Posted by Corenne Allen on 1/18/08 11:28am
Msg #231221

New to Site

I'm a new Notary in California, What do I do now????????????

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/18/08 11:31am
Msg #231222

Pray!!!


Read message 33325

Reply by CANoteLady on 1/18/08 11:46am
Msg #231230

Thanks

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 1/18/08 1:15pm
Msg #231270

Sylvia.. love your reply - lol n/m

Reply by Ernest__CT on 1/18/08 11:32am
Msg #231223

Simple: Read all the Posts, especially 33325 before asking .

... for help.

This is a really, really bad time to be getting into this business.

Good luck.

Reply by Pier National Notary - Paul on 1/18/08 11:38am
Msg #231225

Learn from others around you

Search for mentoring or "real training". You cannot learn what you need to know from a book or a 1-day Loan Signing Training Class. The market is difficult right now and there is business out there. But if you stumble on your first signing, you will have a difficult time making it. Please seek strong training with supervision before you start signing up with signing services.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 1/18/08 11:40am
Msg #231226

Really good advice, Paul! n/m

Reply by sue_pa on 1/18/08 11:40am
Msg #231227

to those who say no question is a dumb question. What about this one?

Corenne - did you brush your teeth & hair yet? Eat your cereal? Use the potty?

What do you do now for what? Can you ask a broader question?

My patience wears thin ...

Reply by Pier National Notary - Paul on 1/18/08 11:48am
Msg #231235

Poor Attitudes - Just Once

I know we all have short patience with newbies but if you value this site and truly spend time replying on it, why don't you keep it respectful?

I have seen the "doses of reality" and I know XYZ is selling these people on false hopes but if you value Notary Rotary and Harry, you would either not reply at all or offer up some helpful information. Newbies (could) = new ideas, new business for the Not Rot that we like so much, and others things that we might not even know about yet. JMO

Reply by desktopfull on 1/18/08 12:06pm
Msg #231244

Re: Poor Attitudes - Just Once

"Newbies (could) = new ideas, new business for the Not Rot that we like so much, and others things that we might not even know about yet. JMO"

Then why do all of them ask us for a business plan and how to get that plan underway? I researched, got a plan together, instituted that plan and started my business. Why should I expect any less from a "Newbie" just starting out? I wasn't aware that this was a free training site for those going into competition with us. I thought that this was a support board for those of us in the business to resolve problems and notify each other of bad companies, find ways of collecting from the bad companies, etc.

I'm aware that you are trying to start a company or are involved with a company that is attempting to hand hold the newbie's through the process of learning for a fee. But I don't feel that it's the obligation of those on this board to set up their competition in this business. Anymore than we should be labeled with "Poor Attitudes, Rude, or Unprofessional" because we don't comply with their wishes.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/18/08 12:40pm
Msg #231260

Right you are, Not Rot is for Professional Notaries not

notary wannabes: it says so in the banner. It is a great place to learn but it is for the professional and that is why it rankles to have someone without a clue get on here and ask to be handed a fully functioning business! There are plenty of professional notaries onthis site who are having a rough go of it right now. I'd much rather help someone who has been in the business for several years than to tell someone how to take the food outo f the mouth of those who have invested time and effort and are struggling becasue of a situation beyond their control.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/18/08 1:24pm
Msg #231274

Re: Poor Attitudes - Just Once

<<<I wasn't aware that this was a free training site for those going into competition with us.>>>

Neither is the newbie aware of this. That's why they're asking the question. As for your competition...someone earlier said your true competition is not really the guy down the street undercutting you by $5, it's really the signing services.

Reply by desktopfull on 1/18/08 2:47pm
Msg #231296

Then they need to go to the Signing Central part of this

website instead of asking us to give them a business plan and how to get that plan underway. They aren't coming on line and asking about filling in a tricky worded acknowledgement or ways to get a company to pay you or something of that nature. They are asking us how to set up a business, get clients and run that business. Example:

"Message #231221,
Posted by Corenne Allen of CA on 1/18/08 11:28am
I'm a new Notary in California, What do I do now???????????? "

This is a really well informed person that has spent hours of research learning about getting into this field, Right?


