Posted by Sylvia_FL on 9/1/04 2:18pm
Msg #7145

Newbies!

I see some posts from "newbies" how they have not got any signings yet, and what are they doing wrong.


First. are you marketing yourself to as many signing companies as you can???
I see some newbies that ask about signing companies in a particular area - contact all nationwide signing companies!!! Just because they are not physically located in your area does not mean they do not have signings in your area?

Are you listed in any of the notary directories?? This one is a good place to list - and buy the premiere membership! The Signing Registry is an excellent organization to join - and they will even assign a mentor to you. Then there is 123notary.com

Sign up with as many companies as you can, follow up every now and then with a phone call to introduce yourself and let them know you are available, and don't be too shy about asking "do you have anything for me today?"

You can't just list yourself in directories and then just sit back and wait for the work. You have to actively market yourself.

If you are doing all this, and are not getting anything, be patient. Your area may be saturated, and it may take several months to get your feet off the ground.

Make sure you know your notary laws inside out. Make sure you know the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat. If you have a Training manual (the Signing Registry has an excellent one), then spend time studying it, so when you do get calls you will be prepared.

Get your fee sheet ready. Be prepared!!

Have the right tools for the job - if you plan on accepting edocs, make sure you have a laser printer with pcl 5 or pcl 6 drivers (HP is the only brand with the true pcl drivers) Make sure you are well stocked up with legal paper as well as letter paper. Make sure you have blank notary certificates ready for when needed. Make sure you have fax capabilities.

When accepting signings, set a "credit limit" of companies that you don't have feedback on. I will do three signings to a "new to me" company, unless they have a positive feedback rating, then if I get "stung" I am only out 3 signings and not a lot of money - I see notaries saying that some companies owe them over $500, some over $1,000.00 - this is unacceptable, do not set yourselves up for this kind of a loss.


And if you are ever unsure of something, do not be afraid to ask!!

Reply by rouj on 9/1/04 3:15pm
Msg #7149

Sylvia, this is excellent information! Thank you for sharing.

Reply by lynnboop on 9/1/04 5:26pm
Msg #7163

Thanks so much for that information.

Reply by DonnaNJ on 9/2/04 3:30pm
Msg #7219

Sylvia, Thank you so much for the advise. I am a newbie and have become a premiere member and have been contacting all the companies that are nationwide. I received a call today and I'm excited that I finally feel like I might be getting somewhere. Marketing is the tool and I read this forum every day sometimes twice a day to get all the knowledge I can. For you to take the time to help out all us newbies is very extrodinarily gracious of you.

Thank you.
Donna NJ

Reply by Arant19 on 9/6/04 7:02pm
Msg #7482

Hi Sylvia! I must agree with DonnaNJ how you take the time to help out all us newbies. Not only do you assist us newbies, you should get KUDOS for assisting any notary who needs it... Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to THANK YOU for being available to provide such VALUABLE information.

I HOPE none of the other notaries get offended by my PRAISING you because the information they provide are as EQUALLY VALUABLE and I THANK YOU ALL too.