Instant messages help to develop communication skills. Take a note of these six simple netiquette rules to win over the people you talk with and choose the right corporate instant messaging program.

Instant messaging with friends: three netiquette rules of informal communications

Rule one: each virtual community has its own communication style. If you often use instant messaging with virtual friends you certainly noticed that some are more familiar, while others prefer to keep their distance. In instant messaging on different chat channels, try to take a note of the instant messaging style that is used on each channel. This advice will help you become comfortable in the virtual community sooner if you are new there.

Rule two: while talking to everyone, talk to each one. Imagine instant messaging as a get-together: everyone talks together, but from time to time a large group separates into smaller ones and some people even step aside for privacy. Instant messaging using the CommFort program enables retaining the ease of a live gathering – you can send remarks and photos to the general chat, create separate channels for certain people, or talk privately.

Rule three: use different means of expression. An image or a meme may be able to convey more connotations than words (unless you are Mark Twain or Nabokov). In those cases when it is easier to show than to tell, the CommFort instant messaging program has an option for publishing a picture directly in the text chat window.

Corporate instant messaging: three business netiquette rules

Rule one: do not mix information flows. Local instant messaging and file exchange enable you to discuss routine matters and speed-up resolution of controversial issues online. You should not use the general corporate chat window for personal instant messaging or to discuss irrelevant topics. It is better to create a separate channel for such conversations; the CommFort corporate instant messaging will let you do that.

Rule two: study all options of the corporate instant messaging program. Corporate chat could play a large role in the life of a company. If company local instant messaging uses the CommFort application that means that it can be used to hold video conferences, webinars, and meetings with foreign partners. Learn everything you can about the program functionality to be able to fully participate in the corporate virtual life.

Rule three: keep the transferred file names correct and accurate. If the company uses such corporate instant messaging application as CommFort, associates can not only exchange messages, but also files and folders. If you are sending, for example several versions of a marketing draft, make sure to specify the project name, the particular file traits, and the sending date within the file name. After all, if all the drafts are simply called “Image” and differ only by numbers, it is easy to send the wrong file to print. Do everything in your power, to minimize such risks while messaging.