5 Ways Yahoo Messenger Contributes to Your Productivity
I’m not sure how popular Yahoo Messenger is, but it’s my IM of choice. I’ve been using it for so long that I’ve discovered at least five ways it contributes to my productivity.
Instant Communications. YM’s voice calls may be spotty at best, but nothing beats old-fashioned instant messaging, something Yahoo Messenger does very well.
Web-based Version. Obviously, YM isn’t the only application that can handle instant messaging. But its web-based version has proven really useful so many times. All I have to do is visit webmessenger.yahoo.com, and I’ll be able to access my contacts—even if Yahoo Messenger hasn’t been installed on the computer I’m using.
File Sending. YM represents a quick and easy way to send information or projects to clients. With a fast enough connection on both ends, it allows you to send data larger than email’s typical 10MB limit. At the same time, it allows real-time interaction; I send a draft to a client, he immediately responds with his requested revisions.
Status Message Marketing. Not only does YM let you tell your contacts that you’re too busy to talk (a feature also available on competitors), it also lets you do some marketing at the same time.
If you set a contact to “[text] [url]” your contacts will see a text link saying “[text]” beside your name on your contact list. Once they click on it, they’re brought to “[url]” (Example “Check Out My New Project http://project.com”). This is how YM let’s you build publicity—while you’re busy working.
Quick Exit I’ll be the first to admit that YM can be very detrimental to productivity. Luckily it quickly exits. This makes it easy for you to step up your concentration, by letting you quickly dismiss Yahoo Messenger if it’s proving a distraction.
Fellow freelancers, what instant messaging program do you use? How has it proven beneficial to your productivity?
Tags: Clients, Communications, Productivity, Sending Files, Yahoo MessengerRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Useful Tools
2 opinions for 5 Ways Yahoo Messenger Contributes to Your Productivity
Lindsay
Jul 7, 2008 at 12:26 am
Interesting post. I’ve always considered IMing programs more of a distraction than a benefit, though I work for myself and don’t have clients or the like. I can see where it would be an efficient way to interface with clients or co-workers.
Still, I think I’d tick the log-on-invisible notch or at least have it not start up automatically when the computer is on, and then decide later if I want to get involved with IMing. :)
Rico
Jul 7, 2008 at 7:11 am
Exactly what I do with my own YM. I just hate how YM goes visible when I wake my computer from sleep mode, that’s why I have to close it before closing the lid of my laptop. :(
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