Using Instant Messaging For Business Save on your phone bills by using this faster, cheaper service.
By Aliza P. Sherman •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
If you're working away from the office or your entire teamis virtual and spread around the world, there's a easy andaffordable way to stay in constant contact with them withoutrunning up long distance phone charges.
Instant messaging was developed as a quick, private way to chatwith people you know who are using the same messaging software. Thegranddaddy of instant messaging software is AOL's InstantMessaging or AIM. Go to theirsite, sign up-for free-and download their AIM softwarewhich works on both PCs and Macs.
While AIM will work if you already have an AOL account, it'sbetter to set up a separate account for business use only;otherwise, friends and family who know your AOL account will IM you(instant message you) constantly to say hello. Not very conduciveto getting work done.
With AIM, you set up a "Buddy List" where you enterthe Screen Names or AIM account names of your co-workers.There's also room to add friends and family to your list whichmeans you'll be notified if they're online, but you canchoose not to contact them if you're busy.
If you're using AIM for business, don't set up aPersonal Profile with any details; otherwise, other AIM users cansearch profiles to find you. With AIM, you can also choose theConnect To Talk option and if you have a microphone, you can have a"phone" conversation via the Internet.
Ultimately, with instant messaging, you can see when yourco-workers are online when you're online and engage in chatsimmediately to convey important messages.
Other sites with instant messaging software include ICQ 2000 and PowWow, the latter which givesaccess to AOL and MSN Instant Messaging users.
Aliza Sherman is an entrepreneur and author of Cybergrrl:A Woman's Guide to the World Wide Web (Ballantine Books).She is currently working on her next book and new company.
