Posted by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 6:35pm
Msg #152566

Keeping it Real

I don't know why, but I feel it is important to be real honest with this group. For those who hate me, this doesn't apply to you, but to those who look to see what I have to say about marketing and networking, I need to be clear on what's going on in my business.

The Texas market at its best is California's and Florida's worst of the worst. That was okay for awhile but opportunity knocked in the form of a very nice job with a real estate transaction firm--a growing law firm here in my town.

Long story short, I took the job and I am loving it. The firm does a lot of lender work and commercial real estate in a thriving market of the same. Things are busting wide open here. In a month, my knowledge of our business has increased like you would not believe.

I am learning so much and thinking about the signing agent every step of the way. I am becoming educated from start to finish of the development of subdivisions and condominiums...seeing opportunities to suggest to my friends who are full-time in our network, and this is just another notch on my educational belt of life as far as I am concerned. I must say I was lucky to fall into this job. The people there are fantastic.

But, as an aside, I would not have been seen as a candidate to work at this firm had I imposed myself many times into the legal and title community as was urged by signing services who suggested repeatedly that I force myself on them to do HELOC work. I saw that down the road I might find myself so antagonistic to the local legal, title and real estate community so that I would not be employable.

As a result, I was very reserved about asking attorneys to let me use their facilities for signings. The attorney I did work with, and paid a good amount to use his office, was instrumental in getting the legal assistant job that I have. He's been a peach to work with and to help me in my business. Those I now work with respect that I approached my work here as I did.

My business has not dwindled as a result and I do a lot the work after I get off at 5 pm. I don't leave my immediate area for signings except on weekends. Also, I am keeping my work and marketing focused on Rev Morts. Having this job has made me all the more resolute to bill no less than $125.00-$150.00 for overnight docs and $150-175.00 for edocs.

This makes for a great second income. And, I feel like I have entered a very interesting phase of my life. Somehow, I feel like I have more free time because I do not knock myself out working into the night any more.

I want to be clear that the choice to take this job was not just because I wanted more of an income on a steady basis, but because I needed more of a people-populated way of life. My son is the only family here. As a result, I feel it's important for me to make solid friends who will be around when the my son and his fiance move on to their lives after he marries and finishes grad school.

Furthermore, it is not because the Texas NSA Network failed...absolutely not. I feel the network is why I am able to get the fees I do. I do almost zero signing service work and I am STILL doing signings at night because of the confidence which has been placed in me as a result of our network's quality work. I hope that through my new "view" into places where notaries are needed, I can funnel a little work to my network members. I see possibility in new places for the signing agent in Texas.

These are the things I wanted to say to the NR community as a whole because I talked to a lady from CA today while I was out shopping. She called and I told her these things and what I was doing because I do want to keep it real with people and not talk with a big hat, boots and no cattle like many do.

There are too many here that do not and do not want anyone to think they are not a highly successful signing agent and who are not honest about their income with those of you who read this board faithfully.

To me, success is in the satisfaction of having this great little business now on the side and continuing to reap the benefits of the work I put forth in the past three years. However, I know what it costs to run this business and I am not interested in creating a monster which does not pay enough to keep the doors open...which makes my signing business more costly than it is profit-making.

So, friends, that's it. I just wanted to be clear that I am no longer full-time on the signing agent business. Somehow, it's a big relief not to be any more. We start these self-employment jobs to be more independent and the first thing you know we are over a barrel and pressed into circumstances we hate to cowtow to. I feel my situation is improved by not being forced to run my business differently than I want to run it.

I am lucky in my job that I am working with very good people who appreciate my work ethic, while at the same time having a means for extra income.

I will keep an active role in signing agent work and the signing agent community, but since I have always been so outspoken, I wanted to be clear on what is truly going on in my life with all of you. I don't want anyone taking my "advice" and thinking I am doing "this" when I am actually doing "that."

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 10/14/06 7:00pm
Msg #152570

Congratulations, Brenda...

...I wish you well in your new position.

Reply by Signing_Doc on 10/14/06 10:19pm
Msg #152607

Re: Congratulations, Brenda...Mazel Tov Brenda-le...as one

of the few who knew b4hand, I pray that H'Shem has nothing but good in store for you. Also, this is very late but thank you for your kind words to me in your email past. I clicked on your website and said to my spousal unit (who was sitting right besides me)..."Oy such a shenah punum" And she said...(although don't wait for this to happen soon)....If anything happens to me...(after a reasonable period)...you may look her up." Such an endorsement Brenda-le! (yeah, for all of you who haven't had the pleasure, Brenda is....as the saying goes...easy on the eyes...(yee hah!)

Anyway, Alevei!, Ir gefelt mir zaier, you have a Kop oif di plaitses, may you become Ongeshtopt mit gelt (as Teyve said....if money be a cure....may I be smitten with it.....A men!)

