Posted by Silvina Friera on 8/7/10 3:11pm
Msg #348101

Your advice on specializing in Spanish-speaking clients?

I am a native speaker of Spanish, and I have been told it would be best to concentrate on signings where Spanish is either essential or strongly advised. I *do* live in a heavily Hispanic area, so what do you all think, and what's the best way to go about it?

Reply by rengel/CA on 8/7/10 3:54pm
Msg #348103

Advertise as a spanish speaking notary. You will get many calls.

My .02

Reply by MikeC/NY on 8/7/10 6:48pm
Msg #348117

Agree with rengel/CA, but just make sure you don't advertise yourself as a "notario".

Reply by June Perkins on 8/7/10 9:39pm
Msg #348127

Advertize as bilingual. Don't limit yourself to only Spanish-speaking clients.

Reply by Cari on 8/7/10 10:50pm
Msg #348134

advertising your spanish speaking skills is best here on

your profile, and also if you have a website. If you use free advertising sites, like craigslist and the like, also mention it in your ad. Advertising this extra tid-bit does wonder for my businesses.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/8/10 3:54am
Msg #348143

Some great advise here, Silvina. Always wear your

Marketing Hat. Small, simple signage on your clean car, network with other professionals at community events, visit Hospitals and Rehab Centers and meet with Patient Services personnel, and Organizations like PTAs and Sports Clubs who may need General Notary Work, and on and on.

Bi-Lingual Notaries are a blessing to the growing demographics and specific knowledge of State Notary Law is essential given these times and some Laws like CA's. Be sure not to cross the "Notario Politico" line...where ever it may be...

Community involvement will show you the needs, the 'holes' that you can fill. The great service you can be to many, many folks in your area.

Advertise simply and massively - you never know where general notarial work may arise. And for remote closings? What a boon for you and a diverse borrowing public.

Your bi-lingual abilities are a great asset, Silvina, the sky's the limit - The discussion above about the "Notario Publico" thing, is one to consider with one's by-gosh attorney to resolve, and...

Sí, se puede.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/9/10 3:00am
Msg #348191

I disagree with whoever gave you that advice. I would definitely include your bilingual status in your advertising and promote the heck out of it (I sure do!), but don't limit yourself to that. Business is slow enough as it is.

I used to get quite a bit of Spanish speaking business, but it's rare any more. And I'm pretty sure that's not because there are so many Spanish speaking notaries who do loan documents. The last call I got was to do a modification some 60 miles (one way) on a Friday afternoon. [Think worst possible rush hour.] They couldn't seem to find anyone. (Even called me back on it - but they were no where near what I'd have to charge them.)

I think the difficulty in qualifying for loans these days might just have hit extra hard in heavily Hispanic areas. But there are always exceptions, so it can be a big asset.

In this market, we need to cast our net as widely as possible, but also use whatever we can to distinguish ourselves.