Posted by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 11:28am
Msg #42637

Marketing and Title Company Letter Queries

Recently I have received four queries from outside of Texas regarding my marketing letter to title companies. I have sent it out to those who requested it.

I felt badly to send it because I think it's probably worthless to those who got it.

My letter probably did not do anything for the ones who got it from me because it was marketing *my* specific qualifications and the way *I* could offer them better service.

Here's what I think new folks need to understand when they start soliciting lenders and title companies via letters and marketing...

-You have to be able to tell them how you built a better mousetrap.

-You need to tell them why they should use YOU...what you offer in the way of better services...otherwise, you are wasting paper and time, IMHO.

-You need something tangible to offer that will get their attention.

-If they call you, you need to be able to understand what the heck they are talking about.

Be patient if you are new...build a track record and be able to offer them something different, better...a proven track record is invaluable and an excellent thing to tout.

I think at one time, it was very lucrative and worthwhile to start marketing to the title companies right off the bat because they were pressured to find notaries in the field--there are plenty around now and the old supply/demand model comes into play. This is my opinion...no matter what the NNA says, and no matter what anyone says...as things have evolved, it's different --again - IMHO.

Right now, if you get a call from a title company and if you don't understand the short-hand language, you'll blow it while on the phone with them... unless they have no one else to do the job.

Be patient, learn the biz and soon you'll get the drift of it all. I did not start soliciting the TCs until I had read this board through at least twice and had 100+ signings of various types behind me...be satisfied to do your time and it will pay off.

Someone once posted that it would take 18 months to start seeing profit and a good client base. (Maybe Roger/OH?) He said have 18 months of cash reserves and he was so right.

That man knew exactly what he was talking about. It is month 18 for me and things are just now starting to gel. It's not just about getting found ...it's about learning how to think, set prices, marketing yourself, finding your clients, building an excellent track record and a can-do attitude.

In the meantime, bone up on your marketing know-how. Figure out what you have to sell. Research for sites that will give you ideas. Bide your time. Learn all you can then put yourself "out there."

Yeah, I realize some folks don't like my Texas attitude which has apparently come as a result of the heat...or our yen for suggestive cheerleading attire...who knows! And, I realize some don't care for my the general verbosity attributed to Texans--or me personally, however, this board is a free resource and by being involved in it, I get clients and calls as a result of posting on this site.

Those who have read what I write know that I care about detail, grammar, spelling, accuracy, and that I will do the best I can to get the job done for them. Sometimes, I get calls from signing services outside Texas asking me questions about how I think they can get into the Texas market. At least I know these guys know my phone number and how to find me when they are able to get the business here. I love a good signing service client just like a good title company client.

Don't fall into stinking thinking...being too good to do certain things. Set a profit-making price and get your signing track record established.

Reply by CA_Jeanet on 6/6/05 11:45am
Msg #42644

Thank you, Brenda. Your post is what many of us come here for. I've been in this business for only six months, and have already learned much of what you have offered, but also gleaned more that I can do because you took the time to share it. By the way.....I like Texans; straight shooters!

Reply by rlogan-ca on 6/6/05 12:53pm
Msg #42669

Thanks once again for your insignt. Valuable info as in previous post regarding HECM.
Like MSG #33325, it was a printer. Keep the info coming... The more info we have, the better
NSA we can become. Thanks again.

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 1:01pm
Msg #42670

I am in a marketing frenzy today.

Marketing pays off. It really does. Even if you don't see the results "directly" there's some kind of blessing...or a *momentum* if you will that brings good things to those who are willing to work their rears off.

Reply by BeccaWI on 6/6/05 1:22pm
Msg #42673

Brenda

Hi Brenda!

If a notary has already sent out letters and hasn't heard anything back, is it appropriate to send another letter? If so, how long should they wait? What are your thoughts??

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 1:56pm
Msg #42683

Re: Brenda

*Call* three or four days later.

Reply by SamIam_CA on 6/6/05 1:22pm
Msg #42674

Thanks for sharing your momentum with us!

Reply by Mysti_FL on 6/6/05 1:58pm
Msg #42684

Re: Thanks for making the obvious, obvious

You gave excellent advise. I have been working my buns off and actually haven't had time to hit the title companies and lenders yet. I will when I slow down (I work a full time job...well, sort of).

In any case, I will keep your information in mind. I already know what to offer, I just have to get it on paper.

Thank you so much for your insight.

mysti

Reply by Merry_CA on 6/6/05 2:50pm
Msg #42694

Re: Brenda

**if you don't understand the short-hand language, you'll blow it while on the phone with them... **

Would you be so kind as to give us a few examples of this TC shorthand?

TIA

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 3:33pm
Msg #42707

Merry...

Msg #26123 - I referred a notary back to his/her notary rules back in March. You found it a putdown. I have seldom seen you post otherwise. I don't want to go there again.

I am sure someone else will be able to answer this in a way that you'll find less annoying.

Reply by Merry_CA on 6/6/05 4:26pm
Msg #42719

Re: Brenda

Geeze! That was an unnecessary response to an honest question.

Reply by HisHughness on 6/6/05 4:31pm
Msg #42725

Re: Brenda

Merry grumpily harrumphs:

***Geeze! That was an unnecessary response to an honest question. ***

As was your March reply to Brenda's answer to a dumb question.

Reply by Merry_CA on 6/6/05 5:01pm
Msg #42734

Re: HH

I am finally getting the way this works... Thanks for the insight! It's becoming very clear who the "chest thumpers" are and who are the genuine pros.

