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Instant Messaging

Can your Instant Messenger do it all?

The question of whether or not your instant messenger can “do it all” is very important. If you are going to use an instant messenger application within your company you might as well take advantage of every last benefit. There are some programs that are sure to be better for you, your coworkers, etc.

What does it mean to do it all? This is a question that everybody answers in a different way. For instance, you may need an instant messenger, such as Brosix, that allows you to create a secure network. There are not many programs that offer this, so your options will be narrowed from the start. And of course, this is only one detail. You need to know what you are looking for out of your instant messenger so you can then decide what features are most important.

If you are currently using an instant messenger that is not doing enough for you, it is time to change. There is nothing wrong with making a change when the time comes. It may be difficult to make the move, but once you do you will realize that it was a good choice.

Those who are already using an instant messenger that can do it all are in good shape. But if you are lagging behind and struggling to catch up, you need to locate a new program that has more to offer.

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Instant Messaging

Will your Clients Communicate via Instant Messenger?

Would you be able to please your clients by offering an additional mode of communication? If you think that this is a possibility, you should consider communicating with clients via instant messenger. This is something that may sound far fetched, but many companies are already moving in this direction. You don’t want to get passed by!

At the very least you should ask all your clients what they think of this. Soon enough you will have an idea of which ones are willing to communicate via instant messenger, and which ones would rather stay away from this for the time being. Even if only a handful of clients will communicate via IM you are doing something to bring benefits to both parties.

Which instant messenger should I use to communicate with my client? Obviously, this is based largely on how your client is setup. Do they currently use an instant messenger? If not, you should offer them help in getting started. For instance, Brosix makes it easy for anybody to install their instant messenger program and then invite others into a private network. Not only is this simple to do, but the secure environment is sure to impress.

Not every company can benefit from communicating with clients via instant messenger. Can yours? If so, you should ask all your clients to join you. This is just one more way that you can serve your clients and improve your overall relationship.

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Tips

How to become Comfortable with IM Communication

Are you uncomfortable with the thought of using instant messaging as a primary mode of communication? If so, you need to learn how to become comfortable before you do anything else. IM communication is more popular than ever, and you do not want to get left behind by others in your industry.

Here are three ways to become comfortable with IM communication:

1. Use it a little bit at a time. Soon enough you will begin to realize how much it can help, and from there you can increase your frequency. You do not have to jump in and use instant messaging for all communication. Instead, take your time getting used to it.

2. Learn the benefits. Many people never try to get used to IM because they are unaware of what it can really do for them. Make sure you know the advantages of using instant messaging to communicate. This should get you excited about using it.

3. Don’t give yourself a choice. If you are truly interested in using IM to communicate with co-workers and clients you should get started right away. When you give yourself a way out you will take it every time. Force your into using IM from time to time, and you will eventually settle into a comfort zone.

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Tips

How to Pinpoint Problems with your Instant Messenger

Let’s be honest. Not every company is using the right instant messenger at this time. Some companies have done their research, and are sure of what they are using. Others simply allow their employees to use whatever instant messenger they see fit. There is a good chance that there are some problems with your instant messenger of choice. This is particularly true if you did not put anytime into finding the right option the first time around.

The best way to pinpoint problems with your instant messenger is to form a committee full of people who are currently using the application. Even though you may want to do most of the reviewing on your own, it is important to get input from others in your company. They can tell you what they like about the current instant messenger, and what they would like to see changed. Soon enough you will know if making a change is the right thing to do.

Another way to pinpoint issues is to compare your current application to other options. For instance, if you are currently using Windows Live Messenger you may want to compare its features to Brosix and AIM. Soon enough you will see the pros and cons of both, and be able to make a better decision on how to move forward.

There are sure to be things that you do and do not like about your instant messenger. When you know the good and bad you can decide in the end what is best for your company.

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Tips

If your Instant Messenger is letting you down…

Is there something wrong with the instant messenger you are currently using? Are you and other people in your office having a difficult time? If your instant messenger is letting you down, here are three things you can do to get back on track:

1. Find a new provider. This is often times the easiest solution because you don’t have to waste anytime searching for another answer. With so many instant messengers available you can find another tool that offers what your current application is lacking. The longer you wait to make a change the more time you are wasting.

2. Try to find an answer. Changing is not always the best idea because you may be able to find an answer to any problem you are having. Remember, no instant messenger is going to be exactly what you want. You should attempt to deal with any downfalls that you come across before you make a change.

3. Ask others for help. Is there a chance that you are the only one who is experiencing a problem? You may be able to ask somebody in your IT department to explain what is going on. There is a chance that you may be up against a slight learning curve. As soon as you settle in and become comfortable you may not run into any additional problems.

If your instant messenger is letting you down, for whatever reason, try out the three tips listed above.

