How to Use Instant Messaging Effectively in Business | Business Communication 2.0: Social Media and Digital Communication | Scoop.it

Here are 16 ways that instant messaging can be used effectively in a business context:

 

Effectively using instant messaging in a professional capacity can aid clear communication, coordination, and timely decision-making within any workplace context.

 

Set Guidelines: Establish guidelines for professional behavior, message tone, and other aspects of instant messaging to promote clarity and respect within workplace communication.

 

Use It for Quick and Casual Communication: Instant messaging can be a good way to send quick, informal messages or to ask simple questions without cluttering up inboxes or being interrupted in person.

 

Choose the Right App: Depending on the needs of your business, choose an app that offers features like flexible and customizable chat rooms, group settings, integrations, and increased productivity.

 

Use It for Team Collaboration: Instant messaging can encourage team collaboration, which can be facilitated by creating groups for departments, project teams, or individuals.

 

Respect Time Zones: When sending messages to colleagues who work in different time zones, make sure to choose your words carefully and provide clear instructions, instead of impeding work efficacy and clarity.

 

Optimize Status Updates: Use status updates to inform your coworkers of your availability when you will be back online or in the office, or busy with project work, etc.

 

Use It to Eliminate Barriers: Instant messaging can help break down barriers between staff members and increase inclusivity levels, creating a comfortable environment for communication and collaboration.

 

Use It for Quick Decision Making: A timely collaboration with instant messaging can lead to faster decision-making, improving communication efficiency and idea generation.

 

Monitor Its Usage: Monitor the frequency and content of instant messaging conversations and address any issues related to its usage that may hinder communication negatively.

 

Ensure Security: Instant messaging should be used with security measures in place to avoid any security breaches, keeping potentially sensitive business conversations private.

 

Check Security Information and Privacy Policy: Before implementing instant messaging for business, it is important to check the security information and privacy policy of the messaging app you are planning to use. This will help you ensure that your business data is safe and secure.

 

Involve Other Departments: Instant messaging can be used to involve other departments in your business. For example, you can use instant messaging to communicate with your marketing team or sales team.

 

Check The Source, Process And Reviews: It is important to check the source, process and reviews of the instant messaging app you are planning to use. This will help you ensure that the app is reliable and trustworthy.

 

Redact Personally Identifiable Information: It is important to redact personally identifiable information (PII) from your instant messages. This will help you ensure that your business data is safe and secure.

 

Delete Old Conversations: It is important to delete old conversations from your instant messaging app. This will help you ensure that your business data is safe and secure.