Contract Worker - Freelancing Experiences

IM Etiquette

by Rico on November 19th, 2006

A lot of freelancers use instant messaging (IM) programs to deal with their clients. So they should be careful about what they type; mistakes may give the wrong impression, and a wrong impression may jeopardize the job.

Though really frustrating, some of Forbes.com’s slideshows really do provide helpful info, like this list on IM Etiquette:

1. Use status and status description effectively
2. IM isn’t e-mail
3. Easy on the acronyms
4. Pick up the phone
5. Don’t hide behind IM
6. Log off from your IM system
7. Focus on what is important
8. Be aware of other people’s typing skills
9. CAPS LOCK

The point is to not consider IM as the exclusive way of interacting with other people. Sometimes more personal contact is needed to seal the deal. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) programs like Skype allow you to talk with people anywhere in the world (as long as they’re running Skype also)—for free.

More thoughts: The Etiquette of Instant Messaging.

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