Posted by Raymond Sandt Kashiwa, Inc on 10/8/09 11:45am
Msg #306645

new to this business

i am just starting out and am wonder how i should go about getting business ?

Reply by Cari on 10/8/09 11:48am
Msg #306647

It's a good idea to first make yourself searchable...

what state are you from?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 10/8/09 11:49am
Msg #306648

Read and search this site using the orange search button.

Begin at msg# 33325.

Reply by speedy10 on 10/8/09 11:52am
Msg #306651

just sit back and relax, that's what I did, and started getting calls after about one month.

Reply by Barbara Taylor on 10/8/09 11:58am
Msg #306653

Are you a member of the National Notary Association, if not I would recommend you join then list yourself on their site, that is how the majority of us got our start and contacts. Good Luck!

Reply by PAW on 10/8/09 12:02pm
Msg #306657

Assuming you're in Georgia, then I do not recommend joining the NNA as their focus is on signing agents (which aren't allowed in GA). For general notary duties and information, I suggest joining the American Society of Notaries (http://www.asnnotary.org), which still has a focus on the Notary.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/8/09 12:47pm
Msg #306684

I agree with Paul.
I dropped my membership with the NNA years ago when they stopped representing the notary and focused on lining their pockets.
The American Society of Notaries is the oldest non-profit association for notaries and their focus is on the education of notaries.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/8/09 1:12pm
Msg #306688

How can you speak for the majority Barbara?

I never got any meaningful business from NNA and haven't been a member in years. I get most of my business as a Premium member here on Not Rot. I wouldn't speak for the majority here unless I've polled the majority here.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/8/09 2:12pm
Msg #306716

Re: How can you speak for the majority Barbara?

Quite a number of us on this forum were signing agents long before NNA became involved with the signing agent business. And got most of our business through NASA.
The Susan Pense sold out to the NNA.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 10/8/09 5:54pm
Msg #306761

"The Susan Pense sold out to the NNA." Sylvia, I assume

that you did not mean that in a derrogitory way.
As I recall, Susan had some serious family health issues at that time,
which required her full attention.
I don't think that she can be held responsible for the NNA's actions after
she sold NASA to them.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/8/09 7:35pm
Msg #306767

Re: "The Susan Pense sold out to the NNA." Sylvia, I assume

Nope - not meant to be derogatory. (surely you know me better than that Bob)

And I missed the "n", I meant to type "then Susan Pense sold out to the NNA"

She cannot be held responsible for what the NNA did with NASA.

I was disappointed when she said that the NNA was only going to be handling the supply sales, then we discovered that she had handed everything over to the NNA.

Just think without Susan Pense there would be no "signing agents" - she was the one who coined the term. Wonder where she is now.........

Reply by dickb/wi on 10/8/09 1:38pm
Msg #306700

Re: new to this business----WRONG------- n/m

Reply by CopperheadVA on 10/8/09 1:46pm
Msg #306702

I was never listed on the NNA site. I was only a member of their organization for my first year as a notary. I refuse to give them any more of my money.

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/8/09 11:58am
Msg #306654

If you're in Georgia, it's an attorney-only state...

for loan signings. So unless you're an attorney, you'd best try to maximize your general notary work.

Laura Vestanen has an excellent book that can help you evaluate what notary opportunities might work in your community.

Your still have to act like a business, with the appropriate office equipment, getting an EIN, and constant marketing.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 10/8/09 12:39pm
Msg #306677

Re: If you're in Georgia, it's an attorney-only state...

I'm with Roger - my understanding is that a notary cannot conduct loan signings in GA unless he/she is also an attorney.

Reply by dickb/wi on 10/8/09 1:41pm
Msg #306701

Re: If you're in Georgia, it's an attorney-only state...

i know...wrong forum roger but....GO BADGERS!!!!!!!!..............

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/8/09 2:02pm
Msg #306708

Appreciate the sentiment, Dick, but...

I think the Buckeyes will be a bit too much to handle. I'll be there - sorry you couldn't make it down, but I'll see you up there next year!

Reply by dickb/wi on 10/8/09 7:34pm
Msg #306766

Re: Appreciate the sentiment, Dick, but...

i will buy breakfast.......our main street has been completely redone...you will be surprised...wider and beautifully tree lined and no more overhead wires...all buried.....i am worried about the game but we are 5-0.........go badgers...........

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/9/09 1:22am
Msg #306798

You're on, my friend! See you then... n/m

Reply by Jim/AL on 10/8/09 1:54pm
Msg #306705

Trolling, trolling, trolling keep them dawgies trolling. n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/8/09 2:13pm
Msg #306718

Re: Trolling, trolling, trolling keep them dawgies trolling.

Rawhide

Reply by Frank/NC on 10/8/09 6:53pm
Msg #306764

First of all I must tell you that I wish you luck in this business. However, I find it difficult to understand how you first decide to get into this or any other business and then try to figure out how to make money. Some responses here seem to tell you to just sit back and the phone starts ringing. It's the type of business that requires a lot of time spent talking to prospects, investments in advertising and hours if not weeks spent sending letters and phone calls. Many full time notaries do not make enough money to support themselves, no less a family in these times. I just think that you need some type of a game plan prior to saying, "I'm in business as a notary and do closings" There is a knowledge of what the paper work is all about, how to present documents, dealing with your clients as well as customers of your clients, pricing, how to set up your business in terms of equipment, etc. I just see so many people who look to jump into this or any other business without having the proper background or knowledge to at least know how to go about it.
Once again, I am not here to offend you but think it requires a lot more than asking how and where to start to get business.