A system and method for implementing personalized alerts utilizing a user registry in instant messenger. A first client logs on to a server utilizing an instant messenger program. The first client selects at least one attribute that describes at least one user in a user registry. After selecting the attributes, the first client selects a personalized alert to associate with the selected attributes. If a second client with characteristics described by the selected attributes sends the first client a message, the assigned personalized alert will be activated.