I don't know about you, but I learned in my business administration classes in college that anyone conducting the same business as you is your competiton.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/18/08 3:07pm
Msg #231304

Re: Then they need to go to the Signing Central part of this

<<<They aren't coming on line and asking about filling in a tricky worded acknowledgement or ways to get a company to pay you or something of that nature. They are asking us how to set up a business, get clients and run that business.
"Message #231221,
Posted by Corenne Allen of CA on 1/18/08 11:28am
I'm a new Notary in California, What do I do now???????????? "
This is a really well informed person that has spent hours of research learning about getting into this field, Right?>>>

Which is easier ?
(1) to be offended by the notion that a newbie is clueless and looking for direction
(2) to realize that by asking the question, they don't want to STAY clueless and are in need of information that will point them in the direction they need to go

If your answer is #1, then the result of that is long, drawn out threads of 20 posts berating the new person.

If you answer is #2, then the result will be 4 or 5 posts stating, "read posts ________first.

Which answer results in actually helping the new person and which answer seems like it condemns the new person? Which answer keeps the board focused and professional and which answer results in petty arguments and bickering like school children at recess?

Bottom line: Which direction do you want this board to go in?

Reply by desktopfull on 1/18/08 4:01pm
Msg #231319

Re: Then they need to go to the Signing Central part of this

Actually, they should just go get a job with an employer that can tell them what to do, how to do it and when to do it. It's very obvious that they aren't capable of being self-employed due to the fact that they can't even devise a business plan or marketing strategy. Much less having the good sense or where-with-all to figure out what a profession entails before attempting to jump on the bandwagon.

BTW, they get upset & fling insults for just telling them to read or go to message #33325.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/18/08 5:06pm
Msg #231350

Re: Then they need to go to the Signing Central part of this

**Which is easier ?
(1) to be offended by the notion that a newbie is clueless and looking for direction
(2) to realize that by asking the question, they don't want to STAY clueless and are in need of information that will point them in the direction they need to go**

If they are asking a question which causes uproar on this board the uproar is for a good reason...the asker is too lazy to use the search button...to read a few posts before posting...they get petulant when things aren't easy for them.

**Bottom line: Which direction do you want this board to go in?**

LKT, with all due respect why is this your or OUR decision?

This is not OUR board. It's Harry's board. The only time he's going to prank with its current success is when someone causes many people to start writing him complaints and his email starts bugging him.

The board is successful. It is not a democracy, we are not required to live here. It is a chat board attached to an enterprise. We don't even have to visit if we don't like it.

I don't see why people don't get that. It's not like you have to subscribe to it or participate in it. If I find a place to be repugnant and rude I leave...now I'm not saying people should leave, I'm just saying why hang out here and press your agenda when there are quiet polite, easy going sites to visit. Maybe because nothing is ever new on those sites?

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/18/08 9:02pm
Msg #231395

Re: Then they need to go to the Signing Central part of this

<<<I'm just saying why hang out here and press your agenda when there are quiet polite, easy going sites to visit.>>>

An appeal to simply reply to others with respect and courtesy rather than with offense and rancor is "pressing an agenda"?

...Okay....Alright...

<<<I don't see why people don't get that. It's not like you have to subscribe to it or participate in it. If I find a place to be repugnant and rude I leave...now I'm not saying people should leave, ....>>>

True, however the minute someone's fellow "friend" poster is attacked, they are quick to jump in and speak on that person's behalf. Yet the newbie asking a beginner question is lazy and unwilling to read a few posts before posting and when anyone speaks on their behalf.......

Okay.....Alright.....

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/19/08 6:46pm
Msg #231444

Their need is not our obligation...

"Which answer results in actually helping the new person and which answer seems like it condemns the new person?"

Forgive me, but that is irrelevant and completely beside the point. This may be cold, but their need is not our obligation. Our obligation is to keep our own businesses viable in the best way that we know how at a very difficult time. Helping our competition works contrary to that goal - especially in the most saturated markets.

The nastiness, while not necessary or nice, is understandable when you consider that it is mostly a venting of frustration at a situation that we didn't create. Most of us are consistently losing business from what were formerly good clients to new people who work for what amounts to minimum wage, when all things are factored in. It's very hard not to react when those very same people come to us wanting us to help them (for free) to do what used to be our assignments...

Again, I'm not condoning the nastiness, just presenting another perspective that hopefully some of the newbies will take to heart. And it doesn't make a difference if that newbie is just looking to supplement a full time job. In many ways, that's an even harder kick in the gut to those for whom this has been their primary source of income...

Reply by sue_pa on 1/18/08 1:48pm
Msg #231279

Re: Poor Attitudes or realistic attitude

You are a signing service, right? Then you hire this poor girl. She has apparently done ZERO amount of homework. What a great business person she is going to make. Sorry, my 'poor attitude' stands. I have no patience or tolerance for people who have no idea what they are doing but think they can enter a business where they have no background and no idea how to even begin.

