An interesting thought just passed through my mind…but it’s not an old thought, but something that I felt I’d write about here — have you ever wondered whether or not instant messaging (or IM) is a professional way to communicate between agency and client? More and more these days, I find that agencies are interacting with their clients through IM programs like AOL, Skype, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and/or ICQ. This is an interesting, but rapidly emerging practice in the workplace that is definitely shattering the common stereotype of those who use IM on a daily basis. Instead of those young people who use it to chat with their peers, business professionals are finding it more effective in sending files and communicating with people around the world without having to pick up a phone. Will this movement lead to increased improvements in the IM industry? Will we all see a sub-division of IM programs that are specifically targeted to those in business and retail? Probably not because it’s already here — just turn on your laptop or desktop and you’re connected. Want to have a video chat? IMs can do that now. Want to send files or play games? You can do that too…the future of IMs is here.