Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Is this for here? Or, would you like it to go?

Or! Would you like it both ways? Well, now you can have it both ways! Companies that deal with a lot of sales staff, aka Road Warriors, that are on the road 80-90% of the time, can now communicate with them via IM. There are now Instant messenger apps for Blackberries and iPhones to help keep sales people updated of their in office functions. Now, if an important issue arises at work that needs your immediate feedback, it can now be dealt with immediately. This is probably one reason why sales have increased for some businesses. Having the upper hand on things at work while you are not there, could mean the difference between losing a sale and keeping one. This is extremely important when your dealing with loyal customers and large revenues. Which in turn could make all the difference in your personal income as well, especially if you are working on a commission basis.
So, before you lose it , use it. 
Get the app and get the sales. 
Then you can buy me lunch and I'll have it to go thanks!   




Monday, 5 March 2012

Whats it gonna be? My way or the intranet highway?

When it comes time for you to actually enter the business world, what is your new employer going to expect of you?
Hopefully, for generation Y's sake, they will have applied abbreviated text talking to the operations of the organization. This may happen! Generation Y's are the bosses of the future! The efficiency of abbreviated texting is beyond anything else. It just takes time to understand it, that is, if you don't know how to write it. Some bosses are looking at this type of communicating as a way that their employees can express themselves efficiently and effectively for the company. The only down side to this is, when doing business dealings, face-to-face communication is still the best way to go. If a person could effectively apply both ways of communicating, then the sky would be the limit as to how one could apply themselves in a company. So don't lose what you already have, just improve on it. Hopefully, the company you guys end up working for has an upbeat culture.

http://search.proquest.com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/210235565?accountid=3455

Sunday, 4 March 2012

Hey, you're new around here aren't you?

This new instant messenger thing in the workplace and colleges could make for a great ice breaker. Sometimes people have trouble approaching new employees in a business or even other students in college. Everyone is different and all people have their own way of communicating with others. Some may be quicker than others and can walk right up to people and start talking. Others may take days, weeks or even months to open up. No matter who it is, when you enter the business world, that communication wall will have to come down sooner than later. Myself, being in the Human Resource field, may be able to use instant messenger as a tool for orientation. It could be used to show how new recruits would communicate without the added stress of doing it directly in person. In return, the recruit would acquire a small amount of recognition from other employees without even meeting them in person. Then when they do meet in passing, the new employee will know that they already spoke with that person and that the conversation went pretty well. In return, the new employee will automatically feel more comfortable about approaching that person. Seems kind of strange though, how people let their guard down over the web. Is it actually easier to trust over the web than in person? Is this where we are headed?
Just some of my own thoughts !
Would love to know what you think?

http://search.proquest.com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/210235565?accountid=3455

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Why don't you just LOG OFF !!

> Upper Management <
  • Hi John! 
  • The deadline for the case study has changed to this Friday instead of Monday
  • It is urgent that we meet
  • What time will you be available?
Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc
  • John, you there?
Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc
  • Hi Jan!
  • I sent John an instant message but he didn't reply 
  • Can you tell me if he is at his desk?
Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc
  • Jan?
Don't get caught leaving your desk while still logged on to the company instant messenger. This will cause a problem and conflict in your workplace. Especially if your supervisor or superior is trying to communicate with you. Make sure you log off or change your status to "away" or "unavailable". Remember, its a tool to help you get ahead and improve your work habits.

Thanks!!! Be back soon!

http://search.proquest.com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/210235565?accountid=3455

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Your nothing but a good for something, 2 timing, son of a gun!

When it comes to instant messenger, being a 2 timer takes talent. It is a good idea to communicate with friends on a different IM than the one used for clients. This will make it easier to keep everyone organized and know what topics are being discussed. You don't want to be talking socially with a friend and all of a sudden, a client messages you and you have to switch to professional mode and vice versa. As well, having 2 IM's on at the same time could cause some havoc and you may get caught slipping up and give the wrong person the wrong answer. Choosing a separate time to communicate with friends, like on your breaks, would be a good idea. Also, if you work from home, and you have a child or 2 and maybe a dog and some chores, you may want to choose very carefully, when to talk to friends and when to deal with those high paying clients. So keep your friends close and your clients closer!
In the end, you will be able to have your cake and eat it too!

http://blog.eprofits.com/2011/03/unique-work-from-home-distractions-and-how-to-deal-with-them/

Sunday, 26 February 2012

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe !

Choose a messenger everyone knows!  If it doesn't work for you, there are many more to choose!

