Posted by RoseCa on 2/2/09 11:42am
Msg #276211

New to the business

Hello folks, does anyone have a suggestion on how to get work? I'm just getting started.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/2/09 11:52am
Msg #276214

Question for you New to the business

Why on earth would you start a new business venture without knowing how you are going to generate business? Have you ever heard of a business plan...a marketing plan or a start up plan? I am amazed at the number of people that get into this business (especially now) without the first clue about how to operate a business, start a new business or how to market a business.

Reply by cdoty_IL on 2/2/09 12:14pm
Msg #276221

Re: Question for you New to the business

My Thoughts as well, I would not invest in starting a business unless I knew it was worth my time and money. Have you researched this industry at all? If so, you should have a general idea who you should market to to get calls coming in.

I would hate to say this, but most Notary Signing Agents are not going to share their precious marketing secrets....to their competition. Nothing personal ...... just business.

Reply by RoseCa on 2/2/09 12:21pm
Msg #276225

Re: Question for you New to the business

Wow, cut throat huh..I’ve only been a notary for 2 years only signing for co-workers, friends etc …. Just thinking about expanding trying to get information..and yes while the market is down. Thanks for the input.

Reply by cdoty_IL on 2/2/09 12:34pm
Msg #276229

Re: Question for you New to the business

I would have not put in your original post then that "you were just getting started" when you have been a notary for two years. You might have more experience and knowledge than what you lead on by your first post.

However, if you are intersted in the Notary Signing Agent business and this "part" of the biz is new to you...I would recommend researching the start up and newbie threads on this website to get the info you are looking for, but business is not booming right now by any means and depending on where you are, you might have alot of competition and more seasoned competition at that.

Whatever you decide to do.....Good Luck!

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/09 12:44pm
Msg #276231

Not "cut throat" Rose, but

all the information was available here without making a single post. You showed a lack of initiative to get the information on your own. Initiative is essential to any business venture. Not a week goes by that I don't get a phone call or an email from someone who wants a list of my clients or me to mentor them. I am glad to help on where to get info and if they are having computer issues, but as far as getting business, well, they are on their own. They want the business handed to them without any work or research on their part. When I retired and began looking for a part time income, I researched, gathered information, wrote a business plan and had an extensive client base before I made a single post. Yes, it has been a lot of work and I tend to protect that. Had you read this board and the others for that matter and searched using keywords in advance of your post, then you would have found what the general atmosphere is, plus you would have had all the info you needed.

Reply by LadyGill/PA on 2/2/09 12:51pm
Msg #276235

Re: Question for you New to the business

Hi Rosa, I'm sorry to hear all of the harsh comments in response to your question. You can perhaps reach out by registering with companies listed in Siging Central this is a process and takes time and a lot of faxing, but it has helped me tremendously.

I have signed only with those with good reviews and paying records. You can also reach out to local hospitals, hotels, auto dealers etc. to offer your services. There's numerous things you can do to expand your business.

This has helped me tremendously, I've had signing agents who've been in the business much longer than I have who asked me how do I receive so many calls for closings. All it takes is time and investment as with any other business--you must invest your time. It will pay off!

Be blessed!

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 2/2/09 12:06pm
Msg #276215

Market, Market get on the phone and go to title companies and introduce your self with a business cards. Be forwarned business has been less then horrible and there are a lot of us seasoned closers. It's going to be tough.

Reply by Calnotary on 2/2/09 12:12pm
Msg #276217

Who ever told you to get in to this business to make money lied to you. This is like opening up your restaurant in your own neighborhood and you are watching that almost all of them that have been in business for years are now closing, and you want to open up yours without the basic knowledge in food preparation or business planning.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/09 12:14pm
Msg #276220

Well said.. You have a way with words ..... n/m

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/09 12:10pm
Msg #276216

Use the orange search button and search "marketing" or "getting started". There is a wealth of information there.

However, as previously posted, if you have to ask such a question, then you did no research before spending the money on your commission. Hopefully, you did not waste the effort.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/09 12:30pm
Msg #276228

Rose, my only advice is that you should do a LOT of research. Write down your questions and do keyword searches for them, because I guarantee you that your questions have been answered both here on in a couple of other places. Learn how to use the search functions and search engines.

And Becca is right on about having a business plan. If you have to come on here and ask that question, you aren't ready. I'm not being rude here, but that's the honest truth. You won't survive unless you've got a solid business plan, and that can take MONTHS to develop just a decent draft. Part of having a solid business plan is knowing where the work comes from, who you're competing with, etc.

