Today Instant Messaging (IM) has become so widespread that nobody can imagine an internet without IM. Instant messaging has become a new line of communication and many business people are preferring IM over telephone and e-mail. No doubt, it’s a cool way to manage relationships and to get a quick response on something. But if you don’t use it in a right manner, you can’t get most out of this exciting tool. So whether you are a business person or an addictive IM user, here are tips which can help you communicate more effectively.

Your screen name/icon/avatar matters a lot

Humorous screen name or avatar may be cool with your friends and buddies but does not seem good in a business environment. So be careful when creating a screen name or avatar. You can use separate screen names and avatar for your business contacts.

Don’t intrude like an unwanted guest

Knock before you enter the house. You can’t guess what’s happening on the other end at that point of time. So inquire if the person on other side is free or available for chat.

Introduction is essential

The person on the other end may not remember you if he/ she has a long list of contacts. So introduce yourself by name especially for the first few conversations.

Don’t write an essay

Your messages should be brief, relevant and to the point. There is nothing worse than sending very long, irrelevant messages.

Don’t interrogate

Don’t make your conversation one sided as it gives the other person a feel of an interrogation rather than a conversation. Give the other person enough time to respond. Try to understand that the person at the other end may not be a fast typist or may have other distractions also.

Don’t overuse abbreviations

You may use abbreviations and slang with your close friends but just don’t use them with everyone. If the person on the other end isn’t familiar with that language it may totally confuse him/her.

Be professional but polite

Don’t be rude or over familiar. Use the terms “please” and “thank you” even if the person on the other end seems to be abrupt. Try not to match their rudeness.

Don’t confuse people with a misleading status

Instant Messaging allow you to set your status. So use it in a proper manner. For instance if you are away from the computer and you are showing your status as “available”, then person on the other end will wait for your response.

Be careful about confidential information

Instant messaging tools are not very secure so be careful with any confidential or sensitive personal information, such as your credit card numbers or passwords etc.

End the conversation in a proper manner

Don’t end your conversation abruptly. Ask if the other person is done or have any more questions if not, thank the person for his/her time.

Try to remember that you are actually speaking to a real person so behave in a proper manner.