Posted by Anonymous on 12/9/05 1:12am
Msg #81354

New Signing Agent needs words of encouragement

I am new to the business and have not been able to get one signing. Stay at home mom trying to make ends meet. Any advice anyone in California near Irvine.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 12/9/05 1:38am
Msg #81357

How much training have you gotten?
Have you been certified by one of the notary training companies and where are you spending your advertising dollars? Have you signed up with 200-300 companies to get work? Many of the good companies to sign up with on on this website.

Good Luck!

Reply by Anonymous on 12/9/05 9:38am
Msg #81410

I have been certified by the National Notary Association of Ca. I have done very little advertisement. I appreciate your help.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/9/05 7:14am
Msg #81373

First read message 33325

Then continue reading on this board, start with the newest and work your way to the very first. That way when you do get signings you will know what to do and how to handle various situations.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this business is not what it was 3 or 4 years ago. Many, Many more notaries (who think this is an easy way to make BIG bucks) coupled with a dwindling demand for loan signings. The old Supply and Demand Econ 101 theory put into practice. A constant downward pressure to reduce fees while expenses have drastically increased.

Another rule that probably applies is the old 20/80 rule. 20% of the people get 80% of the business and the remaining 80% get 20% of the business. The hard part is to work yourself into the 20% that get the 80% of the business. This week has been the SLOWEST I've had in four years! However, I've spent at least 5 - 6 hours a day working on marketing. Hopefully, this will pay off in the not too distant future.

You did not say how long you've been doing this, but even in the heyday 4 years ago, it took me over 3 months of constant marketing and signing (40 - 50 hours per week) to solidify my business and reach anything close to self sustaining and another 3 months to reach full time income. My guess would be in this market, if you devote the same amount of time I did that the time line would be at least double. And if you can't or won't devote that amount of time (40+ hours per week) that even that time line will be expanded exponentially.

Reply by Anonymous on 12/9/05 9:39am
Msg #81411

Re: First read message 33325

Thank you very much. I am taking your advice. Thank you again. Happy Holidays. Alma

Reply by Charles_Ca on 12/9/05 10:31am
Msg #81420

Re: First read message 33325, great suggestions

You should also look at differentiating yourself from everyone else in the business. I am primarily a commercial real estate agent and maintain a home and office in Laguna Hills/Mission Viejo as well as up North. Since you service the Irvine area you have a lot of notaries vying for the same piece of the pie. There is a function on this website where you can see the number of notaries in your area. Since the quantity of notaries in many areas have caused this business to become a commodity you need to explain to your clients what it is that you do that makes you, better, more qualified, provide services others don't because unless you can do that there is no reason for your potential clients to use you when they already have an established workforce base.

Reply by RayWyatt_Cal on 12/9/05 11:53am
Msg #81450

Re: First read message 33325, great suggestions

As a new notary I know what you are going through...
Here is a couple of suggestions from me; the newbee! This is what is working for me.
1. I would suggest buying the premier account. For me, it was well worth the $. I have gotten all but one signing from my Notary Rotary profile. Not that I have had all that many but my signings are picking up and I average 2 per week. I had to turn down 2 last night. I hated doing that but I had other things (family) to take care of.
2. Post a picture and tell everyone who you are and what you stand for. Why should they call you?
3. Don't accept the $40.00 signings. I had a company tell me that I was way to high and then turn around and give me the job for $10.00 less than my original price. All in 5 minutes.
4. Be willing to put dinner on hold to work.
5. Do it right, then take 10 mins to go over your work again before you seal and send it.
6. Look, act and speak professonaly.
7. Most important, listen to the advice you will get from the good people here on NR. They know much more than I do..... They have helped me soooo much!

Best of luck to you from the new guy!

Reply by Brad_Ca on 12/9/05 12:14pm
Msg #81458

Re: First read message 33325, great suggestions

You need to advertise with the following sites:

www.notaryrotary.com
www.thenotarylist.com
www.123notary.com
www.gomobilenotary.com
www.signingagent.com

Make sure that you list all of your experience, training and professional memeberships.
Check out others listings to get an idea.
Pay as much as you can to get to the top of the list. Also, each of these sites has lists of signing services. Sign up with all of them.

Also, take Joan's Loan Signing Agent Class. This is a great course and she is a great instructor. They have classes that meet across from the John Wayne Airport. Hopes this helps.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/9/05 10:23pm
Msg #81587

I'm close to Irvine, too. I may have another idea for you. Email me for more info.