This is not 10 years ago when truly all you needed was a notary commission and your phone rang with orders.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/18/08 4:50pm
Msg #231342

Really Paul?

Paul says:
**but if you value Notary Rotary and Harry, you would either not reply at all or offer up some helpful information. **
Paul, Why do you feel compelled to tell this board to improve itself as a whole...for the members to keep quiet or to offer helpful information?

I don't mean that snotty...well, maybe I do...it irks me a little when posters want to change a perfectly successful enterprise to suit their own feelings of what it should be. I just want to know why new posters feel they need to create a kinder, gentler NR? This board is successful as all get out like it is.

If I don't like a chat group or a board, I leave. I don't try to muscle in and tell the posters who have been there before me how to run their playground.

The truth is that NR is a very helpful community. It's getting a little bit old being talked down to like "we" need to conform to ideals established by others when the forum hums along every day with friendship and people helping each other.

I say leave the status quo alone.

Reply by desktopfull on 1/18/08 10:05pm
Msg #231400

Can't escape PC anywhere anymore. :^) n/m

Reply by BobbiCT on 1/18/08 11:46am
Msg #231231

Clarify: Notary Public, Signing Agent, Bankruptcy ??

Please clarify whether you are looking for assistance in

1. Performing your public official office as a Notary Public.
2. Using your notary commission as part of mortgage loan document signing services.
3. Using your notary commission as part of foreclosure/bankruptcy services.

If you are starting a new business venture using your notary commission beyond what you do for your employer or as public official, now is the time to draft your business plan (income & expenses) and target marketing campaign. Who is your target market for the services you plan to offer: lenders, mortgage brokers, title insurance companies, signing companies, medical facilities, insurance companies, lawyers?

Not to be mean, but if you are just entering the real estate industry, you MAY find it extremely rough going until you've established a solid reputation in the industry. (Others have posted there is plenty of work depending on your market area.) If you are in an saturated with established business competitors, expect it to be a much longer time from your initial start-up expenses until your business turns a good net profit. For example, gas today for me was $3.45 per gallon, which directly impacts what I charge for document signing assignments.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/18/08 11:51am
Msg #231238

Re: Clarify: Notary Public, Signing Agent, Bankruptcy ??

"If you are in an (area) saturated with established business competitors"

I just did a search, there are 1232 signing agents in her zip code alone registered on this site.

Reply by R and R Notary on 1/18/08 11:57am
Msg #231241

Re: Clarify: Notary Public, Signing Agent, Bankruptcy ??

You are so helpful

Reply by CJ on 1/18/08 12:28pm
Msg #231248

Busness is worse than "down".

Hi,

Work is down 75% since August for everyone. August is when sub primes being sold 3 years ago started to adjust, causing most people to lose their homes. This caused the Powers-That-Be to yank subprimes off the market.

That's like saying they were selling burgers like crazy and everyone was making money, so new hamberger joints were opening up everywhere. Now we discover that they are poisoined, and the government has yanked burgers off the market. Everyone in the burger industry now has no work. And then you say, "I hear you can make a lot of money selling burgers! How do I get started?"

We have three more years of poisoned burgers to ripen, so this problem isn't going away tomorrow.

Many people on this website are hurting for money from lack of work, and then getting stiffed for jobs they did do. Signing services are going bankrupt, but they are asking us to work so they can pull in more money for themselves before they disconnect their phone and dissappear. Title companies are lowering what they pay the signing services so that they can keep more money to cover their overhead. Signing services are passing the savings on to us.

Borrowers used their equity to overspend, and they were "promised" that they could refinance in three years when their payments shoot up. At the end of three years, their house is worth less, so the lenders won't refinance. This means we can't go back and notarize the new loan. So the borrowers can't afford the higher payments, becuase of their new kitchen, their huge mall credit cards, and their vacations, so they are going to lose their homes. And we all sit home with no work.

That is how it looks to me. If someone sees it differently, please feel free to contribute.

Reply by Rachel_NJ on 1/18/08 1:23pm
Msg #231273

Re: Busness is worse than "down".

***That's like saying they were selling burgers like crazy and everyone was making money, so new hamberger joints were opening up everywhere. Now we discover that they are poisoined, and the government has yanked burgers off the market. Everyone in the burger industry now has no work. And then you say, "I hear you can make a lot of money selling burgers! How do I get started?"***


CJ,
Well put and very funny.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 1/19/08 8:36am
Msg #231418

Couldn't have said it better myself

and our "friend" XYZ is still selling people that this is a good business!