Posted by Dorothy_MI on 8/28/06 8:38am
Msg #141415

G/B/U questions

There seems to be a lot of the G/B/U questions flying around the board. This is my response:

Sometimes we all need different things at different times in our careers. If you are just starting out you may need (and that may be all you can get) signing companies that require a lot of fax backs and are lower paying. My best advise is to start signing up with as many as possible 200 - 300 or MORE. There are a few out there that are real thieves, but if you read more than one or two pages on ANY of the notary boards, you will get their names; otherwise, sign up, accept the assignment and take your chances on getting paid just like everyone else that frequents these boards has done and contines to do. You are an independent business person. Sometimes you will make a LOT of money, other times, you may break even and unfortunately sometimes you may even lose. You just want the winners to outweigh the losers just like every other business in the world does. There is no magic formula. And if you are just starting out, it is going to be very difficult to break into this business. I'm sorry if someone told you otherwise because it's not true. Even in the heyday of the refi business it was not easy to get established, now it's next to impossible and especially if you are seeking short cuts thinking that you can do this without devoting every waking moment to this business. Sometimes, newbies come on the boards and say to people that I know are making VERY good livings doing this, "Well, you must not be doing so great because you're always on the board". No, they are doing great because they DO spend every waking hour working on this business and part of that is constantly being on the lookout for new business, new ideas, learning from someone else's mistakes and picking up the ball and running with it. This business is not for the faint of heart so if you do not have skin like and elephant, the tenacity of a bull terrior or the ability to work like a dog, it is probably not for you and you will be just spinning your wheels. This is a plow horse business not a thoroughbred business. Not much glamour, a lot of hard work, but if you like it, you will love it. But you have to jump in and swim for yourself.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 8/28/06 8:44am
Msg #141418

S/B Advice (see what happens before morning coffee)

Reply by cassiewi on 8/28/06 9:15am
Msg #141425

S/B?

Sorry I was racking my brain and I can't figure out what that means.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 8/28/06 11:51am
Msg #141459

Re: S/B?

S/B = should be. Guess I wasn't very clear. I should have used advice instead of advise. Advice is what you advise with. (And I know I ended that sentence with a preposition!)

Reply by cassiewi on 8/28/06 11:53am
Msg #141460

Re: S/B?

LOL, thanks for the clarification, my mind was playing tricks on me.

Reply by Gary_CA on 8/28/06 12:20pm
Msg #141474

Re: S/B?

Yeah thanks for the clarification... I was confused too.

I thought S/B was a fella who's mom wasn't sure who his dad is.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 8/28/06 10:52am
Msg #141443

Re: G/B/U questions. This is a bit long

You are correct Dorothy. A person needs to be tough and rugged minded to be successful in this business. You also need a good two years of money in the bank to pay the bills. We that have been doing this for a long time are well established and will survive the present market.

Anyone thinking about starting now is just plain foolhardy. Just the cost of equipment , insurance, supplies, gas and you know our list goes on and on. I can only suggest "keep the day job." We "old timers" know that some months are Very slow and if you didn't save for those times your goose would be cooked. Most notaries have a little something on the side that they can do when it's really slow. Now , I know that no one will take heed to what is being said because of the hype they receive from NNA. "So be it."

Colorado is not California we are just not that populated , so it's just not as busy. Many other areas of this country are not unlike Colorado, rural, lower populations. There are many variables to consider before entertaining doing this full-time. As you said Dorothy it's a lot of hard work that MUST be constantly. Advertising , "See the people-see the people" to quote Barnum. It's an ongoing process.

This is just my opinion and caution to new people. Just know what the pitfalls are and remember your bills must be paid.

My best to you all.

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/28/06 11:04am
Msg #141449

Teddog?

wow, I haven't seen your name in awhile! Good to see you post again.
Yes, this business is all about staying on top and constant marketing.
I agree wholeheartedly about that thick skin, this is not for everyone.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 8/28/06 11:06am
Msg #141451

Yup! Still alive and well in Colorado ! lol n/m