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Instant Messaging

Why you may want to change IM Programs

Is your current instant messenger causing you trouble? Are you not getting what you want out of this tool? If so, you don’t have to deal with this any longer. Remember, you can change IM programs at anytime. One of the best things about the instant messaging industry is the competition. This makes it easy to eventually settle on the program that is best for you and your company.

What are some of the more specific reasons for wanting to make a change? For one, you may find that you don’t have access to enough features. Your IM tool needs to give you everything you want, plus much more. Even if you are not planning on using a particular feature it is always good to have it available because you never know what will change in the future.

You may also want to change IM programs if the user experience is not up to par. There are some applications, such as Brosix, that are very user friendly. On the other hand, there are also those that are hard to figure out. You don’t want to get involved with something that is going to take up too much of your time. Remember, instant messaging is supposed to bring convenience to your office.

If you want to change IM programs there shouldn’t be anything holding you back. Staying with something that you do not like is just going to make things more difficult, and may even lead to other problems.

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Instant Messaging

Why many Companies Ignore the Benefits of Instant Messaging

What is the reason that so many companies are still not using instant messaging as a communication tool? It is 2009, yet some organizations are stuck in the past. Most people find that an instant messaging tool can be effective in many ways. Of course, this is never seen until a system is implemented.

Here are a couple reasons why some companies are still ignoring the benefits of instant messaging:

1. They don’t know about them. This is actually quite some. If your company is unaware of what instant messaging offers you should show them. Not only will this do wonders for you as an employee, but it will show that you are interested in the development of the company as a whole.

2. They are afraid of what it may bring. Many are aware of the benefits of instant messaging, but are scared of the drawbacks at the same time. In other words, they don’t want employees abusing this tool. If you are worried about this you can setup networks that block outside communication, while also implementing a set of rules that should be followed.

It is hard to believe that some companies just won’t give instant messaging a try. As you can see, there are reasons for keeping this out of an organization. But are they good reasons? Those who use instant messaging on a daily basis will answer with an emphatic NO.

At the very least, any company that can benefit from instant messaging should look into using this form of communication. It may not work out, but remember the old saying: you will never know until you try.

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Instant Messaging

Which Instant Messenger are you going to use?

Are you interested in installing and using an instant messenger within your company’s office setting? If so, you may think this is an easy process; and it can be. But with that in mind, you should remember that there are some decisions that can make things more difficult such as choosing a program to rely on.

Which instant messenger are you interested in using? Some of the most popular include AIM, eBuddy, ICQ, Jabber, Meebo, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, and Brosix. Even though these are the most popular options, there are many other up and coming instant messaging applications that are gaining steam.

The instant messenger you choose should be based on your needs. For instance, teenagers have been flocking to AIM for many years. But this is not the best tool for interoffice use; that award goes to Brosix. Along with your usage needs, you should also choose an instant messenger based on the features that it offers.

There are plenty of options when searching for an instant messenger. What is most important to you? Will any of the above tools work for you? Take your time when comparing each application, and then make a decision you can be happy with.

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Instant Messaging

What are you discussing on IM?

What are you talking about on IM while at work? Before you go any further, one thing to remember is that you should only be having conversations related to work. Anything else should be kept for private and during non-working hours. Now onto the good stuff!

Here are three things you can discuss on IM that you may have never thought about:

1. Set up a meeting by sending a quick IM as opposed to a long email or several phone calls. Using IM allows you to send mass messages in a quick manner. Sure, email is almost the same but not as quick in many cases.

2. Send files then talk about them. If you want to send a file and then talk about it in real time, it doesn’t get much better than using an IM application.

3. You can speak to clients as well. Why hold yourself back by only talking to coworkers? If your clients also want to use IM you should bring them into your network. This is a good way to save time for both parties.

So what have you been talking about on IM? The above three conversations are ones that you may be having on a regular basis. And of course, there are many other topics to discuss on IM. As long as you keep on track and talk about business, there are not too many topics that are off limits.

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Instant Messaging

How to get Familiar with Instant Messaging

Are you interested in using an instant messaging application? If so, and this is your first time, you are probably expecting a large learning curve. But guess what? This doesn’t have to be as bad as you are thinking. Most people find out soon enough that they catch on soon enough. Sure, it takes some patience but in the long run you will be glad that you hung around. The many benefits of instant messaging are well worth learning.

The best way to get familiar with instant messaging is to use this tool, day in and day out. When you send messages on a regular basis you will begin to get a good feel for what you are doing. Along the way you will also pick up on how to use the many features such as away messages, chats, etc.

Of course, the program you are using also has a lot to do with how quickly you catch on. If you use a high quality instant messaging tool, such as Brosix or MSN Messenger, you can be rest assured that becoming familiar with all the options is easier than expected.

Don’t be afraid to get started with instant messaging because of what you do not know. Even if you are new to this mode of communication you can get started by familiarizing yourself with the basics. From there, you can move on while taking full advantage of all the benefits!