Anyway Shoyn genug! bubbeleh....take care...Write once in a while (even if it's only a check)...

your notary friend and brother in the Lord..."Doc" Stuart aka Shmuli

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 10:48pm
Msg #152610

Re: Congratulations, Brenda...Mazel Tov Brenda-le...as one

Hey Doc and y'all...I have not missed too much in the last month, have I? I feel like I am Tom Sawyer watching my own funeral, or maybe a pre-arrangement tradition to line me up to marry Doc (Is that a Jewish custom for the wife to pick the next one??) which might not be so bad, you know! I have been working for a month already and I am still here rapping on what I think way too much like it matters on the board.

Scmuli, I tune in several times a day to see what's going on!

Thank your spousal unit profusely as I have not been so nicely complimented in many a day! You, too. Well...upon pondering this, I say, "That does it. I want a Jewish husband." (But the man MUST be pre-trained by such a wise wife!)

What is it you call us? Shiksa? Or do I have to be blond to be that?

And, if I am using my Yiddish lingo fast and loose, not checking my "cheat sheet" please forgive me. Just remember I am the one who said to the crew of non-English speaking men at an inspection site, "Hable ingles? No? Ummmm.....okay...ummm...Cabron?"

And, of course, I was fumbling around for "boss" and "patron" was the word I was trying to reach...not intending to call ANYONE a cabron. (For those of you who do not know Spanish...loosely translated I called a bunch of guys "Goat f*rs."

Reply by Signing_Doc on 10/14/06 11:32pm
Msg #152614

The word Shiksa means a non Jewish girl HOWEVER...it's

literal translation is rather crass...therefore I do not or never will call you or any other non Jewish female that word. YOU...Brenda-le are Meshpokha - Extended family and my shvester (sister) in Yeshua (eeekkkk getting religious!)....have a good night. SHalom (and it's spelled Shmuli, not Scmuli :-)

Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/14/06 7:30pm
Msg #152573

That's wonderful Brenda, its all about the bottom line and

personal satisfaction. I'm very hapy for you!

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 7:37pm
Msg #152574

Re: That's wonderful Brenda, its all about the bottom line and

Thanks, fellas. I appreciate the well wishes!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 10/14/06 11:18pm
Msg #152613

I bet Brenda has always been successful

I put Brenda up with Sylvia & PAW as the most helpful people in our profession.

Reply by Rhonda Skansi on 10/14/06 7:40pm
Msg #152576

Congratulations! You are and have been an inspiration.

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 8:07pm
Msg #152584

Thanks Dennis, Charles, Rhonda, et al.

I am NOT gone by any stretch of the imagination!

Cali knew, Titlegal, Charles and a few others, but I needed to work awhile b/f and figure out if this was what I wanted. It's really a candy store for a person like me who looks for ways to market the signing agent business.

I learn more every day...and, I have seen little ways that attorneys could make their lives easier by using the NSA. I really and truly believe in Texas it just has not been thought of yet. YET!

LOL.

Reply by TonyV on 10/14/06 7:48pm
Msg #152578

Best wishes Re: Keeping it Real

Aggie and I wish you the best on your new adventure; 'tis what keeps us young. You've been a great source of advice and inspiration for us, as well as a motivator for us to go into the business. Again, thank you and God bless you and your family.

-Tony and Aggie Velasquez

P.S. Don't forget to throw a bone this way once in a while.... :-) ha-ha!

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 8:02pm
Msg #152583

Re: Best wishes Re: Keeping it Real - check your email

Tony. I love your wife's name!! (Gig 'em Aggies!)

Reply by sandi/WA on 10/14/06 10:06pm
Msg #152601

Brenda,
I'm pretty new to this board and forums in general. I was thinking today about the people on this board I have come to respect in the short time I have been reading these posts ( a few mnts). You are at the top of that list! Your wisdom, knowledge, and experience speaks for itself. I want to thank you for being willing to share that with others. I for one am still looking forward to whatever tidbits you throw our way...

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/06 10:09pm
Msg #152603

Re: Keeping it Real-thank you very much, Sandi. n/m

Reply by JM_NY on 10/14/06 10:13pm
Msg #152604

Congratulations on your new position

You will be missed on the board with your daily inspirations and advise. We have come to value your comments. Don't stay away to long.

Reply by cassiewi on 10/14/06 11:08pm
Msg #152612

Congrats Brenda!

I have also only been posting a little while, but you are definitely one of the ones I look up to. Thank you so much for everything you've given this forum, and me as well. Thanks again and I wish you all the best!

Reply by Shelley Weinman on 10/14/06 11:40pm
Msg #152617

Brenda: Congratulations! It is wise of you to think of establishing strong friendships, and I admire the way you went about cemeting business relationships in your community. Best of all things to you!

Shelley

Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/14/06 11:53pm
Msg #152619

Thank you for sharing and for caring, Brenda. n/m

Reply by Leslie_Mo on 10/15/06 1:07am
Msg #152623

Congratulations on your new job Brenda!! I always enjoy and learn from the messages you post. Over the past months I've noticed that you continually look in all directions and explore every path available to expand your business opportunities. I'm sure that involves a lot of hard work but it looks like it has paid off for you. Wishing you much happiness and success in your new endeavor. I hope to continue seeing your posts here at least from time to time.

