In addition to telephones, fax and emails, new research shows instant messaging is a great way to manage workplace communications and streamline processes to getting your most important assignments done.

    新的调查研究显示，除了电话，传真，邮件以外，即时通讯也是管理职场通讯的一种简便而使用的方法，利用即时通讯同样可使你最重要的工作任务得到完成。

    However, as with all communication mediums, there are a couple of rules everyone should follow to be seen as a courteous coworker. By developing good habits with your IM, you can help bring new consideration to using this wonderful tool in the workplace.

    然而，和其他的通信媒介一样，作为一个有礼貌的职员，有几点规则你是必须清楚的。只要养成了好的发即时通讯的习惯，你就可以在职场上巧妙的使用这款神奇的通讯工具。

    Using IM for Business

    在商务上使用即时通讯

    1.Seek Permission to Enter. Just as you would over the telephone, always ask whether it is a good time to IM with the user on the receiving end. Try, "Michael, do you have a moment? I would like to ask a question about last month's finance report." Not only are you asking for availability, you also drop the subject of the query. If they are busy, ask them when a good time to follow-up would be.

    寻求进入许可。正如你打电话一样，记得每次都要问别人此刻是否方便使用即时通讯工具。试试："麦克，你现在有时间吗？我想请教一个关于上个月财务报告的事情。"你不仅仅是在询问别人是否方便，你也是在抛出话题。如果他们很忙，就问下他们接下来什么时候比较合适。

    2.Mind Availability Settings. An extension of number one is to consider any "busy" or other availability settings before sending an IM to a contact. Even if you can see your coworker is clearly not "in a meeting," now may not be the best time. In return, always set your availability settings when necessary.

    注意状态设置。在发即时通讯之前，要看看对方是否是"忙碌"状态（多数通讯工具的设置状态）,或者是其他的状态。即使你知道你的同事明明不是在开会，那现在也可能不会最佳时机。反过来，也要在想要的时候设置自己通讯工具的状态。

    3.Keep it Brief. The boss says you have his attention…now what? Whatever you do, practice brevity. It is called "instant" messaging-so get to it! Ask your questions and get on with business.

    简单明了。上司说你引起他的注意了--什么注意呢？不管你在做什么，简单的实践下吧。它是即时通讯工具，所以就要即时使用它。问出你的问题，开始工作吧。

    4.Keep it in Proper English. When sending instant messages regarding work, keep slang and IM acronyms at bay and use proper English instead. Not only is it more professional, it helps avoid the distraction of a "What is IMO?" conversation with a less-than-net-savvy IM user. Don't forget the punctuation, either.

    使用恰当的英语。使用即时通讯工具发送有关工作的信息时，不要使用俚语以及IM上的缩写，要用合适的英语。这样做不仅仅是更专业，也可以减少不必要的解释，因为那些很少使用IM的用户会不明白"什么是IMO".也要注意不要忘记了标点符号。

    5.Avoid Long Conversations. If your IM session begins to drag into overtime, suggest a face-to-face meeting so you can maintain an efficient work environment.

    避免过长的对话。如果你在IM上聊天时间过长，建议你直接去找对方面对面谈，这样才可以保证职场的工作效率。

    IM at Work Best Practices

    即时通讯在职场的最佳使用方法

    6.Follow Office Policies. Most IT departments are leery

    of allowing associates free reign to download software to their computers. Find out your company policies and follow them. Use web-based and portable

    IMs when you cannot download them to your computer.

    遵守职场规则。很多IT部门都不愿意公司其他部门同事随心所欲的在自己电脑上下载软件。找出你们公司的规则，并要遵守这些规则。如果你不能下载的话，就是用网页上的便携式的即时通讯工具。

    7.Get an SN for Work. While your buddies might think your IM moniker is cute or funny, your work contacts might be offended or form a less-than-stellar image of you after seeing your screenname. Consider getting a work-only screenname. You can always give it out to friends and family later or use multiple screennames at once with a multi-protocol IM.

    取一个工作上的用户名。虽然你的朋友可能觉得你的IM名字很可爱，但是你的同事或很少使用即时通讯工具的人在看到你的IM名字后可能觉得不舒服。考虑取一个只用于工作上的用户名。在和朋友及家人聊天时你可以将用户名更换过来，或者利用IM上的多功能设置，同时设置多个用户名。

    8.Business-Friendly IMs. Remember, your communications to other associates, your boss or outside clients and vendors should always boast professionalism, even when instant messaging.

    职场IM朋友。记住，即使是使用即时通讯工具，你和其他同事，和上司、客户或供应商之间应该永远是从职业的角度去交流的。

    Therefore, put away the political IM icons, the bright orange text and the pop culture wallpapers in lieu of Arial or Times New Roman （10 to 12 pt. font）. You can always use a little splash of color for wallpaper, but nothing work inappropriate. Consider sprucing up your IM with a business-savvy profile, complete with company logo and contact information. Maybe even a mug of your pretty face for your IM icon? Now you're set for business.

    因此，不要将政治图片作为IM的图标，也不要使用亮黄色，流行的Arial 或Times New Roman字体。你永远都可以使用一点鲜明的背景图片，但是这些并不会起到合适的效果。可以将你的IM资料专业化，将公司的图标以及联系方式都补充上去。或许你也可以将你漂亮的杯子当作IM图标。好了，现在你的一切设置都职场化了。