Posted by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/15/10 12:23pm
Msg #348987

Farmers Market follow

First off, thanks much for all the great responses to my post Friday! But I ended up not participating - mainly because I only found out about the opportunity on Friday and had to be ready to go at 7 a.m the next day- so had no time to prepare a flier, bake/buy treats, focus on exactly what I'd be trying to acheive there, get a table, tent, etc. But I did go ... it's a small Farmers Market ... aside from the usual food vendors, the local businesses that showed up were the Toyota dealership with about 5 display cars, the phone company, Chamber of Commerce, some posture alignment firm, several insurance agents (with their tables covered by official agency logo table cloths). and a couple of other outfits. Funny, no Realtors or brokers! Nobody had anything specical looking at their table, either, except the phone company which had a wheel of fortune. (I won a 20% off coupon at Claires!) But I would have felt really out of place sitting there at my little ole notary table. It would not have been an ideal atmosphere for notarizing, either- having people signing their documents and me checking their ID in front of milling crowds looking at what we were doing. However, I can see if given enough prep time, this would be a fabulous opportunity to hand out user friendly cards/fliers "educating" the public what notaries do - and promoting your niche (if you have one). Something like in big type: "Someday you will need a notary. Do not throw this phone number away. " Attach this to a cute bag of Hershey Kisses. And smile alot. Down the road I'd probably get tons of calls. (Not sure I want tons of calls.) Still, it's a very different way of promoting our business. You'd just have to figure out how to make it work for you

Reply by James Dawson on 8/15/10 12:33pm
Msg #348988

I was gonna post about this but you beat me to the punch.

Well my dear GoldGirl...how about this.......buy one get one free.....I live across the street from a very popular park and every Saturday something is going on, music, family reunions, revivals, etc.

Well I when there yesterday after you planted that seed Friday and I got three scheduled appointments for this week. Buy one get one free, two signers for the price of one!

30 Dollars because my notary sista passed on a great idea but instead of the flea market I applied it to the park! Thanks

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/15/10 2:33pm
Msg #348995

Good goin' JD

You owe me now! My daughter and I are planning on going to SF Tuesday - we're going to do Sausalito and then walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. If I'm still breathing after that, I'll give you a call and you can buy me a exotic, expensive cup of coffee!

Reply by James Dawson on 8/15/10 2:42pm
Msg #348998

Re: Good goin' JD

I hope it's not one those "coppo lukka chocto creamo coffee flavored milkshakes"LOL

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/15/10 5:56pm
Msg #349030

Righto, James, with whipped cream and a cherry on top! n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/15/10 12:36pm
Msg #348989

I hope you had business cards with you...

and handed them out like candy to the insurance agents, car dealers, Chamber of Commerce, posture alignment professionals.....those all can be sources of general notary work...

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 8/15/10 1:13pm
Msg #348990

More Business Building Ideas

Here in Idaho I am a co-owner of Idaho Business Women's Network. I personally don't officially advertise being a notary because our fees are so low that no one could ever make a living from it. But the product isn't what is important. What is, is how you market it.

Be sure to attend networking opportunities. From the tradeshow type tables (park, events, chamber activities, etc) to joining your local chamber of commerce. There are BNI's to e Women's Network, etc. They vary from location to location. And the same with the cost factor. IF you don't have something in your area start one up. Become the expert. Most people do business with people they know, like and trust. Learn how to market for one another.

Think outside the box. What can you do to set yourself apart? Know your market - where does your business come from? Who do you want to target? Marketing doesn't have to be expensive, just creative. Trade with people in your area for the services you want.

Best wishes! Tina

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/16/10 2:19am
Msg #349090

Great post, Tina. I'm looking to add to my smartcar's

advertising capabilities. Love my stick-on signs from PAW, and love my local work.

A Mobile Neighborhood Notary as they say...from a single document to closing packages...

Tina, you've got wonderful Marketing Insight - hoping folks take advantage here, of all this shared wisdom and how-to's.

Brava! What a fabulous class! Brava!

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/15/10 2:31pm
Msg #348994

GoldGirl/CA, I saw your post on Friday but I had too

much going on to respond. I'm glad you went to the Farmer's Market. I agree you may not get too many notary requests while you're there; however, the next time someone needs a notary they will think of you. So go back with the understanding that you're not there to make money AT the Farmer's Market. You are there to make consumers aware of your services and how to reach you when they do need a notary. At the end of your post you mentioned yourself that you see a value in marketing yourself at this venue. I say don't underestimate how right you are about that.

That Toyota salesman may need you to get a sales contract signed when his customer cannot make it to the dealership.

You really sound fired-up about marketing your business. You may want to call some local radio stations. I was asked by one station last week if I wanted to come down to the station and be on the air to talk about my business. I declined for personal reasons but two years ago I think I would've jumped at this opportunity.

Good luck to you.

M

Reply by Stamper_WI on 8/15/10 6:30pm
Msg #349037

Re: GoldGirl/CA, I saw your post on Friday but I had too

My cards go up in business's with bulletin boards. There are two truck stops on my way into town and I do get calls from them. Also banks. Grocery stores and on and on. Police and sherrif stations. The calls I get from those are usually affidavits for shut in's.
Networking with other business's is a great one as well.