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/

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

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

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

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

"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