Business Networking: How to Work the "Virtual" Room

By Susan RoAne, The Mingling Maven®

Social Thief

Recent research out of Stanford University is that time spent on the Internet is causing Americans to "spend less time with friends and family," according to Norman Nie, a political scientist. Yet, we still have to know how to work virtual rooms as well as how often.

Instant Message Madness

When we "work" the virtual room or are logged on, we can learn if our "buddies" are on line, too. We can say hello and have a side-bar chat that resembles a real conversation (except there is nothing visual or auditory to act as clues).

However, sometimes the instant message is an interference and brings another line of behaviors into question. Susan Sikora, San Francisco talk show host, wondered, "What if I am working on a project? or a deadline? Do I answer or ignore? How do I 'bow out' graciously if it is an inconvenient time for me to chat?" And the 'handle'...what if I don't recognize the clever masked name?"

Let common sense be the guide. If you have the time for an instant conversation, you'll know. If you want to respond and go back to work, say so. "So glad to hear from you. Working on a deadline. Hope all is well. Take care (or Goodbye)." Or, do what many people do, just ignore the instant message. That may be rude to some, but others find that being engaged in a side conversation in a chat room or while on-line is annoying and disruptive.

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