More advice:

1) There are some people here who are arrogant and mean in how they come across. Now, in person they may be absolutely lovely people, but not here. Don't let them get to you. Some of them don't want new competition and really resent new people. Others, especially those that have been in the business for a long time act as if newcomers can't possibly new anything. This may or may not be true... but it's there. Learn what you can from them, because there is wisdom to be found in what they day no matter their delivery. NotRot, especially, seems to have a bad reputation for some big egos. But it's also the BEST source of information from reputable notaries in the field.

2) Read, re-read and read again everything in Msg #33325. But, know that some of the information may be outdated now and some links long dead. But the information is still good to start with.

3) Put together a good profile that will make people want to call you. Study the profiles (but DO NOT copy them!) and websites of those who are successful. Why are they successful? What are they doing right?
Don't ask them directly... because they probably won't answer you. You have to figure that part out for yourself.

4) Make sure you know CA notary laws back and forth (this says you're from CA, so I'm going with it). CA has some of most strict laws in the country, and also some of the most confusing at times. You absolutely can't succeed in this business if you aren't a knowledgeable notary first.

5) If you don't already have a background in the real estate, title or loan industry... take some classes. CA community colleges all offer the basic real estate courses, which include covering real estate finance and loan documents. At $20 a unit ($60 per class), it's a very inexpensive investment.


All of those are just a few of the things you should do BEFORE you even consider looking for work. Build your business plan first to even see if this is a viable solution for you.


I suggest you read "Small Business: An Entrepreneur's Business Plan" by J. D. Ryan & Gail Hiduke.

Reply by RoseCa on 2/2/09 12:49pm
Msg #276232

THANKS! Now I have a starting point to know if I want to stick to "friend of a frien" signings or expand. You've been a get help.

Reply by GA/Atty on 2/2/09 12:50pm
Msg #276234

I think you should contact title and signing comapnies with

positive feed back in the Signing Central section of this website. They will send you sign up packets that you can fill out and return, and then you're off and running.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/09 12:53pm
Msg #276236

Click on the "Find a Notary" tab above...

search your county and your zip code....that will give you an idea of how much competition you have in your area - and that's just those signed up here on NotRot....that will give you an indication of (a) how extreme your marketing needs to be and (b) if it's worth it and going to work for you..

In the meantime - MHO - don't give up your day job...

Good Luck

Reply by janCA on 2/2/09 12:56pm
Msg #276237

Re: Click on the "Find a Notary" tab above...

Also, go through some of those profiles as they haven't been updated for at least a year and many haven't been updated for 2 years, which more than likely means they are no longer in this business.

Reply by FeliseSoCal on 2/2/09 1:06pm
Msg #276240

In my opinion, the only way to build an NSA business and be successful is to be very aggressive and do constant marketing and research. The work will never come to you no matter how well you know the industry. You have to go get it. There is very little work out there for those of us who have a lot of experience and clients, so unfortunately we can't give away our secrets but good luck. There is a huge supply of notaries and very little demand these days.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/2/09 1:15pm
Msg #276242

Good luck, Rose. This is a tough business. I think there are some who believe in "initiation" and can be pretty harsh on this board. Use the orange search button to gain knowledge & Signing Central to check out the reputation of companies. There is a lot of valuable info to be gained at this site. Again, good luck.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/2/09 1:39pm
Msg #276256

"I think there are some who believe in "initiation" and can be pretty harsh on this board."

Well I'm sure most of us would prefer to just have the newbies crawl through our legs while we paddle their butts, but since that's impossible we just stick with what we can do.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/2/09 2:14pm
Msg #276263

I was referring to the fact that the use of the term "new" brings on a lot of attacks.
I was "new" once, weren't you?

Reply by janCA on 2/2/09 2:29pm
Msg #276267

But will the lender accept "credible witnesses"? Especially now, in this current market?

Reply by janCA on 2/2/09 3:32pm
Msg #276279

Sorry, wrong post above. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/09 2:42pm
Msg #276268

I don't think it's just the use of the word. Some people will just make the assumption.

Everybody is new at some point, and that... on it's own.... should never be a reason for attack. Some people here treat it that way, though. And, not all "new" people get in to the business because they've heard the radio commercials or attended a seminar. I think that's where a lot of the bitterness comes from, though. When a flood of get-rich quick hopefuls tried to cash in on things, it caused a lot of problems. Most of those people are long gone now, though. I know that when I first looked at getting in to this, it had nothing to do with the commercials or seminars. It stemmed from what I observed to be a need for notary services in a particular demographic. I've never taken a seminar... and I likely never will. When I became a notary... I didn't want to just pass the test, I saw a need and wanted to fill it.

