Posted by JMS/OC/SoCal on 4/22/05 6:03pm
Msg #33409

Newly Commissioned Newbie

Hello Everyone,

I just received my commission! Don't worry I won't be asking the old, "How do I get started, will someone give me free advice?" questions.

While I am in the process of getting my bond and oath and all my supplies I am working on some marketing angles and wanted to see if any of you have tried this. Now we all know the tried and true marketing methods so I won't go into those. But I've been saving all of the postcards and mailings that I personally receive in the mail to compile a good-sized database listing of local banks, realtors, and mortgage lenders in my area that I intend to target.

If any of you have tried this I'd be interested in knowing if you've had any luck or any sort of response. For those of you that haven't and think this may be a good idea feel free to use it and post back if you have any luck.

Any other advice is of course welcome. But from what I've read on this board, any meaningful "free" advice only comes from a few. To those few, I have enjoyed your posts and appreciate your advice.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

JMS

Reply by Merry_NoCal on 4/22/05 7:06pm
Msg #33420

JMS - I think it's a great idea because I have been doing the same thing ;). As a homeowner I am bombarded with solicitations from lending companies, banks, mortgage brokers etc. I stopped tossing those in the trash and now also keep them - filed according to the type of company. I am not only a NSA but also a mortgage broker. These mailings at times give me good marketing ideas either in graphics, wording, target market etc.
Good luck!
MGG

Reply by Tina_MI on 4/22/05 9:28pm
Msg #33448

So, you noticed the pleasantries as well?? I'm afraid to ask/say anything, and I have read all the entries.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/22/05 9:53pm
Msg #33455

Tina
Don't let any unpleasant posters put you off posting here.

If you like, click on my profile for my e-mail address and feel free to e-mail me any time

Reply by ColleenCA on 4/22/05 10:17pm
Msg #33459

I have been marketing to local title, escrow and mortgage co's as well, with no luck as of yet. We just have to keep trying and some day, some how that big break will come.

Reply by Jeanie-fl on 4/22/05 10:23pm
Msg #33460

I wish you the best of luck. From my own experience and what I've read on the boards Mortgage and Title Companies won't touch you until you have one to two years of experience, unless you've worked in the mortgage or title industry. Your best bet on gaining experience is registering with signing agencies. In the last 24 hours a compilation of suggestions was made for "newbies" by some generous people. Do a search for message number 33325.

Again, the best of luck and I hope you have a regular job while you're gaining experience.

Reply by JMS/OC/SoCal on 4/22/05 10:36pm
Msg #33462

Re: Newly Commissioned Newbie & Q for CA Notaries

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appreciate the feedback and references to the other messages for "newbies". Any and all info helps.

This is a bit OT but how many of you think the notary field in CA will be thinned out a bit with the new mandatory training requirement?

Reply by Jeanie-fl on 4/22/05 11:10pm
Msg #33466

Re: Newly Commissioned Newbie & Q for CA Notaries

You might get more responses if you make your last question a new posting.

Reply by ssnotary on 4/23/05 8:55am
Msg #33500

Re: Newly Commissioned Newbie-To Tina_MI

Yes, Tina as Sylvia mentioned try not to be put off, take the information you find vital to your work and consider the source for the other nonsense and rude comments that are made. Some folks are very unhappy in this life. Great success to you!

Reply by Melody on 4/23/05 12:46am
Msg #33475

Give me your zip code, I'll tell you how many in your area

Most NSAs will travel 20 miles. I'll tell you how many NSAs are already established who will happily drive to your zip code.

Reply by ssnotary on 4/23/05 8:52am
Msg #33499

Re: Newly Commissioned Newbie....TO JMS

Yes, I myself do mass mailings when I have time. I too created a database of business addresses and perhaps send out fifty at a time. Some have been returned via the postal system, others no response but indeed I do get calls when I least expect them. So the mailings did get filed among some businesses and I have met the nicest folks through these calls and request for a notary. Even the smallest of signing may be critical to building a good business, this contact tells another and another and so on. Now I will say I have a full time job in another arena and don't eat and breathe for my notary signings. With that said I do enjoy getting the calls when I least expect and view each signing as an adventure with people. I do wish a constant income could come from notarizing.

Reply by Dogmonger, Ca on 4/23/05 9:55am
Msg #33512

Here's and idea that may save you a lot of moss and fuss

Go to Switchboard.com, use the search function, type in the type of company you wish to find,( mortgage broker, realtor, bank), put in the city and state and press search and print:-)