Reply by ERNA_CA on 6/6/05 5:55pm
Msg #42749

Re: HH.Chest thumpers...love it lol :) n/m good luck

Reply by Sunny on 6/6/05 10:18pm
Msg #42830

I agree, She hit the nail on the head! n/m

Reply by Melody on 6/6/05 8:45pm
Msg #42808

Hugh - Whose chest are you thumping?

Hmmmm.

On second thought, I don't want to know.

Reply by christi/socal on 6/6/05 3:30pm
Msg #42704

This is regarding ya'll Texans

My youngest grandson is VERY impressed with anyone from Texas. Because Sandy the squirral (from spongebob squarepants) is from Texas. There is a new generation of kids who will grow up with high regard of Texas because of that show!!
Aside from that I always get alot of good advise and info from your posts......Thank you.

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 6:42pm
Msg #42780

Re: This is regarding ya'll Texans

Christi (aka Christi-Betty-Lou-Thelma-Lizabeth in Texas)

First there was "Dallas" and now there's SpongeBob's Sandy. How absolutely wonderful!

Texans do the Cotton Eyed Joe, the Hokey Pokey and we love to square dance, have bar-b-q's, hoedowns, barn raisings, and our men scratch, spit, and kick the ground when they are socializing. We name all of our children nice nice names like "Robert Powell" or "Elaine" and call them Robby-P Eee-Lane.

Up in North Texas, I have even seen a little white dog named Tigger steal cigarettes out of an ashtray and run under the couch to suck the nicotine out of 'em. Tigger's owner, btw, also claims to have seen Big Foot. Said he was coming home before dark one winter evening and saw a big hairy thing trot across the road upright like a man and step over a barbed wire fence with no effort or hurry...then he ran off into the cattle herd.

God only knows what's been seen and heard nearer the Oklahoma/Texas border...and, let's not even get started on the East Texas border where Texas meets Louisiana.

As Sam would say...spread that Texas love around!

Reply by HisHughness on 6/6/05 7:03pm
Msg #42785

Re: This is regarding ya'll Texans

Brenda mythologizes:

***also claims to have seen Big Foot. Said he was coming home before dark one winter evening and saw a big hairy thing trot across the road upright like a man and step over a barbed wire fence with no effort or hurry...then he ran off into the cattle herd.***

That story is so old it's got liver spots. That wasn't Big Foot: That was me, having just heard there was a widow with a big chest and a liquor store at the next ranch over.

Reply by missy_socal on 6/6/05 7:04pm
Msg #42786

Re: This is regarding ya'll Texans

"As Sam would say...spread that Texas love around"

Just not your weather! ;-)

I had the unique experience of true Texas storm last summer in Dallas. It was the most amazing thing that I've ever seen. We lost power, and there were somewhere around 823 tornados twirling around...but the craziest part was the LIGHTNING. It wasn't like any lightning that I've ever seen before. It actually hurt your eyes, and lit up the sky, and the air had an odd smell to it. Terrifying and completely cool at the same time.

Reply by Paul2/FL on 6/6/05 5:30pm
Msg #42743

Hi Brenda,

I'm in an area where there are a lot of TC offices and would like to start tapping into these if possible. I liked your advise on this subject and would like to know if you could give me a few pointers on some of them. Such as;

"You have to be able to tell them how you built a better mousetrap". I take from this you mean that your service is better (proven track record, etc.) than what they are using and at a reduced price. If this is so, how do you find out about what they are using and at what price?

"You need to tell them why they should use YOU...what you offer in the way of better services...otherwise, you are wasting paper and time, IMHO". I assume this means things like your operational hours are more conducive to the borrowers than having the borrowers come to the TC office as an example.

"You need something tangible to offer that will get their attention". Unlike you, I don't think my looks are going to cut it! Any suggestions?

I know from some previous responses that you may not want to answer these here so I've included my alt. e-mail address:
[e-mail address]
Thanks in advance..

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 6:09pm
Msg #42759

**I assume this means things like your operational hours are more conducive to the borrowers than having the borrowers come to the TC office as an example.**

That's a good one, but not one of the ones I use.

I sent my letter to you.

Reply by Paul2/FL on 6/6/05 6:20pm
Msg #42768

Thanks Brenda, I receive the e-mail - good promotional work! I can see why it's not easy to just start working with TC's without a good background in the field. I think when I approach them I'll present myself more on my previous experiences ands see if they are willing to work with me in learning the trade. I'd rather do that then present myself as something I'm not.

Thanks again,

Paul

Reply by Diana/MO on 1/5/07 10:00pm
Msg #169521

Brenda could you please email me a copy of that letter to [e-mail address]
Thanks,
Diana

Reply by Dawn Neuhalfen on 9/9/09 9:42am
Msg #303247

Brenda,

I would also like a copy of the letter, if you don't mind.

I have a 15 year background in the real estate service business, but am not sure if that is a benefit or hindrance when marketing myself. I am only there as a notary, after all, and if a consumer knows I have that background they may exploit it (I don't mean that to sound egotistical, just don't want to start advising them because I have the knowledge).

Thanks

KSDawn

www.neuhalfen.webs.com

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/9/09 11:00am
Msg #303255

This is a four year old thread. I have no idea

what letter it is after all this time and years have gone by. Further, it would be likely that a letter written four years ago would not necessarily apply today. Sorry.