© somegeekintn



Technology can help your business in a lot of ways. It has transformed communication. Cell phones took it mobile, then email and instant messaging (IM) went online, and finally, SMS texting gives people instant access to eachother. Today I want to talk a little about IMing. Its an easy thing to incorporate into your company culture. But there are some precautions to consider as well. So we'll do 5 "do's" and 5 "don'ts".

Do:

1. Define the rules. When are employees allowed to IM? With whom?

2. Use IM for brief messages. Ever write the one-line email question? Move those discussion to IM.

3. Take advantage of IM flexibility. If you work with independent contractors or have employees who work from home, this is a great way to stay in contact.

4. Customer Service. Many companies now offer customer service through IM. Its quick, effective and can allow for tremendous flexibility (for you and your customers). More on this here.

5. Save transcripts. One great plus side to email is being able to save every conversation in writing. IM services offer the same option, so its probably a good habit to get into. (Plus, if everyone saves every conversation, it will keep employees from discussing personal or unimportant info.)

Don't:

1. Invade your employee's personal space. When work is "over" don't bother your employees anymore. Or do so very minimally. Don't abuse your access to them.

2. Pick an obscure IM service. Use a service your employees are already comfortable with (probably Yahoo, AIM, or Windows Live). Some companies pick an offbeat IM service to ensure employees use the service for work only. To avoid this, remember #1, define the rules.

3. Let IMing interfere with productivity. People are prone to chat. If someone falls behind, ask about how often they IM. Or consider a time-tracking software if you are really worried.

4. Forget about security. IMing can open up your employees computers to worms and viruses. Make sure to warn employees of how this happens and keep clean computers. More here.

5. Substitute IM for real conversation. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone face to face. Its probably best to do anything important in person, such as: praise/recognition, reprimands, a raise, firing someone, discussing vacation time, etc.

Does your company use IM? How has it helped?