Instant messaging can be a helpful tool, but it is important to keep the messages professional. You don't want to chat with your boss or an important client the way you would with your best friend. Here are some tips to help you keep your business instant messaging professional. Keep it Short Business instant messaging should be used for quick communication. Keep your messages to the point, and only ask for responses that can be written in a short message as well. On the other hand, don't use common text abbreviations such as LOL. Such informal language might irritate the person you are communicating with. Stick to Positive Comments Whatever you do, don't fire someone in a business instant message. Stick to scheduling meetings, asking simple questions, saying thank you, or simple instructions. Difficult communications, like criticisms should be handled in person. Respect the "Away" Sign If you want to send a message to someone but his status is set on "away," treat this as a do not disturb sign. Don't send a message until the other person's status changes. And remember to change your status to away when you are not free to message; you wouldn't want to annoy someone by not responding to his or her message. Keep it Clean Although business instant messaging may feel like a private phone conversation, it is not. For all you know there might be someone looking over your messaging partner's shoulder. It is just as easy to share an instant message as it is to share an email. So, only write messages you are okay with others reading. Avoid Emoticons It is hard to take someone seriously who puts in a cartoon face after every other word. Emoticons are fun in casual instant messages, but in a business instant message you want to do everything you can to get people to respect what you have to say. Using an emoticon or two is great for making a personal connection but don't get carried away. Keep your Social Messaging Separate If you use instant messaging casually as well as in business, it is a good idea to have two instant messaging identities. That way you won't end up chatting with your friends when you are supposed to be working.
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