In fact, there are approximately 20 different types of IM software programs out there to choose from. The newest one getting all the rave is Gaim. This program allows numerous conversations to take place in the same window, unlike some other programs where each recipient would be in a separate window. Hey Sheridan students, sound like a program you use? Blackboard IM operates similar to a Gaim program! Except, it doesn't have all the extra options readily available like, change font size, colour, block, warn, remove, and so on. Gaim was originally written for Linux operating systems but now is compatible with Microsoft, Yahoo and other even older versions. AOL, creators of Aim, are not very happy and are actually trying to make a copyright issue out of it. I think Gaim will be fine considering it was around prior to Aim. Whatever the case, there are many to choose from and choose wisely and consider what you want to get out of it.

http://www.forbes.com/2002/07/16/0716tentech.html

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Success, Success, Success

Instant messenger can be a successful tool  in a business, as well as, help make a business become successful. Creating an online IM for customers to use to speak directly with an agent or sale rep, could help create revenues. Now customers can not only buy online, but they can also speak with someone before or after their purchases. Either way, they are very likely to make a purchase and not just one, but possibly several, if their experience with the IM software is a good one. Take Lands' End for example, they have added an online chat section to their webpage, that is easy to use and has helped increase sales. The company states that online sales have increased by 6% with the help of this new software. It is not sure how much this new software costs the company to run, however, their online sales have surpassed the catalog sales. So, in the end or should I say in the Lands' End, capturing a way to communicate with more than 60 million people is sounding very profitable.
http://www.forbes.com/2002/07/22/0722landsend.html

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

AH AH AH AH CHOOOOOOO

Hi! It's me! I don't think I will be in today, I am not feeling well. I think I have a virus. I will work from home and send any files needed through IM (instant messenger). Stop right there!!! Before you go any further, understand that if you do have a virus and send your files via IM, you and your computer aren't the only ones that are going to be sick. With the new, quick speed of IM communication in businesses, comes a great new highway for viruses to travel on. Oh, you have a firewall? No problem, I will just hitch a ride on this file and slip right through without even being noticed! This is something new that has been noticed within the work place and should be addressed with all employees using any kind of instant messaging. Because IM creates a direct link in and out of the organization, viruses are making there way in. They become attached to files and pictures, and pass by firewalls and other security software. So, be aware when you share and take precautionary measures when using instant messaging.
P.S. Feel free to instant message me, but, make sure your files and pics have had their shots!

http://www.microsoft.com/business/en-us/resources/technology/communications/10-tips-for-using-instant-messaging-for-business.aspx?fbid=IpLm338s-gS

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah! Pardon me?

Communication! It is so very important to know your audience and how to communicate with them, even if it is through IM(instant messenger). People don't want to read things that just drag on and on and on and don't have any breaks or just talk about stuff  which has no relevance to the conversation or try to dominate the interaction or write evry thin in shrt 4m, you know the type I am talking about, don't you? Hello? Are you still there? Get my point? Keep the conversation simple and to the point. IM is meant for quick to the point conversations. Know what the topic is before engaging in conversation, as to not be misunderstood. You are entering the business world and if you want to get a head, you need to use your head and communicate professionally! You don't want to sound like this!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOSi_VAkWo

Thursday, 2 February 2012

"Don't repeat this to anyone!"

As great as instant messenger software is, be wary and be safe. Collaborating with fellow employees on that business project is great, as long as you keep it professional. Being too open with colleagues, could put you at a disadvantage, even when using instant messenger. When you think the coast is clear and no one will know what you talked about, your hit with a reality check. " Can I see you in my office for a minute" is not typically something someone wants to hear. Some instant messenger software properties allow for archiving, as well as, copying and pasting. Find out what type of instant messenger software your company is using and understand its capabilities prior to use. Some times archiving can come in handy, for instance, to refer back to a possible good idea that was not written down or even to resolve conflicting instructions. What ever the case, be sure to use it as a tool of the profession and not as a means of water cooler talk. Be sure to let me know how useful this info has been. You can just instant message me!

P.S. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone!
 or will I?

http://www.microsoft.com/business/en-us/resources/technology/communications/10-tips-for-using-instant-messaging-for-business.aspx?fbid=IpLm338s-gS

Sunday, 22 January 2012

It's all in the name: "Instant" messaging!

There are so many different ways to communicate in the business world and they are all pretty quick with the exception of a couple. Phone conversations are fast, as long as the other person is available and the same goes for texting. If the receivers cell phone is off, then they don't actually receive the text until they turn their phone back on. Also, the sender doesn't  know that the receiver has turned their phone off prior to sending a text. Instant messaging, on the other hand, which is breaking waves in the business world, is becoming one of the fastest and most efficient ways to communicate.(6th addition,Business Communication pg.57) A person can be almost anywhere in the world and still communicate with fellow colleagues for free. The sender knows who is on-line even before sending a message and can speak to multiple recipients simultaneously. For instance, I am in a "business" program at Sheridan College and use Blackboard IM every day. Whether I am at school or at home, I can talk to my fellow classmates whenever I see they are on-line. We can discuss meeting times, class projects and assignments, get different opinions or just have a casual conversation. What ever the situation, the communication is real time and much more rewarding. I would highly recommend this type of sharing information to anyone and everyone. Don't hesitate, get connected and start reaping the benefits of "instant" messaging. Pass it on! P.S. While your at it, feel free to comment. Thanks!!!