Even the New York Times has come to terms with the fact that in these hard economic times, looking busy can help you to keep your bosses good graces, and your job. While a lot of people are reshuffling papers, or leaving out thick file folders one can’t help but wonder how long it will take until your boss sees through that act and catches on to the charade. Say, when its time for you to give in a monthly report.

It would be a much better use of that fake busy time to actually add to your personal value, and to prove that you are an asset and not a faker. It got me thinking how Brosix can help you to do just that. Imagine being able to add some of these to your list of monthly accomplishments.

1. Provided secure online technical support to customers online on demand. (IM’s, Cooperative Internet Browsing)

2. Conducted a e-training seminar for staff members all over the world, with a real time question and answer session at zero cost to the organization. (Voice chat)

3. Provided real time updates on project status to senior managers with visual accompaniments. (File transfer and screen shots)

4. Ensured that project team received all forgotten data in Santa Fe before presentation to clients. (File Transfer)

That kind of value added could actually keep your job, instead of making your boss feel angry and betrayed when the truth of your busywork comes to light.

#1 Customer Information

If you lose the trust of your customers you may never get it back again. Not to mention the damage it would do to your companies reputation in the long term.

#2 Updates on Financial Information

Your boss may have needed it quickly for that big presentation but you only want him to see it.

#3 Computer Passwords

Now you know that you shouldn’t be sharing these, but not all of your co workers are as diligent as you. Just in case it would be better to have the information secure.

#4 Information about a mistake

Every person and every company makes mistakes once and awhile.  Keeping them on a need to know basis can make a big difference in how things play out.

#5 Information about your personal life

Sometimes you have to give your boss personal information if you need to take a sick or personal leave you will want that information to remain personal. The whole office doesn’t need to know that you mother is sick.

The moral of the story, if you are going to IM with your boss, you should be sure that the IM’s are secure. A service like Brosix can help you with that. Encrypted instant messages will keep prying eyes off of your messages and information on a need to know basis.