That's the difference, I think. Good business people fill needs, and the money will follow because it shows in their work. Those who chase the money first never settle into anything because they weren't looking at what needed to be done, they were just looking at where to find money.

And, even the most experienced business people can fall in to that trap. While experience or years in an industry can be a good indicator of knowledge and professionalism, that isn't always the case. Just like "newbies" should study and research, the "masters" should remain open to new ideas and changing environments.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/2/09 2:58pm
Msg #276272

Very well put, Marian. I know what many fear, of course, is more competition.
I'm NNA Cert/BGC, but didn't get into the business because of them. I decided after the fact that it was a good idea for me to get the credentials, because many coming on board were starting there. It has never hurt me to have it. I'm with you on providing the best possible service, and the reputation & money are the result.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/2/09 5:28pm
Msg #276304

Competition is not what worries me. What worries me and many others is the caliber of people working in and entering into this profession. When a newbie comes here and posts basic notary and business questions without doing their research, it makes us all look bad. What we do is not rocket science, but I like to take pride in my chosen profession and when notaries post that they are entering this profession after being laid off from Mervyn’s and “how do I get started” I think it cheapens what we professional notaries are trying to accomplish.

Since I am an equal opportunity offender, I would also like to point out that it is not just the newbies that tarnish the credibility of our profession. Case in point, I read many posts from purportedly educated, experienced NSAs just today that put their needs before the borrowers needs…WHAT??? What are you thinking? I’ve read posts from old timers saying $75 is fair since that’s all they can get for emailed docs since the market went south and they are willing to give in to it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this profession seems to be going to the MoMo’s.

I was very pleased to refer a job to a CA network member a few weeks ago. My sister and BIL were modifying their mtg and emailed me for a referral. The network member I was told to contact was very professional, accommodating and did a great job, according to my BIL. I was very happy about this knowing the skill level of some that are available in that area of CA. This weekend I spoke with my sister and she told me something that made me very proud and gave me hope that by posting here, I can make a difference in my profession. My sister told me that the notary I had referred spoke highly of me and said that I was a respected member of the notary community. I do not know this notary and don’t know if she posts here, but she definitely reads and gets it.

I am harsh and blunt because I care about the future of this profession and I have no patience for people that will not take this profession seriously enough to do their homework. The XYZ has done enough to bastardize this profession, the last thing we need is notaries willing to do the same.

End of rant.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 2/3/09 7:14am
Msg #276366

Becca, some mistake bluntness

as being rude and unhelpfull. The truth may not always be pretty and probably rarely is, but it still remains the truth. Again, if any who are new to this business think that fellow notaries can be hard on you, just wait until you meet John Q Public!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/4/09 3:09pm
Msg #276530

So very, very true!! Hit the nail on the head! n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/6/09 1:25am
Msg #276719

Re: Becca, some mistake bluntness

Well, Becca can be blunt... which is great! But, sometimes I think she oversteps blunt and goes to insulting, which isn't so great. We all do it sometimes. Post like the one above prove why she is as respected as she is by some. We all forget where our filter is sometimes, and it is understandable when the "momos" happen to forget the filter and go for broke. When her filter is in place, she makes many excellent, well supported posts.

Reply by Tish/CA on 2/3/09 2:47pm
Msg #276417

Thank you for referring me, Becca.

It was a pleasure to meet your sister and BIL. Very kind people and I stand by what I said.

In reference to this thread, I'd like to add that researching and learning about this business is of course critical but a professional character and positive attitude are required attributes to one being successful in this business. IMO. Good Luck newbie.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/2/09 3:39pm
Msg #276281

Excellent points, Marian, as usual. There's also another major difference, though. From your posts, I get the impression that you did lots of homework and preparation before starting to do loan signings. That's true for many of the rest of us, as well. When we were "new once", we didn't begin by asking for someone else to hand over to us the precious information that they had worked very hard to accumulate. We researched it ourselves.

We've had newbies come to this board before who were in the process of study and preparation but ran into an issue for which they needed clarification. They came with a specific question, after already trying to research it on their own. Invariably these newbies get a warm reception. They are usually, at the very least, pointed in the right direction. Sometimes those are the best threads because they create interesting discussions with a variety of opinions.

