While I try to keep up with technology on some levels, I am not always the first person to embrace the latest and greatest. One of the most recent developments I am trying to master is “Instant Messaging.” While I know that it is being used more and more (and not just by my teenagers either), I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around using it for business.
Maybe it is all the cute little smilies and colored font, or maybe it is the funky screen names, but whatever the reality, I do accept that instant messaging, as well as “texting” as a means of communication is here to stay and that means it will definitely be a part of business communication too.
As a pro, it is a conversation that can happen in “real” time as opposed to the back and forth delay of an e-mail. Instant messaging can also be very similar to a phone call in terms of the give and take, and a person can carry on multiple “conversations” at the same time. I am not entirely convinced this communication multi-tasking is a good thing, however. I often find that just plowing through my e-mail inbox and keeping all the communication threads and tasks straight is a challenge. With two instant message “conversations” going on, I can get really confused and frazzled. Even for an experienced multi-tasker like me, there is a limit; a capacity as to how much I can conceivably handle!
Plus, what happens if the computer or the software program crashes? How do you save or retrieve that conversation? How does a person set reasonable boundaries and time limits on a home business with instant messaging? If a client or colleague sees that you are “on” at any time of night or day—does that mean you are free to do business?
As you can see, I have far more questions on this topic of instant messaging in business than I do answers—I would love to hear from those of you who are more technologically savvy and are actually using it as a business tool. Would you be willing to provide a little insight and guidance on instant messaging in business for us novices?
Also: Instant Messaging–The Next Security Threat
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