James Laitinen

Step by Step Guide: Using Microsoft Windows Live Messenger to integrate with your Facebook profile

One of the tools that I have always loved, is Microsoft Windows Live Messenger. The free downloadable/web versions have only gotten better with the Windows Live services. Considering the user base, the zero cost entry for people to adopt its a pretty compelling story. Additional benefits are also now for your contacts are now replicated through your email. You can seamlessly integrate with the Windows Live Mail email client, and its a great way to have all your contacts, communications in one place to connect with people.

Here are some of my thoughts around why this should be on your Facebook profile.

Instant Messaging saves time and improves productivity. Collaborating in real-time can save you hours of time by reducing the amount of email, posts, and follow ups you need to return information.
Instant Messaging shows you presence information, is the person online, busy, away from their desk.
You don’t need to download the Microsoft Windows Live Messenger client onto your PC, it also uses the web version to access your buddy list.
Not everyone wants to send a message, post on your wall, or perhaps you have something like a file to share.
Where is everyone going? Get where people are actively connecting.
The Facebook chat is not a fluid experience yet, and you can’t upload files through it. And its “clunky”.
Not everyone is on my Facebook chat, so again that is another issue having separate online services to connect people.
Not everyone on my Facebook profile is on my Windows Live Messenger buddy list.
If you want to collaborate with more than one person Windows Live Messenger is the way to go.
Save your fingers from typing, by using your built in web-cam and connect over video. You now can read body language you didn’t have before, key in building new relationships.
By using a service like http://www.ping.fm you can leverage the use of your Windows Live Messenger to promote status updates saving you from having to sign into those services. Again, this improves productivity and makes it easier to share information through your social network.
It makes you more approachable.
It is free, and I’m a PC.

Here are some case studies on marketing and the benefits of Windows Live Messenger.

Here is how to install it on your profile.

Step 1. On the left hand side, browse for more applications.

Step 2. Search “Windows Live Messenger” and at the top of the results you will find the add-on. Click on the link.

Step 3. Click on “Go to Application”

Step 4. Allow the application to access your Facebook profile, without this step the security settings won’t allow it to function properly.

Step 5. Click “Continue”

Step 6. Click “Sign in” or choose another account that you wish to have connected to your profile. If you are new to Windows Live Messenger, then you will need to sign up to create an account. Otherwise, use your existing account and proceed.

Step 7. Get connected with all your friends! You can send them and invite, or simply skip.

Step 8. If you miss this part, then it won’t appear on your facebook profile for your friends to see. Click “Add to Profile”.

Step 9. Now you want to click add, and then you will have a badge on your profile for people to connect with you. I’m going to click “Add”.

Step 10. Now you can keep the badge and position it on your profile.

Finished! So now you have one of the best features ever, “Add <your name> to your contacts” which is displayed on your profile. That way for friends, family, and business colleagues they have a direct connect with you if your not on their Windows Live Messenger lists. Or you can click “Chat with <your name>” and the web based version will load up on the site. Perfect for coffee shops or somewhere else where you don’t want to sign in.

James Laitinen

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Step by Step Guide: Using Microsoft Windows Live Messenger to integrate with your Facebook profile