Posted by Sujo/TN on 10/30/08 7:44pm
Msg #268701

Need More Work

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get more signings?

Reply by jba/fl on 10/30/08 7:55pm
Msg #268703

1. grit your teeth
2. put on your marketing hat
3. dress for success, including make up and hair
4. talk to everyone, let them know what you do
5. pass out business cards to everyone
6. smile (without gritting your teeth)
7. apply to every company in signing central
8. read all messages on thread starting #33325
9. make sure your equipment is up to date, supplies ready, etc.
10. smile more, talk more, but don't forget to listen.
11. make a list of your strengths, tell everyone, give them your card, smile more
12. re-contact everyone you have worked with previously, remind them of your great value to them
13. skip - supposed to be unlucky
14. smile again...keep reminding everyone of their lost opportunity while not using you.
15. use your imagination....

Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/30/08 8:20pm
Msg #268704

Love your post, jba/fl. . n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 10/30/08 10:32pm
Msg #268709

Thanks, Michelle. Now to continue...

16. Update your profile. Add a photo or logo.
I just looked at Michelle's, which covers her services, has a great SMILE-ing photo, dressed for success, smooth and polished. Use hers as inspiration, not to copy. I am more semi-retired, so don't use mine as inspiration; my photo does get good comments from schedulers though, but not really recommended for usage overall.
17. Go back in a week, edit your profile. Be hyper-critical, tweeking periodically to reflect YOU. Change your photo if needed. Check spelling, punctuation and flow....make them read.
18. Every month, update your profile. One of the questions I get all the time is: are you still doing notary work? Your profile shows when you last updated. Schedulers are looking for speed in getting jobs filled - they look at this too. Help them see you.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/30/08 10:50pm
Msg #268713

Re: Thanks, Michelle. Now to continue...

Great advice! It's really nice to see things like this instead of the "Well... good luck with that..." kind of posts. LOL Okay, we all think it... but still!

As I've been reading everyone's different experiences (especially Ricks!) I would add, that in case anything happens, always have a spare seal and journal. That way, there's little downtime because you lack supplies.

My other recommendation is, seriously, go to your county clerk's office and research recent filings. Make a note of the companies that are closing in the area and note which notaries they're using, too. That can help you pinpoint which companies might be willing to hire you directly. But also, if you find some in-house notaries, you can write them directly.

A good notary friend said the best thing she ever did marketing wise was to send her business card to an in-house notary and a personal letter saying that if she ever needed a backup she'd be happy to help out. When that notary took time off, she made sure that her company called my friend and eventually, when that in-house notary left, they didn't replace her. They simply my friend on speed dial and she became their preferred notary. At one point, she was spending upwards of 4 hours a day in their offices just doing loan signings and making a nice chunk of change. She still does several a week with them and is now training a new girl that they've now hired and my friend is going to retire when her commission expires next year.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 10/30/08 10:36pm
Msg #268710

Re: Love your post, jba/fl. .

The sure way to get more calls - Run out of toner, put car in shop, have abcessed tooth, and ... don't renew your commission on time ... ouch!

Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/31/08 1:31pm
Msg #268763

I shouldn't be laughing, Blueink, but I am. n/m

Reply by Cheryl Anderson on 10/31/08 1:56pm
Msg #268767

Bluink_CA...HOW DID YOU KNOW??

That was too, too funny! I took my car in for a routine brake inspection and replacement (New Nissan Altima...squeeky brakes??) yesterday, and it did not fail...I rec'd 8 calls (5 for loan mod's, 2 signings, and a POA) All local...of course! Luckily I had my gas guzzling, V8, lifted Sierra! (Or I could have chosen to manage my notary bag slung over my back while cruising on my husband's Ninja...but in slacks and heals...not pretty...Unbelievable! Now...if only I had taken the car in today....not many calls, but a 6PM and 8PM!

Reply by notaryinmo on 10/31/08 10:24am
Msg #268745

great post! thanks for the uplifting words

Reply by MW/VA on 10/31/08 1:38pm
Msg #268764

Love this post! A good reminder that a smile is our most important credential, as well as a sense of humor!

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 11/1/08 9:42pm
Msg #268848

I love the fact that everyone gave good advice and were respectful! The anwers were not the usual we won't help you because you did not use your orange button, blah blah! very nice and refreshing everyone! Clap Clap!