Reply by John_NorCal on 10/15/06 10:14am
Msg #152642

Just stay in touch Brenda. Congratulations, be happy!

Reply by Poppy on 10/15/06 10:23am
Msg #152643

Good for you Brenda... I hope this job is exactly what you

want and that it brings you all the happiness you deserve... I appreciate your posts and hope you'll keep on posting... Take Care! "smiles" Poppy

Reply by SueW/Tn on 10/15/06 12:00pm
Msg #152649

We've already talked about this and you know my feelings...

ya never really get what you want but ALWAYS what you need. You're never further than my phone and supplementing your income is something I'm in the process of right now myself. Reading the tea leafs is never easy but I'm following your lead. Everything is temporary in this world.

Reply by MBCA on 10/15/06 12:04pm
Msg #152650

Re: I'm so happy for you!

Sounds like a great job! Can't imagine anyone hating you Brenda! You've always shared your experiences, knowledge and good Texas common sense and you've certainly worked hard to get where you are, you deserve good things! I also love to read your website, lots of great info on it! That letter you wrote about your son on the announcement of his engagement made me blubber (thought I was the only mother who threatend to go up to the school and sit in class with their son until he brought his grades up)!
PS It works doesn't it!

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/15/06 8:39pm
Msg #152724

Re: I'm so happy for you! - thanks MBCA! n/m

Reply by bestcal on 10/15/06 6:44pm
Msg #152707

Re: Good for you Brenda... I hope this job is exactly what you

Oh no! Does this mean that when the signing business does not work ,we have to resort back to 9-5? and being enslaved by corporations once again?frightening.Always thought you were successful.Guess not.

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 10/15/06 8:23pm
Msg #152721

Louise, read her post again!

"...My business has not dwindled as a result and I do a lot the work after I get off at 5 pm. I don't leave my immediate area for signings except on weekends. Also, I am keeping my work and marketing focused on Rev Morts. Having this job has made me all the more resolute to bill no less than $125.00-$150.00 for overnight docs and $150-175.00 for edocs..."

Louise, you should call 800-222-3334 (800-ABC-DEFG) since you obviously didn't read or understand this passage.

This is just my opinion based on your posts.

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/15/06 8:38pm
Msg #152723

Re: Good for you Brenda... Bestcal, I think it was Abe...

... Lincoln who said not to argue with a fool because it's impossible for the observing bystanders to tell which one is the fool.

(In answer to **Oh no! Does this mean that when the signing business does not work ,we have to resort back to 9-5? and being enslaved by corporations once again?frightening.Always thought you were successful.Guess not.**)

If you think you are correct, I will certainly not argue with you. It would be difficult to distinguish who was who.

Reply by Cheri Armentrout on 10/15/06 1:41pm
Msg #152654

Good deal B!...I was wondering when you were gonna spill

Reply by Renee Kovacs on 10/16/06 6:28am
Msg #152744

May you be blessed with CONTINUED success ...

If we listen, we usually find ourselves exactly where we need to be, at exactly the right time.

The two words that never belong in the same sentence are "fail" and "Brenda Stone". I have a hard time buying that anyone could dislike you or not respect you. Being a business owner isn't the sum of who anyone is - being a "successful" person most certainly isn't dependent upon income, either. To ignore the reality of economy - from the national level to the personal level - would pretty much make a person unsuccessful. To protect our investments - again, from all levels that we invest; financially, emotionally, and otherwise - it would be the successful person who made choices based on reality. You know, none of us is entirely in control of all this - and the fact that the Queen Mama has to make alternative choices to REMAIN successful should bring everyone a reality check.

Times are tough, that's for sure, and nobody can accurately predict CRAP - who knows how long this is going to go on? What if?! What if it's years and years? Would it be the successful person who passes on a good opportunity to REMAIN successful right now?

I'm sitting in the middle of Ford Country. I'd be a FOOL to not be scared, to not be doing all that I can do, to not be ever on the lookout for opportunity's knock.

Anyway ... I know you don't need me to tell you that you ARE hugely, 'wildly' (pardon that, could not resist!) SUCCESSFUL. I know you know it. =) Moped-on, Sister!

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/16/06 7:05am
Msg #152747

Re: May you be blessed with CONTINUED success ...

Thank you, Renee' and all. Life is what we make it. I choose to make mine fit my purposes. It helps to have a goal in mind when you work on acheiving the things that are important!

To me, success is knowing how to live with a degree of satisfaction with our own choices and the results thereof...it's learning to approach and navigate each curve that life throws us without feeling powerless to change what we do not like; and to learn to live peacefully with what we cannot change.

Developing the art of contentment with circumstance is what I find to be my greatest achievement at this point. Contentment and happiness is a choice that we make...how we fill our days...the attitude we have...is part of the exercise to perfect it.

Let's ride moped for no apparent reason real soon, Renee'! Blessings sister!