Web Worker Daily recently posted  17 Ways to Be Productive with Instant Messaging

 It’s almost impossible to concentrate with those pesky IM boxes popping up. Here are a three of my favorites from the list:

# 1. Limit your time.

As Web Worker Daily recommends, one way to avoid them is to set your availability to “busy” and set aside an hour a day to chat. Another approach is to edit your “busy” or “away” message and let others know when you will be available to chat. For example: “I’m in a meeting – will be available to chat at 3pm”. This approach is also very useful when you need quiet time to focus on a task at your desk. Your message might say “I’m working on a priority task – will be back online at 11am”.   

#11. Say thank you or congrats.

This is a great way to build rapport with team members who are geographically dispersed, tele-commuting or working at client offices. A quick thank you for completing a task, submitting status or handling an issue helps them feel connected and part of the team.

#15. Use group chat.

I’ve used group chat very effectively during conference calls when only one person is designated to present status. Having your virtual team on a group chat allows them to make comments and suggestions without disrupting the flow of the call.