Those of us who have been coming to this board for many years have seen many dozens - if not hundreds - of wannabe SAs come directly here, often freshly commissioned, asking for what amounts to having someone hand over their business plan, clearly not having made any effort on their own. Some ask basic notary questions which, as you well advised, they should know cold. Then they get upset if someone tries to tell them the realities of the marketplace, rather than serving up what they want to hear, or if they don't say it nice enough. After a while, that gets very tiresome and it's real difficult for it not to get under your skin.

To the original poster, people with experience have been bailing from this industry in large numbers because the work volume just hasn't been there. It seems surprising to most of us that someone would want to get started in this field at this time, while others are leaving in droves. There has been a blip in volume recently because interest rates dipped below 5% for a short while, but I think it isn't wise to expect that to continue for a long time. We are just trying to tell it like it is. Case in point from today about banks still tightening credit: http://my.earthlink.net/article/bus?guid=20090202/49868be0_3ca6_1552620090202-865941602. [Don't know if this will work or not, but cut and paste should do it.]

I've met many people over the years who have told me that they "got their notary", invested a bunch of money in getting a commission, classes, equipment, etc., but never made any money. It always makes me sad to hear that and arming someone with the harsh realities of this business might save someone some grief in the long run.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/09 4:26pm
Msg #276289

You're absolutely right, Janet. I did lots of research ahead of time, lot of preparation... lots of everything. I guess I count myself fortunate in that I have had a couple of excellent mentors and teachers who are excellent, well respected small business owners who gave me some very sage advice about starting a new venture.

I'm certainly not "successful" yet by any means, and despite what people may think... I don't know everything. But, I do make sure that if I don't know something... I go find out... sometimes I find out for myself, and sometimes for somebody else. This is a TOUGH time in a TOUGH industry, but I do know that people pay attention around here, and it's all in what we make of it.

In fact, I think I posted this article a while back but it's something I think a lot of us should consider:

http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/gergen-vanourek/2008/08/why-entrepreneurs-love-a-downt.html

Reply by 101livescan on 2/2/09 5:37pm
Msg #276305

Re: NOT New to the business

I've been doing this work since the mid 70's. I've worked with First American Title since they had their plant on Spring Street, downtown LA, now they are everywhere but there, CA headquarters now in Santa Ana, another one in San Diego. Getting certified to help sign and then notarize borrower's signatures was an added layer that the NSA deemed important to be able to do this job the right way. Still, I tested the waters before jumping into this full time. It is a full time job for me, I don't have a 9-to-5, but I have diversified other types of work that are compatible with being a mobile notary. You'll get a lot of good advice and information on this board, and you'll get slapped around a lot, not by me, but by others who think there are too many people on the notary planet already.

My advice is: read and research before you post so your head doesn't get bit off as often, and if you know people in this business, it is your best platform. There are a lot of people who have abandoned this work for full time work, and there are people doing this work who really should abandon it. I know this because I'm the damage control person who comes in and cleans up after them. If you are pleasant, professional, like to help people and serve people, you'll love this work. By the way, loan signing isn't the only way to make money as a notary. I did a lot of straight notary work last week at my office and earned over $600 in a couple of days, and I didn't travel any where, they came to me. I meet the greatest people over and over again...wishing you the very best in your endeavors! And you'll get to know the core, longstanding and well meaning members of this group who will be great resources for you! Ignore everyone else. They aren't your audience.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/09 5:50pm
Msg #276309

Cheryl gives great advice right there ^^^. n/m

Reply by LynnNC on 2/2/09 4:09pm
Msg #276285

When I was new...

...I didn't come on this forum to ask how to get started and to get business. When I decided I wanted to become an NSA, I earned my commission, took three certification courses, read the posts on this board and another for three months and prepared a business plan before I went out the door to handle a closing.

Reply by notaryinmo on 2/2/09 6:38pm
Msg #276317

Re: When I was new...

Even though I had been a notary for 4 years before I decided to get into the loan signing portion of it. I wanted to make darn sure that I knew what I was doing, and took note upon note for four months, searching msg after msg - to find out what I thought I needed to know before I accepted that first assignment. Fortunately, because I had done my "homework" and since I learned from this board mainly, my first signing went smoothly. Like every loan signing after that first one, I've never had a problem with any signing or had one come back on me that was something that I did incorrectly or not at all. It is with the utmost respect that I hold the notaries on NotRot that have taught me so much valuable lessons. Thank you all!!