Posted by NCsignguy on 9/5/07 10:42am
Msg #209414

Other income streams

I was wondering if anyone has found a way to replace some of the income that has been lost due to the slow down. I have tried marketing field services, personal notarizations and car title notarizations (up until a few months ago I would turn down). They have replaced some of the income but I seem to be working harder for less money. I am looking for suggestions along the same line of work. Other may have luck working at a store, pet grooming or baking etc (that is not what I am looking for). I am looking to keep my notary business, so I am looking for business that need a notary or a business that requires some traveling and a professional person to show up and do some work. Ideally I would still like to be an independent contractor. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

Reply by Becca_FL on 9/5/07 11:43am
Msg #209425

John,

There are plenty of opportunities advertised on the internet. I searched for a month before I found the perfect fit for me and my business. Start researching the internet and google "work from home." Visit sites like http://www.entrepreneur.com/interstitial/default.html and mortgage professional forums to see what other mortgage professionals are doing to supplement and diversify their businesses.

Once you have found opportunities that you might be interested in, do your due diligence. Check the businesses out on bbb.org and ripoffreport.com and http://www.scam.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1. Call and talk with the company. Call and talk with people that are working the program and ask questions.

There are plenty of MLM "opportunities" out there and many people have been successful with them. I was not interested in MLM, myself, and do not want to represent a business that is more interested in signing people up and selling expensive, useless training kits rather than selling a product that helps people. But, that's just me.

Bottom line, do your homework, find a fit, investigate and go for it.

Reply by SharonMN on 9/5/07 1:30pm
Msg #209444

How about adding general or legal courier services to your list of services?

Reply by CJ on 9/5/07 2:17pm
Msg #209468

Not notary work but . . .

I signed a guy whose college grad daughter does face painting at fairs and parties. I met a woman today who bought a logo embroidery company. Some people find scholarships for you.

I am thinking about going back to school. Maybe if I were a teacher, I could work day hours with benifits and holiday time. All the elementary school teachers that I sign enjoy their work, and they are home at night. My kids are grown, but I don't like living by the seat of my pants from one business trend to the next.

Also, selling Living Trusts is an idea. I tried that once, but I am not a good salesman. I was supposed to go to their house, explain why a living trust is important, and get them to fill out the application. I send the app back to the attorney, and in a month, the trust arrives in the mail. I go back, and we get it all signed and notarized. I believe strongly in the importance of living trusts, but I think I just sounded like I needed the commission. I was losing loan signing work, so I quit that.