[Sunny]

Hi Brian,

I don't actually use IM for business, but last summer I worked with my uncle who runs a Computer Networking company (selling all sorts of network hardware). He uses AIM and MSN for business purposes.

I think its useful in his nature business as he can get instant replies to any questions (for example, if he has a customer on the phone who is looking for some hardware he hasn't got in stock, he can quickly IM a supplier and find if they stock it and for how much he can get the part).

So, I suppose it depends on the nature of your business. However, I think it can be quite useful and can help build relationships with customers/suppliers. One negative thing is that you can often start chatting about other things, which are irrevelant to your business (but again, this can be a good thing?).