested in creating a cute signature? I blogged about it last year - check it out!