Time zone issues are always a problem when using live chat programs. But, IRC is a strong method for recruiting new members and offering users to chat with one another.
IRC requires a IRC client installed. I have been using Mirc (http://www.mirc.com/) for nearly a decade, which has a shareware version available.
Virc (http://www.visualirc.net/beta.php) is a freeware IRC client. Never used it myself, but the price is rightt.
My GMT is -7.
http://greenwichmeantime.com/ expains GMT and will help learn your areas GMT zone.
With IRC, users usually just log on and yack to anyone that may be online at the time. I have registered #TWHL at irc.ircbear.com port 6667 and will log on when I am on my computer.
http://www.ircbear.com gives information on needed software and what IRC is.
http://www.bearkey.com creates and configs registered users.
Just need to know usernames to set as channel Operators.
I rarely turn on IM clients due to the holes they open in my network.