Here’s one of those moments when I say “Dah! Why didn’t I think of that?”
I’ve been all about visitor optimization for years now and frequently dealt with online customer service chat buttons. Not once, until today, did I ever consider anything much beyond “Click to chat” and “Not Available” (or the button just disappearing when not available).
Take a look at this chat button from lmnotees.com. 
It’s brilliant! It gets your attention. As a mentor would say to me… it “surprises Broca.” I saw the “sexy customer service agent” and said “HUH, what did I just see?!” Then I had a good laugh at the “bored.” To cap things off, it has an excellent call to action to engage browsing visitors. Just gotta love it.
My hat goes off to the folks at lmnotees.com.
YES! I totally agree. It’s funny the things you take for granted and just don’t see.
John Straus
August 22nd, 2007