How do I get alerts re an IM without having to go back and forth between Google and IE?

 I use Google Chrome as my default browser, but I need IM to communicate with my business associates.I was told if I installed Windows Essentials that an icon would stay on the bottom of my screen that would blink when a new IM came into IE while I was using Google. I installed Essentials, but no icon appeared and I continually have to switch between Google and IE to see if I have an IM.