Posted by Joshua Basil on 1/28/06 2:52pm
Msg #92096

The ease with which the NNA Produces NSA

Lets save the NNA some time and start including Notary Commissions as the prize in boxes of Cracker Jacks.

After all it seems that's the average level of education they are preaching to their mass swarm.

Reply by PJM/MI on 1/28/06 3:44pm
Msg #92101

I'd like to t ell the NNA "QUIT THE ADVERTISING". It seems to me they are leading people to believe that jumping on this bandwagon will make you filthy rich, and this is easy as pie.
Yea, I'm doing better now than I did working for someone else, but I've also worked my fanny off for the past 6 yrs at marketing and advertising myself.
I know I was "newbie" myself, and I know how difficult it was in the beginning. And if I did have a problem and called the NNA, I got to speak to "John" or "David" who had a pretty heavy accent, and then would only direct me to my states website or my states Notary Primer. Some help, huh?
The NNA "forgets" to tell the newbies how much time and effort they will need to invest to advertise themselves. They also "forget" to tell the newbies that 90% of the closings take place in the evening hours when the borrowers are at home. This isn't a 9-5 job. As for making the "good" money, it's done only by marketing yourself and knowing the docs inside and out.
I get pretty peeved everytime I see the NNA periodical advertise for more notaries to become signing agents. Just venting.

Reply by Leon_CO on 1/28/06 4:46pm
Msg #92109

"Lets save the NNA some time and start including Notary Commissions as the prize in boxes of Cracker Jacks.

After all it seems that's the average level of education they are preaching to their mass swarm."

Mr. Basil,

I'm new to this, but I'm not going into it blindly. Yes, I learned about being a signing agent from the NNA website, but I don't think that I was actually swayed by them. It was a decision I made after weighing all of the pros and cons. I was serious about which method of training I would get because I want to do the well, and it wasn't through one of the NNA courses, but rather from the Signing Registry manual. I took the time to do my homework and decided that it was a better course of instruction. And I'm not relying on that alone. It's not uncommon that I get 2-3 hours of sleep at night because I've been up all day studying this business and marketing. I'm sincere about this, and I intend to do a good job. This is not a hobby for me. I view it as a profession.

Colorado does not require training to become a Notary, but I nevertheless studied the Notary laws of Colorado thoroughly before I submitted my application. And I took the time to read Alfred Piombino's "Notary Public Handbook" as well.

If you have a complaint with the NNA, that's one thing. But don't lump all of the people who want to be signing agents and professional Notaries Public into one category. Not all of us got our degree out of a cracker jack box. Thank you.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/28/06 11:20pm
Msg #92166

Re: The ease with which the NNA - Leon

Leon - it is not you that Mr. Basil is discussing. You are going to make it. You have all the ear markings...realize the frustration was directed at the NNA, not at the new NSA. I think most of us are glad to see a guy like you coming along. Welcome to the field...you'll be on a roll in no time.

But, we all need to know: Do you like Cracker Jacks? I don't like them that much, but my sister sure does.

Reply by Raimond_CA on 1/28/06 5:35pm
Msg #92115

The NNA is not doing anyone except themselves any favors by advertising how easy it is too make big money being a CSA.

Remember that it is the SOS that sets the standards that a notary must meet to be commissioned in each state. If a person can pass the test and background check then they can become a notary. The 6 hr class requirements here in Ca are new as of last year. The folks presenting the material to pass the test are in business, and by the number of all the new people showing up every week are doing very well. Some are very above the board with the way they present the required materials as well as the useful information that is not required by the SOS but is very important to a new CSA. The CSA class is not required here in Ca, but it is a good idea.

Not all new CSA's are bad for the business as some folks here feel. Some bring new prospective to our group, being business men and women already is a good thing. I have said it before; people leave the industry every day. Someone needs to replace them, thus the newbie! It happens in every profession, it is good for the profession and everyone in it. However, a company flooding the market with new people by selling dreams of mass money in the mailbox everyday is not good for the business, any business. It took me many months to secure my first assignment and another month to get a check. Not at all what the instructor said.
However, your comment about including a commission in a box of cracker jacks is not at all from a professional prospective. I am sure something just occurred to "push your button" be it a lost signing or maybe just one too many "Hello I am new" posting here. Whatever the reason, posting comments that is negative in nature does nothing but make the profession look less professional to anyone reading it.

I checked your profile and with all your office experience I believe you can find a way to better express your views/frustrations as well as supporting the industries professional attitude.

Reply by SanDiegoCA on 1/28/06 8:12pm
Msg #92137

>I'd like to t ell the NNA "QUIT THE ADVERTISING".

Here's what I just did ......

I took their two last full page mail ads, drew a big red 'X" on the face of them, stapled them to my last invoice for membership, and stapled THAT to a short, hand written note that said :

NEVER AGAIN UNTIL YOU STOP THE INSANITY OF MORE ADVERTISING!!!!

>If you have a complaint with the NNA, that's one thing. But don't lump
>all of the people who want to be signing agents and professional
>Notaries Public into one category.

ALSO very wise words ........ thank you!