Posted by Chicago Notaries - Thesia on 10/21/06 5:09pm
Msg #154279

Is business slow in Illinois?

I'm kind of wondering if I should stay with this business because I am getting closings here and there. What do you do on your down time - when business is slow? One more thing, have you ever ordered anything from Vista Print? Their prices are pretty dog no cheap - I'm wondering if they are any good.

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/21/06 5:10pm
Msg #154280

Vista print is very good!

Reply by faceynotary on 10/21/06 6:37pm
Msg #154287

Ms. Thesia,

I've utilized Vista Print- they always send you emails on things costing 1.99 and what not. Just always look for the free stuff- sometimes they send you one discount email while there is still a "free" sale going on... You can upload your own logos, etc. I would put those on the back since their cards are double sided. The magnets are pretty good. When you place an order be sure to load up all the freebies- you might pay atleast 5-9 bucks for shipping. Beware if you pick "slow"- they truly mean slow. I had to re-order my business cards because I thought they got lost and I got it complimentary- a few days later, my "slow" original delivery arrived. Did not hurt one bit... more business cards to hand out.

Okay enough of Vista Print. On your down time- scope out the good notary signing agencies... utilize Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.com/. Many of the signing agencies aren't listed at all. You know you have the fly by night ones... Check out free listings, ie www.cdcformsprocessing.com, a good reference. They've even sent me personal emails about agencies who were hiring within my home county. Check out your local yellow pages. Even the online yellow pages and verizon super pages are great picks.

There are slow periods in the signing business, certain times of the month. But you can still cultivate business and build great rapports.

I try to stay away from agencies for I have been fortunate to build connections with lenders, title and settlement companies thus far.

List your business- there are many business sites as well as notary sites you can list your business for free. Some of them ask you to reciprocate by posting their logos and/or links onto your website...

My point here is to not get discouraged... Keep it going. Constantly network on sites such as this one and "browse" the internet- never know what you will bump into.

Just my 2 cents.

A Savvy Brooklyn NYC Dame- 'trying to get close to the finish line of this big race we call the "RAT."

Reply by faceynotary on 10/21/06 7:05pm
Msg #154289

Also on my downtime- I play spades on line msn zone or pogo are great picks- I stay away from yahoo.

I go out- sometimes you just need to unwind- I always walk around with my business cards ofcourse.

I watch what I did no get caught up with during the week on DVR- Dancing with the Stores, Grey's Anatomy, etc.

Tonight going out to celebrate a friend's bday party with my sweetie. Not much of a drinker, but sometimes an apple 'tini doesn't hurt one bit (smile)

Have a good night Ms. Thesia. And keep the Notary faith... IL look out here comes Ms. Thesia. (smile)

That Saavy Brooklyn NYC Dame.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 10/21/06 9:46pm
Msg #154298

Big race called RAT

Is that Race Against Time?

Reply by faceynotary on 10/22/06 8:46am
Msg #154315

Re: Big race called RAT

Good Sunday Morning Ms. Dorothy:

Well to a New Yorker, the RAT, is just a sea of swarming (little mice I guess LOL) individuals in a tiny space trying to get that cheese like everyone else. NY is so congested, competitive and what not. We work off the NYSE mostly- and when it's not doign well, we aren't, so we have to hustle...

The official meaning of RAT RACE fits NYkers to a tea, but it also reminds my fellow NSA's and myself trying to get that cheese.

Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_race
"A Rat Race is a term used for an endless, self-defeating or pointless pursuit. It conjures up the image of the futile efforts of a lab rat trying to escape whilst running around a maze or in a wheel."

I suppose it can be seen as race against time, because we will always strive to be better or will always want more until we are departed and not of this earth and more, and hopefully with a greater peace... that can mean alot to many but to me (it's my Lord)

Well.... that's my 2 cents...

That Savvy Brooklyn NYC Dame.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 10/21/06 8:59pm
Msg #154296

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

their business card stock, I did like their post card stock. Down Time, there is no down time work a full time job and notary work......JMHO

Reply by Pamela on 10/21/06 11:41pm
Msg #154308

LkArrowhd,

I've never ordered from Vista Prints.

However, I do like Overnight Prints: http://www.overnightprints.com

Have ordered both business cards and post cards.
Very Well Pleased with quality of merchandise and shipment of order.


Pam

Reply by faceynotary on 10/22/06 8:52am
Msg #154317

Re: LkArrowhd,

Thanks Ms. Pamela:

I've been looking elsewhere- I will check it out.

Reply by Pamela on 10/22/06 10:14am
Msg #154331

Faceynotary

Good Morning!

You're Very Welcome.

If you try them, You will not be disappointed.

Pam

Reply by faceynotary on 10/22/06 8:52am
Msg #154316

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

Good Morning Ms. LKArrowhd:

I will not be ordering from Vistaprint anymore... They are okay to start off with. I have enough business cards, and I tried a few items- free stamp, a note pad (that) I designed myself. The only other option with their cards is to gloss them. I like them because they are inexpensive... But I am bored with them now and thus their shipping is as slow as a tortoise.

I do like their sales- can't beat that.

I agree with downtime... but there are times one does have to unwind but you are always networking. I take my cards wherever I go.... never know if I might but into some real estate people... or an attorney or anyone that may need a few notarizations done.

That Savvy Brooklyn NYC Dame

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/22/06 9:17am
Msg #154319

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

You can create your own style on Micro's publisher. I can send you a copy of my biz card if you like, for an idea....much cheaper than ordering cards. I love Vistas postcards.

Reply by faceynotary on 10/22/06 9:19am
Msg #154320

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

Hi Ms. Charm:

I haven't ordered Vista's postcards yet- they are always one of their free items.

I have MS Publisher and I always said I'd use it one day. Maybe I will try it out girlfriend. I like doing stuff like that. I use Adobe Photoshop for other things.

'Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday Morning.

That Savvy Brooklyn NYker.

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/22/06 10:28am
Msg #154335

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

thanks Ms. Facey

I sent you a copy of mine, let me know what you think, good or bad.

Reply by faceynotary on 10/22/06 10:45am
Msg #154340

Re: I have ordered from Vista in the past, I do not like

Got it, responded.

Very nice Ms. Charm.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 10/22/06 9:39am
Msg #154327

Re: I was fortunate enough to get in on the last NR

opportunity to get free business cards, I got enough from Harry to last a lifetime, I carry a stack in my car, on my person, in my office at school. I do like the Notary Rotary cards very much. Thanks I ahve not needs for business cards anytime in the near future.

When I need a stack of business cards for something special, such as I need some for Monday-Tuesday, a conference I'm attending for the district and the school only gets cards printed once a year and my title has changed since last year, I just print some up from home......not a nig deal.....